Odyssey of a G: Repair Projects

So after purchasing my otherwise minty TR-909 I had discovered the previous owner of the person who sold me the unit had wrote his name using a Sharpie pen on the bottom and right-side panel of the unit :(  Also on the right-side panel was left over 'dried' masking tape.  I didn't take pictures of the name engraving out of courtesy for the original owner.  The other issue included a broken battery holder.

1st priority was to remove the Sharpie name on the bottom and right-side panel using "Goof-Off' spray applied to a dry cloth.  The bottom name came off with ease and no discoloration/damage.  The side panel however took a couple of applications to remove the name and dried old masking tape.  "Goof-Off" doesn't work well on plastics as you'll see in the photo but I couldn't think of another solution.  2nd priority was to repair the right-side panel and the best solution I could find was a car trim dye kit "ForeverBlack".  This worked perfect, but took a couple of applications to the right-side.  To match it up I also applied to the left-side panel. 

Left-Side Before

Left-Side After

Right-Side Before

Right-Side After

Product Used

Next was replacing the broken battery holder.  You can get these online at Technology Transplant for $10 w/shipping to the USA.  All that's required is a little desoldering of the old and soldering of the new battery holder located on the right inside of the board.  The battery holder is easily accessible via removal of the TR-808 front panel.

Old Battery Holder Removed

New Battery Holder Installed

The TR-808 now looks and works perfect :)  Some may shy away from the side panel restore opting for "It's not original".  However given the age of this instrument you're bound to find damage to the plastic side panels that could use color restoring.  Keep in mind the flash was ON when the photos were taken for the panels shown above, making them appear glossier than they actually are.  I hope this helps in restoring the side panels and/or battery holder replacement for your TR-808!