Hey all

I am excited that I have finally purchased a Vele Discolite for $400AUD (for those interested in purchase price)  & am now hoping I can get some great advise from stereo2go..

The unit needs some tlc to bring it back to its former glory

1, FM transmission doesn't work although I do have AM transmission.

2, The power button is missing apparently inside the box but haven't ventured into it yet but if not founts where could I get one or does anyone know of another button from another box that might do the job?

3, Balance switch works when one the left side but all speakers still on when moved to the right & also when moving balance & volume switch there is a lot of static noise, Can this be fixed or minimised?

4, How does the speaker grills come off to give the speakers a clean up & on that note is there any ideas on getting better sound from this unit ??

5, What is the best way to pull this unit apart to investigate this missing power button & or any other repairs I may have to do?? Also what is the best product to give the box gleaming again??

6, The tapes both work but seem a little noisy hoping a good clean will fix this one but am wondering if the buttons can be coloured gold as well as the volume knob?

Any help will be much appreciated as I have to now prove to my wife I will get this beauty going & looking new again..

Cheers

Discolite86

hi and welcome to this crazy site

i hate to give you the bad news but its had its day and needs throwing away! so if i give you my address i will be more than happy to do that for you

seriously though,i personly cant help you but hang in there as someone on here will

 Welcome !

 Which Vela, there are a few models..

 To address your questions,

 1.) FM : More than likely the switches need cleaning. If it makes alot of staticy noise when tuning, the tuner itself should be cleaned with deoxit.

 2.) These power buttons are very hard to come by , getting one can prove a very difficult task. When you open the case , look for it hopefully it is in there- is there any rattling inside to indicate this?

 3.) The balance switch operates on carbon fiber, not to worry , again deoxit (switch and contact cleaner) will most likely clear this up.

 4.) The speaker grilles do come off, to do it you will need to remove each of the internal light assemblies around each speaker, there are screws located inside underneath what you see as black squares from the front that are around the speaker grilles. Next , there are several tabs that protrude through the inside , you must bend them straight up and down and gently work the glue loose. The tabs are made of the same material as the grille itself.

 5.) To get the unit apart , you need to remove the screws in the rear panel. To make it gleam, you can use an automotive grade pre wax cleaner with grit in it, rub it in then wipe it off, and then either wax, or use armor all protectant. Wax is best , if you touch anywhere on the cabinet after using armor all your fingerprints will show.

 6.) Yes you can paint the knobs, if you do give them a light scuff with 240 grit sandpaper , wipe , then light paint even 3 or 4 coats - allow to dry completely between coats. If your cassette buttons are gold as well, since you have it apart you may as well paint all these then they will match the new gold paint of the knobs.I used Gold Metallic Rustoleum paint , with the shiny gold cap.

 These discolites aren`t the best sounding , but the light show is worth every effort of restoring .

 Good luck with your restoration - take your time, one step at a time- when it is done, you will be the proud owner of a head turning, conversation invoking piece of boombox history.

 All the best , stynger007 (Pete)

4. agree with all above -

and be extra careful with the 8 ( total ) grill tabs -

they do not seem to be the type of metal that was meant to be ' worked/bent '

often -

and the factory glue is difficult to un-glue-

just go slow and careful

good advice there ira

 Look up Gluecifer , I believe he may be able to help he is in Aussie land .. post a few pics, did you figure the lights out? If none are working , check your plugs, there are only 2 ..

Pictures

Yea ..... nice one 
Was it hard to open and inspect everything ...
I just picked up the same box ..... the breakdance model not knowing what it was but thinking it looked cool for $10 today 

My main speaker lights arent working.

The radio barley works ..... the aerial is in good nic but i cant really get any stations without a lot off hiss  

Tape 1 seems to play fast ..... tape 2 seems to record well and playback well ...... line in working too .....

I have similar probs with my balance and volume controls 

Im looking to do a full restore too but wanna get as much info as i can before i crack it open.

Please do post some pics and if you have any taken from the inside that would be greatly helpfull