[DoWahDiddy54321]

Thanks for your advice Ben.

I assume by the L-shaped box you mean one that doesn't have a full length all-in-one rear cover. I've attached a couple of pictures of one of the failing Memorex cassettes & box (they are all the same type and in the same boxes as this one) - presumably you don't mean a box like this?

I intend to buy a piece of felt to attempt a repair of the roller on my old dust bug, so i could have a go at the pad replacement you've suggested once i've bought the felt. However, i've had a look at the pads on 3 of the tapes that are having problems and they all look intact. Do you think it's worth me replacing them anyway (the tapes are 42 years old)? I've attached a picture of one of the cassettes, though i'm not sure you can clearly see the pad condition in it.

I'll have a look for the thead you're referring to.

Regards
Greg