We were coming home from an uneventful "junk hunt" and decided to stop in a new "non charity - for profit" thrift store that recently opened. The only thing they had of interest was an '80 model RCA VCR model VDT625. It's a three speed top loader with tape deck style function keys and a varactor tuner. I have not tried it yet; but, I can see that the power switch is busted. She wanted $20; but, said she'd take $15. I pointed out that it was old and beat up and I then offered her $10 and she accepted. I've always wanted one of those older VCR's with the mechanical function keys and now I have one!

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/2009_0117vcr0001.jpg

Cool!! Is it a VHS or Beta?

That's a really good model. I am still trying to find one in mint condition with all the accessories at eBay. You got RCA's most flagship, highest-end VCR model for the first-generation chassis between 1977-1980. VDT625 adds 3-video heads plus slow play when using the wired remote.

That VDT625 RCA VCR-a VHS unit is very similiar to the original VBT200 VHS VCR that RCA had introduced in 1977. The only differences really here is the push-button-style tuner, 3-speed recording-SP-LP-EP/SLP recording, the color of both the Eject and Pause buttons and the color of the back part of the VCR case/housing. RCA basically stuck with their basic original design here for the most part including the faux wood-grain sides. These early VHS VCRs were built to last and are way better than any newer VCR made in the last 5 years when serviced and fully working.

That is a nice find! That kind of stuff is almost gone now so snatch em up whenever they show up.

OK, I've torn into the subject VCR and need some help. The actual power switch is not broken. It's just the lever that activates the switch that is broken; but, that's the least of my worries at the moment. My two biggest problems are: 1. It's full of roach poop and 2. All of the function keys are locked for the exception of fast forward, stop, and eject. The other keys will not depress with a tape in or out. FF works OK and it shuts off at the end of the tape.

So, what I want to know is:

What's the best way to remove roach crap from such a machine without causing further damage? I'm also seeing some light rust on some of the metal parts; likely due to what was living in it.

Do you have any ideas on what might be causing the keys to be locked? I wouldn't be surprised if roach remains is to blame.

Thanks for your help!

How much crap is in there? That sh*t is very stubborn, it will be very hard to remove without damaging anything. Make sure there aren't any roaches or eggs in there, you'll get roaches. Sounds like this machine might be beyond repair if they pooped too much in there. If you have one of those little metal stems from a switch you can drill a small pilot hole into where the stem goes on the switch. Then find a screw that will screw into the end of the metal stem. Do that first and thread the soft aluminum shaft. Then cut the head of the screw off and make it a little longer than the shaft. Install the headless screw with pliers and leave about a quarter inch sticking out. Then screw on the aluminum shaft and it will be good as new. I did this to my Zenith Allegro " The Wedge" stereo system about ten years ago and it is still fine. I can send a pic if you want. As for the buttons, you will just have to follow the mechanism and try to find the jam.

OK, I've torn into the subject VCR and need some help. The actual power switch is not broken. It's just the lever that activates the switch that is broken; but, that's the least of my worries at the moment. My two biggest problems are: 1. It's full of roach poop and 2. All of the function keys are locked for the exception of fast forward, stop, and eject. The other keys will not depress with a tape in or out. FF works OK and it shuts off at the end of the tape.
Check to see if the sensor lamp inside the cassette compartment lights on when powering on the unit. If it does not and you see no light, then the VCR will not function at all and cannot be depressed, unless a new sensor lamp light is installed place.

Another problem could be sticky mechanism underneath the press buttons, causing them to lock out. There could be one gear that is stuck and not free, or the spring had popped out or bent that failed to catch the gear. You will need to remove the top cover and cassette tray loader for inspection.

Roach poops do not destroy the mechanism, but they may destroy the copper trace lines underneath the unit. Check to see if the main board located underneath the unit is still in good condition. Use a small vacuum cleaner with a small brush to suck out all the roach poop.

Let us know how it goes? I'm very familiar with this chassis, so I know most of the problem in and out. I used to own a RCA VDT625 before way back in 2002 before I donated to Goodwill. I now own a Panasonic PV-1600, which is identical to your RCA VDT-625, that is in like new, mint condition with all its accessories (box, manual, cover, pause remote).

Nice! Hope you can get the issues resolved.

I hate to admit it, but I threw one of these in a dumpster 15 years ago helping a friend clean out his apartment. The door wouldn't latch shut - that was the only flaw.

The door wouldn't latch shut - that was the only flaw.
Loose or broken hinges underneath the door cover.

I'm going to save anything like this that I find from now on. Too cool, too scarce. I have a Sears Beta; the only other tank I've had was a Panasonic which I really should have kept. Imagine what these things would cost if you built them like that today?

While going through the piles at the old TV shop yesterday I spotted a large display for RCA Selectavision VCRs. Too buried to tell what age it was.

Thanks for all the advice! I played with it a little more today and found that the rewind and play keys will depress with several light taps. When the key goes down, rewind works. When I can get the play key down, the head spins and the guide pulls the tape around the head; but, the reels do not turn and then it shuts off. This just verifies that it needs a good cleaning and all of the rubber parts replaced.

When I can get the play key down, the head spins and the guide pulls the tape around the head; but, the reels do not turn and then it shuts off. This just verifies that it needs a good cleaning and all of the rubber parts replaced.
Not only you will replace the belts, but you will need to inspect the reel idler located next at the right reel. It often slips and fails to catch the idler on top from the pulley underneath, even if the pulley is moving strong with new belts.

Hi everyone,

If any of you are still interested, I have a top load model VDT 625 for sale. Still in fantastic shape. Has the corded remote control.

If this helps at all, Sears used to have a belt kit available for this series of machines. Roach poop is rough on old stuff. Does it still have the sickly perfummy smell associated with roaches?

The thrift should have paid you to take this poor machine.

Yes, they should have. It eventually ended up in the trash because it was overloaded with roaches and roach crap.

Thats sad. That would have been a real winner once it was fixed! I had one like yours when new. I gave it to someone when I moved on up to hi-fi sound, and it was still working for her a year or so ago after I replaced all the belts. Hi Fi sure didnt last long...