Panasonic RX-DS20 Restoration Part 2: Replacing the Tape Deck Belts

THIS IS PART 2: CLEANING AND CASSETTE DECK REFURBISHMENT
(more to come as I edit the footage)

Watch Part 1 here:    • Panasonic RX-DS20 BoomBox Restoration & Bl...  

Join me in part two of this multi-part journey restoring a true gem from the past: the Panasonic RX-DS20 boombox. In this video, we go quickly through the cleaning process and then into how to remove and refurbish the cassette deck.

This isn’t your average teardown—this is about respecting the engineering of a bygone era while adding modern flair.

See below my affiliate links for a full description of this project!

SERVICE MANUAL
=============================
https://cloud.gillytech.pro/s/J8DLzQw...

MY GEAR
=============================
Tools:
--------------------------------
COAST Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3ESX0iJ
DeoxIt Contact cleaner: https://amzn.to/4g1x5pm
Gorilla Glue Gun: https://amzn.to/42r8c30
Step drill bits: https://amzn.to/4fZtTdH
Solder removing wick: https://amzn.to/4fZu3Sl
Leaded solder: https://amzn.to/4jjPEb8
Soldering iron tip tinner: https://amzn.to/4joYy76
Iroda Butane Soldering Iron Kit: https://amzn.to/3E2aX0H
Weller Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/4al75nH
Micro wire cutter: https://amzn.to/40DU6tV
Cheap multimeter: https://amzn.to/3PElsKa
Dental picks (trust me): https://amzn.to/4hgVzMe

Parts:
--------------------------------
Technics / Panasonic RDG5772ZA Replacement Gear: https://gillyte.ch/FMT9b
Antenna (NOT OEM): https://gillyte.ch/ddkO5
Batteries: https://amzn.to/4h1OfnW
Bluetooth Antenna: https://amzn.to/4hn0NpK
Bluetooth Receiver Board (LQSC): https://gillyte.ch/rj4KX
Cassette deck replacement belts: https://gillyte.ch/ChMcf
Cassette deck pinch roller replacements: https://gillyte.ch/66OBU
Charger for batteries: https://amzn.to/4h1sJ2J
Red lighted button switch: https://amzn.to/42me6T8
Rubber pad material: https://amzn.to/4jmumcL
Red LEDs: https://amzn.to/4h09SFp
DC to DC Duck Converters: https://amzn.to/3PE4Nqf
Assorted wire: https://amzn.to/4hnUGlk
Assorted capacitors: https://amzn.to/4hcpl4S

Media:
--------------------------------
Blank cassette tapes: https://amzn.to/4hiOmeG


DESCRIPTION
=============================
The RX-DS20 was a powerhouse in its day, blasting tunes with its dual 4” 2.7-ohm drivers. But we’re not just stopping at nostalgia—we’re making this vintage beauty future-ready. From cleaning and recapping the circuits to restoring the tape deck and CD player, adding bluetooth receiving and even making the whole thing rechargeable.

Every step gets us closer to transforming this into the ultimate retro-modern sound system.

Here’s what you can expect in the series:
• Installing and testing the perfect Bluetooth board for streaming from your phone or omputer.
• Restoring the cassette deck to perfect operation.
• Reviving the CD player.
• Tweaking every detail—capacitors, voltage regulation, even a custom on/off switch for the Bluetooth module.
• And yes, sourcing an undamaged, original antenna because details matter.

Picture it: hosting a backyard barbecue with this retro legend pumping out your playlist or just having a conversation starter in your home that pairs nostalgia with functionality. This isn’t just a stereo; it’s a piece of audio history reborn.

Stick around for future episodes where we’ll fine-tune the details, tackle the final upgrades, and test this beauty in action. If you love seeing tech from the past restored with care (and a bit of obsession), you’re in the right place.

Don’t forget to subscribe and hit that bell so you don’t miss the next part of this restoration journey. Let’s bring this Panasonic back to its glory days—and then some.