My GF-777 is scheduled for delivery tomorrow! I want to start refurbishing it right away. I need some suggestions as to tools and materials. Screw drivers and the like are obvious. Any specific tools that are helpful in complete disassembly would be appreciated.
Also, I need a list of chemicals. What do all of you use to clean and lube the pots and switches? What kind of lube for the parts that need lubricated? What chemical is good for de-gunking the tape mechanism assemblies?
Any special tips would be appreciated.
I did download the service manual for the GF and have been studying it. Can anyone tell me where I can get the belts for the tape decks?? Anyone know the correct sizes?
THANKS EVERYONE!!!!
Tom

Well, Tom, there isn't ONE definitive answer, but my picture below will give you an idea of the basic tools. I wouldn't say that they are required, but having them will certainly make life a little easier.



If you don't already have replacement belts on hand, you will need to order some. The ones pictured were purchased from UED.net ( http://www.ued.net/website/index.html ) Really good prices and quick shipping!

The Husky screwdriver, with multiple tips, can be found at Home Depot/Lowes. The red end-cap comes off and reveals storage for the other tips.

The Kobalt hook tools will definitely aid in replacing belts. I think I picked them up at Lowes, but I imagine Home Depot would have them, or at least something similar.

Of course, the basic Phillips driver.

A mini flathead driver will be useful if you need to adjust the motor speed for the cassettes. I didn't try the Husky, so I'm not sure if the shaft can penetrate far enough.

A basic, painter's brush used for brushing away dirt and dust prior to cleaning. Canned air is good, but I've found that some stuff on these old boxes needed a little more than that to get the dust out. If you already have an old brush lying around, that's great. The best place to get them is Big Lots. Mine was $.69.

Not pictured:

Q-tips
Isopropyl alcohol
DeOxit D5S


I'm sure someone else can suggest something

wow, FD thanks allot for the link to order the belts...what a difference in price i ordered a few pairs from them...locally they are very expensive...thanks much!!!

No problem, Blaster! I should have pointed out that the SBS7.4 belt is for the tape counter. The other belts are for the cassette mechanism.

Oh, tburick, if you haven't done so already, I suggest you download the write-up I did on changing the GF-777 belts:

http://www.mediafire.com/?7zmrmzm9jrl

Good luck and remember... have fun!!

yeah FD..i figured it was for the tape counter...because i only see one...and have changed it once on my gf-767 when i had it...what a difference it was in tension an worth doing so...

Fatdog & Blaster,
Thanks for the info. I just ordered the belts from UED. I didn't know how many to buy so I looked at your pic of the belts on this thread. I ordered several of each of the three bags that I saw in your pic (if that makes sense). They also carried the Deoxit spray so I ordered that too.
Thanks again guys!
tom

It's always good to have extra belts!

Doctor FD indeed but you forgot to mention the most important (Orange Glo) which you really helped us in giving our boomers that new look.