National Panasonic RX-5100 Converted to 2.1 Bluetooth Audio System with Retro Aesthetics

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and pretty new to DIY projects too, but I’ve been inspired by all the amazing builds shared here. I have a project idea that I’d really love to bring to life — but I don’t have the tools or skills to build it myself. So I’m hoping someone here might be interested in taking it up!

The idea is to convert an old National Panasonic RX-5100 tape recorder into a Bluetooth 2.1 audio system. I also have a woofer from a Sony TV (KV-J21MF1AK) and a Sony DVD player (DVP-NS628P) that I’d like to incorporate into the build. I can send these items if someone is up for the challenge!

Here’s the full concept I have in mind:

Reuse the original speakers and tweeters from the tape recorder for mid and high frequencies.

Integrate the Sony TV woofer inside the tape recorder by cutting a hole and adding a bass reflex duct.

Install a 2.1 Bluetooth amplifier board to drive the system.

Replace red LEDs on the recorder with blue ones.

Add RGB circular LEDs around the speakers that respond to music.

Retain the original volume, bass, and balance knobs and connect them to the new amplifier.

Make the cassette motor rotate when music plays, to simulate real tape playback.

Light up the cassette deck with a blue LED.

Use the VFD text display from the DVD player and place it where the radio frequency chart is.

Include AUX input with a switch to toggle between Bluetooth and AUX.

Add an external AUX input jack for connecting other devices.

Add a lithium-ion battery inside the original battery compartment so the system can run without external power.

If anyone finds this interesting and wants to take on the build, please let me know — I’d love to collaborate and see it come to life! Thanks so much for reading. 😊