Chevrolet Dealership Mini Theater by Technicolor w/ Reels
 

I have been looking for a complete unit for years-- I can finally scratch this off my bucket list! the local dealership had one of these when I was a kid in the main showroom area.

Anyone have any reels for this in your collection?

Someone contacted me awhile ago who said he had a box of over 25 Vids for this.It's been awhile,but I'll see if I can locate him for you.
Debuted in 1976 I believe,and replaced the cardboard boxed Communication 35mm filmstrip kits used in the decades prior..

I've never saw one of those.... how cool. GLW finding the reels!

Lots of years to collect! The earliest reels I have found are dated 1973. The stack of reels I got with this one was circa 1978

I am also on the hunt for the sign.... :)

saw that on ebay great buy bud...................

I use to have a tape cartrige for 72 Chevelles....looked similar???

BIG

I have one of those theaters with the original plastic tape boxes that the tapes came in and a pile of tapes. Also have all the paperwork, operating instructions, extra bulbs,and setup stuff. There is also movies for salesmans about selling, motivation, etc.

Wow.. that's fantastic! What years are the reels? :)

70s into the 80s

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ps9ojt4pti.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pssbravhqg.jpg

Igosplut,

Sent you a PM.

Thanks :)

Here is some of the paperwork that came with the theater

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pswt0v9omk.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psgfluboch.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pseonvfl7y.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psrtnqhpxt.jpg

I would like to get copies of the paperwork for that specficly the operator and repair manuals!

You are the un disputed king of the mini theatre research! :)

:youguysrock:

Man BIG, you got that right! Cool collection - thanks for sharing!

The reels were made starting in 1968 with GM adopting the technology for the in dealer Mini Theater program by 1972. The official name for the reel was the super 8 magi cartridge.

I might have a lead on a Mini Theater sign for you..I'll let you know.

Can you show a page or two from the 68 Motion Picture catalog? Curious what they had in the listings.

Thanks!

Mr70 may have some stills from 1968's Communication films that can be posted...anything Camaro related right?

I have the 72 Chevelle tape transferred to VHS.... That’s even dated now ..

BIG

Several of those communication films have been converted and are the CRG channel on YouTube.
Here's the 69 Chevrolet Sports Department one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjq-KbGlKwM

Great news.. I just found a nice older gent who had all the correct replacement drive belts for the Technicolor projector so I should have the Mini Theater up and running like new very soon.

Nice Mini Theater...very unique....I like it!!

Does he have more than one set?

I think so... let me get the first set and verify the sizing. I am 95% sure these will be the right belts and I also ordered a tire, and an extra lamp to boot.

Thanks, I'll make it worth your while..

So I popped the 1978 Malibu tape in...it works. Kinda Cool.

1978 girl.... WOW!

A little back seat guest :)

1978 engine stats...

Cool, so those parts fixed it, Huh?

Yes for my projector it did. I suspect yours could have different issues depending on how hard it was operated.

My next step is to completely restore the exterior. I already have the correct blue paint.

On the bay..
Https://www.ebay.com/itm/70s-Vintage...UAAOSwGfVbn-cl

Here is the finished restoration. The screen unit and the projector unit are obviously two different items that need to be docked for the Mini theater "effect". I also replaced the rear reflector Mirror in the screen unit which made a huge difference in image quality, and the sound transfer insulator pad.

The two units docked.

The rear of the unit and the mirror adjuster points. Also correct cord routing out the rear at the base.

Detail, including front cord routing.

Well it was a challenge to get this thing running, the belts I used were NOS, and frankly I do not know how long it will run as the belts are the weak point, and I suspect these units were constantly maintained when in operation with cleaning and spares.

So on display it will go with the rest of the memorabilia. :)

Still looking for copies of books and instructions if anybody comes across any please PM me.

are you interested in selling your tapes and projector assy.?

I have one thats not working.