Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?


I have just acquired a 32 year old JVC/Victor TT-101 DD turntable after having its lesser brother, the TT-81 for the last year.
TT-101
This is one of the great DD designs made at a time when the giant Japanese electronics companies like Technics, Denon, JVC/Victor and Pioneer could pour millions of dollars into 'flagship' models to 'enhance' their lower range models which often sold in the millions.
Because of their complexity however.......if they malfunction.....parts are 'unobtanium'....and they often cannot be repaired.
128x128halcro
All VPI DD's are now factory direct and will be personally made by me.
HW

If its now factory direct, it should be AT LEAST 1/3rd cheaper at 20K since VPI are no longer selling to retailers.
Is it now 20K?
I have had my Victor TT-101 mounted in an open bottom plinth
and currently am building one where it will be entirely
enclosed.
Has anyone experienced elevated temperatures where some form of venting should be built in?
Totem395

Heat is the curse of audio components. I would hate to think you destroyed your TT101 or any audio component for that matter due to lack of circulation. I would think it was designed with its bottom hanging out for a reason.
Regards,
My TT-101 is open to the air on all sides, yet it does get warm to the touch. I wouldn't recommend enclosing it - perhaps drill some holes in the plinth where they wouldn't be visible?
Vent holes on say the bottom plate likely will do little since
there's no where for the heat to exit on the way up.

So an open bottom is the best I can do, even though the plinth
depth leaves none of the can exposed.