So I bought an RCA VKP-950 VCR described as "just needs new belts." Unfortunately it's not just new belts, and I've since discovered that someone else worked on it before me. So it looks like I bought someone else's garbage. Also, no technical manuals to be had and information on this particular model is scarce. :/
I was able to successfully get inside from a video review of a VJP-900.
I've cleaned off all the liquified belts and replaced them, replaced the pinch roller, replaced the idler, and I've since re-greased the moving metal parts (I only have lithium at the moment, I'm looking for a cheap source for graphite grease.)
So my initial problem was that the supply spindle made a horrible grinding noise.
See here. I discovered that the spindle was too low and was grinding against the metal chassis. When I took the spindle off, it looked to me like it was missing a washer. It had 1 thin washer, 1 thicker washer, a tiny ball bearing, then 1 more thin washer. Seemed like it was missing a thick washer again to get it the right height. So I bought an assortment of washers from my local hardware store, and got it to the right height.
So now it doesn't grind. Shortly after fixing the supply spindle, that one wouldn't turn either. Then when I took it apart again to try a different washer, it started working fine again.
However, my problem is still the pickup spindle. It doesn't turn. If I apply just a tiny bit of pressure on the idler, it works fine.
See here.
Does anyone have any ideas why the idler isn't engaging the pickup spindle? I'm also curious why the supply spindle appears to be working now, but not before.
I've never worked on a VCR repair and I don't have a technical manual, so I'm flying blind on this.
On an unrelated note, the sensor (erase head?) in the back-left of the machine near the read head wasn't connected to the circuit board. It had 2 cold solder joints and fell right off. So I soldered that back on. No idea if it's working or not since I haven't been able to play a tape yet.
Thanks for any help.
Edit: Also, if anyone is in the South Bay Area, California, I'd also be willing to pay to have an expert fix it. I've called all the shops in my area, and no one can or wants to fix it.