Terry's Rubber Rollers seems to have gone out of business.

His web site is no longer up, and I'm getting no replies from either of his email addresses. I've used him for years for rebuilding idler wheels on reel-to-reels and turntables, and have always found his workmanship superior.

Turntable Basics offers an idler rebuilding service, and I believe idler rebuilding is still available through Russell Industries (who purchased PRB a few years ago.)

However, as you might guess, I'm looking for the best, reasonably priced, quickest idler rebuilding service. Right now I have a Dual 1019 with the usual rubber-turned-to-rock.

Please PM me with your advice -- or post here.

Thanks!

Fred Longworth

Fred,

I just got an email from him, following up on the last crop of rollers he made for me. He did not even hint to being out of business.

I just went up to his web site and it came right up: http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/

Here is a quote from his web site:

Before we get too serious about roller repair, it appears there have been a few email problems. Its not exactally known where or with whom the problem originates, but several customers have made the same comments with their own emails. I get many emails, a few I don't, most people get mine and a few don't. Some emails get returned as undeliverable. I just want it known, I am still in business, and plan to be for a long time. My address is on the order form which can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. All I can say is just keep trying to email me. Sorry for any inconvience.


Enjoy,
Rich P

Fred, You might check with these folks. They specialize in Dual restorations, here in TX. ...Might share some info with you.

http://www.dual-reference.com/Contacts/adoptadual.html

Good luck

Page works for me, too, Fred. :dunno: Browser cache issue, perhaps?
Tom

Fred, I am very much in business. I did have web site problems earlier today, but I got a hold of my space provider and he got it up and running.
I answered your email a day or so ago when you were asking about the idler and I said to send it. I don't understand why I have email problems. I will email you again and see what happens.

I'd like to thank Rich for getting a hold of me and bringing this to my attention. I have no intention of going out of business. All I can say is just keep trying to get a hold of me. If anyone has any ideas why these emails problems might be happening, I'm all ears. I'd really like to find the problem.

Thanks Terry Witt
www.Terrysrubberrollers.com

Hi Terry,one question while your here...do you do cassette deck capstan pinch rollers,just needed to ask you if you did,Thanks....Rob

I got an email from Terry Monday evening.

He IS still in business (whew!). The idler is in the mailbox awaiting Tuesday morning pickup.

Thanks to everyone for your comments, and thanks to Rich for letting Terry know about the problems with his site.

Best,

Fred Longworth

Hi again, Rob, yes I can and have rebuilt cassette rollers. The biggest problem is determining what size to make them. I do have many brands and models in my data base but its largely made for reel to reels. As time go one I'm getting more data for cassette and turntables.
Anyways if we can determine a size I can do them. Another problem is some cassette rollers are attached to a arm or bracket that is for the most part non removeable. The axle can be modified so it will come out, but I only need the roller itself.
I am also getting many rollers from old video cameras, video players, 8-track players(car and home), dat rollers, so my service isn't just to r2r's. I also get rebuilding jobs that are not vintage related at all. Small industral type rollers.
As long as there are rollers to be rebuilt, I'll be here.

Thanks Terry Witt
www.terrysrubberrollers.com

Golly,
I need to jack up my Dual parts prices! I notice South Street has cue washers for $5.

I still need to get back to Dual about part number 223777, aka "guide", aka "tonearm clutch pad," aka "rubber tit," aka . . . the damn thing that fails on about thirty models of Dual and makes the arm stall when it tries to cycle horizontally.

Fred (who only has TWO left)

I still need to get back to Dual about part number 223777, aka "guide", aka "tonearm clutch pad," aka "rubber tit," aka . . . the damn thing that fails on about thirty models of Dual and makes the arm stall when it tries to cycle horizontally.

Fred (who only has TWO left)


Guess none of that tubing I sent you worked. Oh well.

Ah, Columbo . . . so you're the one who sent me that tubing. Yes, I did get it.

For some strange reason, I haven't got in any Duals needing the clutch pad for over a month.

Stay tuned. The smallest of the tubes you send me just might work. It's almost the same diameter as the original Dual part.

Fred Longworth

This can't be really kosher, but I've replaced that clutch pad with just a hunk of zip cord isulation. Works, though perhaps not for decades on end -- though the zip cord itself was decades old and still pliable, so perhaps it will last for several more. Vintage!

I'm glad the Terry is still in business. I might want to stock up on some items. I used to deal with a place that recovered rollers dor typewriters and copiers and brought up the idea of capstans and such. I think he looked at me like I had lobsters coming out of my ears. This will be a lost art soon, so if you treasure your decks, shoot him some business.

Terry, did not know about you. Never had to look. Do you have a listing for the belts fo a Philips 4504 or 4506? If, so do you stock them? Also, what about the old Tandberg 6 series?

Postscript.

Since my first post in this thread, I sent Terry an idler wheel from a Dual 1019. As many of you know, the heavy platter and cycling requirements of the 1019 make idler condition extremely crucial. In addition, the conical motor pulley requires that the idler have a slight bevel on the edge.

When I installed the idler Terry rebuilt, it worked superbly! Lots of torque. Minimal rumble.

Fred Longworth