I fixed mine my cleaning off the goo and sliding a thick piece of surgical tubing over the pinch roller. I had to strech the tubing quite a bit, but it works just fine. I have heard other people use o-rings but I don't know they keep them on. Bob Message: 20 Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2006 13:05:02 -0700 From: Richard <legalize at xmission.com> Subject: HP2648A tape drive capstans To: cctalk at classiccmp.org Message-ID: <E1F57B0-0007Ox-00 at xmission.xmission.com> Hey, so I'm glad that I read a web page (can't remember the URL, sorry... linked from the Nike Missile site, I think) about refurbishing deteriorated parts in old machines. I bought a 2648A main unit (would love a keyboard for it, if anyone has an extra) and opened it up last night. The tape drive capstans have turned to a puddle of goo! So I figure that if I ever want the tape drive to be in working order, that I need to: i) remove the goo ii) recreate/replace the capstan Does anyone have a unit with an intact capstan that could give me physical dimensions? I doubt anyone has a repair kit that would include the capstan, but that would certainly be welcome! Aside from the capstans and a little dust inside the case, the internals look fine. The case has a small crack in one corner, but otherwise appears in typical condition for its age. This thing is basically a microcomputer... when I used them back in 1979, I had no idea that there was this much electronics inside the thing! I do have the user manual from bitsavers, but it doesn't go into repair stuff, just installation (which is how I figured out how to open the case) of options. As always... thanks! -- "The Direct3D Graphics Pipeline"-- code samples, sample chapter, FAQ: <http://www.xmission.com/~legalize/book/> Pilgrimage: Utah's annual demoparty <http://pilgrimage.scene.org>