Radio repair

[davekit]

Does anyone know of someone who can repair car radio/cassette units? I've tried a couple of local places, but they are more interested in selling a new one.

My 1987 480 has a Volvo branded CR-4025, which I suspect is really a Phillips unit in disguise. The right channel is virtually inaudible, so I think the amplifier chip or transistors have died on that side. I checked the speakers and they are ok, likewise the wiring to them. The fault is there whether on radio or cassette. I'd hate to open it up myself and inflict irreparable damage on it!

The cassette transport is good, and I have lots of cassettes still, so it would be good to keep it original. It all looks to have had minimal use.

Also, how easy is it to replace the (rather tatty) manual aerial with an electric one?
Thanks - Dave

[Martin63]

I have been told that this specialist company, who are located opposite the Winchester Volvo dealership, are good - I don't have any personal experience of them though;

https://www.accutek.co.uk/

[jifflemon]

electric aerials were standard on later models, so would be a straight swap in - all the wiring is already there

[MisterH]

I know a good place in Portsmouth but that is obviously a bit far for you, however I'd suggest asking somewhere like the Dull Men's club on FB as they WILL know someone

[Martin63]

I know a good place in Portsmouth but that is obviously a bit far for you, however I'd suggest asking somewhere like the Dull Men's club on FB as they WILL know someone

I will be interested to know the details of the place in Portsmouth please as that's a lot easier for me than Winchester. Thanks!

[MisterH]

I know a good place in Portsmouth but that is obviously a bit far for you, however I'd suggest asking somewhere like the Dull Men's club on FB as they WILL know someone

I will be interested to know the details of the place in Portsmouth please as that's a lot easier for me than Winchester. Thanks!

The Radio Shop, 116 New Road Portsmouth PO2 7RJ, great guy called Chris working out of his house I think

[Martin63]

Thanks!

[jamescarruthers]

Hey Dave. I have that radio too. It sounds pretty bad by modern standards with its internal amplifiers. However, it has the plugs on the back to accept external Volvo amplifiers of the era, right up to at least 850. How about getting an amp from a scrap car car and seeing if that sorts out the sound, upgrading it at the same time? Mine sounds pretty decent now.

P.S. It wil also tale an equaliser but they will be harder to find.

I think it is Japanese origin.

[davekit]

Hi James
The external amp idea sounds good, no doubt you could advise me regards fitting and wiring if I need it! I've spotted what look like suitable units on ebay, if you wouldn't mind casting an eye over them for me. The model numbers do not match anything on the parts list, but then neither does that on the radio (1384873-1)!
ebay nos (part nos) are: 305593418103 (1384875); 296474981253 (3533004). Both cheap enough, the first has a part no very close to the radio, but it does expire tomorrow. Might get it anyway, if you don't pick this up in time!

Hi Martin
I called Accutek, and they said they could look at it, but any repair would depend on parts availability. Fair enough I suppose! I'd have to post it down to them though.

Thanks to all for suggestions - Dave

[davekit]

Hi James
I bought the first of those amps on ebay - I was the only bidder, so dirt cheap. Looks like wires have been cut, so may need some reconstruction!

I must get your PTC sensors back to you. Thanks for loan, no refund necessary!
Cheers - Dave

[davekit]

I sent the radio/cassette to Accutek to see if they could repair it. They have at least found the fault. Not the amplifier stage, but the balance potentiometer. This is part of the volume/balance/fader knob. They are looking to find a new part, but are not overly confident.

So does anyone have an otherwise scrap unit with a working volume/balance/fader that I could buy to salvage parts? Several similar units were available with numbers CR-4020/1/2/3/4/5, so any of these would do. Bit of a long shot I know, but if you don't ask...!

In view of the fault, the external amplifier won't fix it, so that will only be an upgrade if/when I get round to it.
Cheers - Dave

[davekit]

It took quite a while for Accutek to fix the radio, but I think it was being tackled between more lucrative jobs, so that the cost to me was kept down. Replacement parts were unavailable, so the balance control was bipassed - who ever uses the balance anyway? All seemed well initially, but then both channels went off and on a few times, before staying off. Accutek had another look and found a crack in the amplifier board. When this happened is anybodys guess. Anyway, Accutek fixed it with no additional cost to me.

Overall I would say they are a great company to deal with, so long as you aren't in too much of a hurry. The cost of the repair was very reasonable to my mind, considering the amount of time that must have accumulated. And they nearly always answered the phone when I was chasing progress - how many companies let it go to voicemail, and then don't call back these days? Good bunch of guys, recommended!
Cheers - Dave

[Martin63]

Really glad to hear that they worked out for you Dave

It took quite a while for Accutek to fix the radio, but I think it was being tackled between more lucrative jobs, so that the cost to me was kept down. Replacement parts were unavailable, so the balance control was bipassed - who ever uses the balance anyway? All seemed well initially, but then both channels went off and on a few times, before staying off. Accutek had another look and found a crack in the amplifier board. When this happened is anybodys guess. Anyway, Accutek fixed it with no additional cost to me.

Overall I would say they are a great company to deal with, so long as you aren't in too much of a hurry. The cost of the repair was very reasonable to my mind, considering the amount of time that must have accumulated. And they nearly always answered the phone when I was chasing progress - how many companies let it go to voicemail, and then don't call back these days? Good bunch of guys, recommended!
Cheers - Dave