Sony Betamax 711B3 Loading Mechanism Plastic Post Repair Kit

Description

This kit is designed to facilitate the removal and replacement of the original factory posts that frequently break off on the 711B3 Chassis Betamax units. Once these posts fail the front loading mechanism will hang up, grind gears or shut down in protection. New posts are 3d printed from Nylon 12 and are designed to snugly fit over the metal studs on the tray.
Kit Includes (2) New 3d printed Nylon 12 Plastic Posts. Minor fitting maybe required.
This kit will work for the following Betamax unit. This is not a complete list.
SL-300
SL-330
SL-S380
SL-S2000
SL-HF350
SL-HF360
SL-HF810D
SL-HF840D
SL-HF860D
SL-HF870D
Installation Steps:
1)      Remove the Front Loading Mechanism which is held in with (4) screws and unplug the loading motor. Removal of the front panel on some Betamax machines will make removal of the Front Loading Mechanism much easier.
2)      Disassemble the Front Loading Assembly so that the loading tray can be removed.
3)      Remove the excess plastic around the metal stud where the broken post sheared off. Make sure the plastic is removed and is flush as shown in the pictures. I personally used Xcelite Diagonal Side Cutters to slowly work around the base of the broken stud cutting into the plastic slowly until it was removed.The original plastic is brittle so it is best to go slow and steady.
4)      Slip the new post over the stud. This is designed to be slightly tight. Test fit the tray into the loading assembly and make sure it slides easily through the tracks and the gear lever arms. If it slides easily you can then choose to glue the new plastic posts over the metal studs.
5)      Reassemble the Front Loading Assembly and insure the gears are timed correctly. I have included a picture of the proper timing and a copy from the service manual that shows the correct timing. Timing is very important to ensure proper operation. This is also a great time to relube the rails and the gears in the mechanism. I recommend SuperLube for this but other plastic safe greases will work.
6)      Reinstall the loading mechanism and plug the loading motor back in.