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Repairing 8-Track Tapes

Repairing an 8-track tape is not an easy task. This piece of removable media is out of date so one wrong move and you could permanently damage it. Handle old 8-track tapes gently. In addition, be prepared to buy additional supplies to aid you in the repair process. The repair process can be frustrating but rewarding if you carefully follow each step.

Things You'll Need

  • Edit block
  • Sensing foil
  • Jeweler's screwdriver set (common and Phillips)
  • Tube of contact cement
  • 3/8-inch foam weatherstrip
  • Scissors
  • Felt cloth
  • Iron
  • Viva paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set your 8-track tape player to stop and remove the tape (if necessary)

    • 2

      Open the cartridge of your 8-track tape. Place a screwdriver in the flat side (opposite of the round side) and twist. Move the fastener toward the round part of the tape. Place your thumb and index finger in the middle hole where the the tape is. While prying on the fastener, push down with your thumb and up with your index finger. The front end will open and the other two fasteners should open easily.

    • 3

      Move the crotchet hook off of the lip and open the cartridge. Note: Put the screwdriver in the slot and pry open the cartridge.

    • 4

      Locate the foam weather strip and pressure pad once the cartridge is open. Take out the pressure pad and wipe off the existing foam. Spread a layer of contact cement on the plastic strip and set it aside. Cut off a piece of the weather strip, but make sure the strip is longer than the plastic piece. Peel the cover off the weather strip, turn it over and place the paper side back on the weather strip so that the plastic, shiny side rides up against the tape. Trim the ends of the foam.

    • 5

      Use the edit block to replace the sense tape. Cut out the old sense tape. Lay one over the other and cut them at the same time. Put them in the edit block and make sure they're touching. Cut 3/4 inch of sense tape. Take a screwdriver and stick in one end of the tape. Maneuver the tape into position over the splice.

    • 6

      Take the tape out of the edit block and lay it on a flat surface. Rub the sense foil with the scissors handle and press the tape smooth.

    • 7

      Splice the broken tape together. Place the two tape ends in the edit block and match them up. Cut a piece of scotch tape roughly 2 inches long. Lay it on the splice crosswise then take it out of the edit block and press the tape smooth. Use the scissors to cut off the excess on each side.

    • 8

      Iron any waffling or creased tape using a teflon-coated iron. Iron your tape on a couple of sheets of Viva paper. After you finish ironing, wind the tape back into the case and close. Test out the repaired tape on your 8-track player.

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