Audio Systems: 1987 Corvette factory casette radio malfunction, radio problems, steep prices


Question
I recently bought an 87 Vette that needs a lot of work. I understand that the Bose casette radio problems are common.  My problem is that when you insert the casette it starts to play (very momentary) then clicks and switches direction to play the other side, then it clicks again...never plays!  I've tried numerous known good casettes with the same results.  Commercial repair shops are asking steep prices but I believe they know it's an easy fix since they told me it's common.  Is this something i can repair?  I am mechanically minded, have the tools, and did have 3 yrs. of high school electronics, so I feel comfortable doing the job.  Just don't want to go in blind.  Thanks! Rick

Answer
hi yes there is a esy fix  but is been 15 years i don't remember  most of the times was a dirty old belt clean the cassette deck with a spray degreaser and put a new belt

this is what happends
when the belt is old or dirty the small pulley spins a little faster than the tape  and the radio believes that the tape broke or got stuck so it switches to the other side and this happens again and again
the tape deck was made by blaupunkt  and there is no parts for it the sensors are under the a and b pulleys
they also go bad and there is two points that you solder to bypass this  sensor i have not seen that tape deck in almost 13 years
sorry  i can not help more