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DIY Replacement feet for the Pioneer PL-518/560

Macdude

Macdude

Hi /on/ Fidelity
DIY Replacement feet for the Pioneer PL-518 and 560

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This idea came to me in a dream. Maybe it's been done before, but it works well. If your 518 or 560 (or whichever other Pioneer table had deteriorating feet) has no feet left, maybe you can go this route.

I've been around Technics 1200 series turntables enough to know that parts are pretty easily available for them. I've ordered feet before for the 1200 and wondered if there was a way to easily retrofit them onto the 518/560. Apparently it's do-able. Here's how:

You'll need to first order 4 feet for the Technics SL-1200 series turntable. Used ones would work fine. These should have a threaded bolt-like mount. It is an M6 thread (metric).

You'll also need 4 M6 "pronged tee nuts". This is basically a nut you can hammer into a hole. The trick is finding one in M6. If you're in the US, don't bother checking a hardware store. I bought a pack of 8 on eBay for $2.50, $4.50 shipped.

A drill, hammer and a 3/4" spade bit will also be required (spade bit is only needed for the 560). The 560 differs in that the base plate is larger and covers the holes the original feet screwed into. The holes on both the base plate and the plinth must be enlarged and the tee nut recessed so that the plate will fit back on correctly.
 
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I have both a 560 and a 518 so I'm interested in this. Good tips!!

On the 560 the feet actually go thru the metal chassis and then into the plinth. Did you have to enlarge the holes in the chassis or does the M6 bolt fit thru the existing holes?

Thanks
 
x2turbo said:
I have both a 560 and a 518 so I'm interested in this. Good tips!!

On the 560 the feet actually go thru the metal chassis and then into the plinth. Did you have to enlarge the holes in the chassis or does the M6 bolt fit thru the existing holes?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Sure did. You may want to go with a drill bit slightly larger than the minimum necessary to fit the bolt, as the holes never seem to line up perfectly. A little play can't hurt there.
 
I do plan on getting some pictures up of the 518 ASAP. I have to borrow a digital camera as my primary camera is an SLR (film).
 
Finally, here we are.. photos with instructions:

Here we see the typical PL-518:
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Start by removing the mat and platter. Then take the screws out of the metal plate covering the motor and electronics.
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Flip the unit over. It's best to put something soft down so you don't scratch the dust cover.
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Remove the old feet and the 10 screws holding on the base plate. Do not remove the plate just yet (it won't come off anyhow).
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Carefully flip the unit upright while keeping your fingers pressed against the bottom plate, preventing it from moving around (there are still parts connected to it internally). Locate and remove the philips screw securing the auto-return mechanism to the base plate (top of photo):
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Next, remove the 4 hex head screws securing the tone-arm and it's controls to the plinth:
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Now undo the 4 metal cable fasteners, releasing the wiring from the plinth:
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Carefully lift the tone-arm/control assembly and sit it on it's side. With a little help it should stay there by itself. If not, have someone hold it for the next step.
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Lift the wood plinth up off of the metal base. The tone-arm/control assembly should clear it easily. Go slowly as a wire may snag somewhere:
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Sit the base plate and electronics aside and lay the wood plinth upside-down on your workspace. Grab a t-nut and a drill bit that is the same or smaller than the diameter of the nut. I'd recommend a bit just slightly smaller, as it will be a little more secure. This is the only bit I had handy, but it will work.
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I added some tape so I knew how far down to drill.
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Drill out/enlarge the four holes for the original feet.
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Place the t-nuts in the holes and hammer them in.
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Place the plinth back on top of the base plate (reverse process of the above). Make sure not to pinch any wiring. This is a great time to DeOxit the pitch control!
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Re-secure the wiring with the fasteners and replace the 4 hex screws as well as the philips head for the auto-return.
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Replace the metal cover plate and the dust cover. Do not install the platter/mat yet.
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Flip the unit upside down while once again holding onto the base plate while you flip it. Replace the 10 screws on the base plate.
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Screw in your new feet! Don't screw them in too tightly as this can cause the t-nuts to lift out of the plinth. You won't need to put them in too deep as they have to allow the base plate to clear the table.
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Congrats!
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I still have the original feet for mine in good condition, but I am subscribing to this thread because of the excellent tutorial you have given here for dismantling this turntable! Great job! :thmbsp:
 
clydeselsor said:
I still have the original feet for mine in good condition, but I am subscribing to this thread because of the excellent tutorial you have given here for dismantling this turntable! Great job! :thmbsp:
Click to expand...

Same here I printed all the pages for when I service my 518. Ditto Great Job and Good Idea for the feet.. Nice Camera work too.
 
Damn swell timing. I have all the pieces from my 518 in a bag in my car awaiting a trip to the hardware store for fabrication materials. However, I'm going to have to give this idea some thought first.

Thanks for posting.

By the way, how do you like your TT? What cart/stylus are you using?
 
The 560 is identical in concept, but the feet screw through the metal plate. The holes in the metal plate simply need to be enlarged.
 
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