can any one tell me, if i replace the ariel - do i need the right one for it or can i replace it with some thing from a broken/spare's one for another make ??? or is that a no no ?



one scratch where some one broke the ariel apart from that near perfect

Provided it fits properly there's no real issue with the antenna being different as in making any noticeable difference to reception. (Provided it's roughly the same length of course).

There is an optimum size which is where the antenna is 'tuned' for the wavelength but generally approximates work well enough for reception purposes. (FAR more critical for transmitting).

Pretty much any one that fits will do - the longer the better, as far as reception is concerned (AFAIK).

This 3D had a pretty long three section antenna (you can see how long by the plastic parts on the top/rear where the antenna clips down). I've got a couple of Hitachi 3Ds with non-standard antenna & they work fine.
I don't have any spares right now, otherwise I could sort you one out...

The 3D80 really cranks for such a compact boombox, eh?

Cheers isolator - funny as i just been down to the local dump and looked through the metal bin for a couple of ariels - but they all seem to short with all the 2000'yr little boxes

yer love the sound you can get out of the 3D80 - at the mo in have a Hitachi 3D50 for working out side and that's not to bad for getting the neighbours lovin me

Looks like the mounting is broken too.
But TV rabbit ear antennas can
be found a dollar stores at good prices.
Might work.

The HITACHI is pretty amazing looking.
A real power box.

Hey Bendycat, you've really did a good job keeping it clean!!! I can tell by the close-up shot that you really take care of it! What do you clean it with, Endust or something?

'NUFF SAID

It's a long process

because i'm in the UK i think you lot overseas may not get the same stuff - but i use first a degreaser - if it has orange oil in it, it will cut through the dirt/grease/smoke that has been on there for years - have a look in the kitchen/house hold department in your local store - i use Dettol kitchen cleaner - not only does it cut throught the dirt is also kill's 99.9% of germs - so making it clean and safe
At the same time i use a tooth brush - some wooden tooth picks - and cotton buds on stick (the kind that you put in you ear to clean it out - use clean and new one's here )
that way all the lines and buttons get a good clean out - it's the bits that you don't see when it's done that stand out - if you have cleaned it, but it still has dirt in the buttons or handle lines - it will show - if all clean it won't and that will make it look sweet
Next i use Turtle Wax "Bug and Tar Remover" this stuff also has a degreaser in it but has a polish to it - nothing to harsh - but will polish it up to a lovely shine (see the 3D above for proof) it doesn't dry to a powder like most car polishes do - so try some and find one that stays moist or doesn't powder - never polish to hard as it can take of any colour put on the box - like the silver will rub off to grey plastic - practice on rubish item first - rub off with clean cloth
Next use house hold furniture polish to give it a seal and make it look like new - always use a new duster to polish off, as old ones may have grains of dirt that will scratch on the new polished work and leave small lines

it takes time to do each one - but you do feel proud when you stand back and look at the hard work and that box that looks like new

I used to be a car valeter for 5 years and i also clean up old 80's bmxs - so cleaning is in my blood

Accorn bmx mag wheel (dyed Blue from cream/white) polished hubs and freewheel


1985 Andy Ruffell Raleigh Burner bmx


my polishing - top piece done, bottom next (bmx stem)


my Kalkhoff folding shopper


just guess i collect and clean

cheers B

ALL I CAN SAY IS: "WWWOOOWWW"!!!

THAT'S TOTALLY AMAZING!!!

'NUFF SAID