I bought a early 1980's-era Hitachi VCR (billed as a VTR on its
casing) and connections, dispays and buttons all work. Only thing not
working is its heads (the most important part). Putting a tape in
results in loud mechanical clanking sounds. The tape refuses to play,
rewind, fast forward, or even rewind. The counter doesn't move, nor
does the tape position. Does anyone have advice for repairing tape
heads?

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I bought a early 1980's-era Hitachi VCR (billed as a VTR on its
casing) and connections, dispays and buttons all work. Only thing not
working is its heads (the most important part). Putting a tape in
results in loud mechanical clanking sounds. The tape refuses to play,
rewind, fast forward, or even rewind. The counter doesn't move, nor
does the tape position. Does anyone have advice for repairing tape
heads?


Is it one like this?
http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/hitachi_vtr_8000e.html



No. It's a Hitachi Video Deck Model No. VT-1100A.
It front loads VHS.



http://vintageelectronics.betamaxcol...lvt-1100a.html

This link says that a belt kit is often required.

ps: posted to alt.home.repair and alt.comp.hardware
as per original message
John T.