Audio Systems: Capehart stereo, dear pete, bsr turntable

Question
Hi Kevin,

I just retrieved an 1960s era Capehart system (Model #22A/16CA1) from my parents. The whole unit is contained in one cabinet with speakers in the bottom.   It has a 8 track tape player integrated into an AM/FM multiplex receiver.  Also in the cabinet is a BSR turntable.  Everything works (I get sound when I touch the stylus) except I can't get the turntable to spin.  Do you know if there is a locking mechanism of some kind in that holds the turntable in place.  Thanks for the help!

Answer
Dear Pete,

There's probably not a locking mechanism. However, the BSRs of that era--hell, every 'table of that era--was belt driven, meaning that the motor is attached to the platter itself via a large rubber band called a "belt". If the table won't spin, either the belt is stretched out of shape (probably rotted away by now) or is completely missing.

Check underneath the 'table for the belt. If it's rotten or missing, you can get a replacement at www.needledoctor.com. They've got replacement parts for virtually any turntable ever made--and them some.

Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!

Kindest regards,

Kevin