VHS to DVD Tracking Question

Have a few VHS tapes of children's TV shows recorded many years ago when my kids were small. They watched them over and over and now that the kids are older, I want to surprise them with DVDs of those beloved shows. I know how to transfer them. My problem is this: The tapes were recorded on a VCR I probably got at 7-11. They would play fine on that machine. That machine is long gone. When playing the tapes in a newer and (better?) VCR, the tracking needs to be adjusted...constantly. Obviously, I would like the best reproduction I can get and don't mind sitting there adjusting the tracking as needed, but I can't get my new machine to adjust fast enough. Seems as if the tapes have a 'wave' of tracking, that is, its predictable when it needs to be adjusted. Anyone know of a way to eliminate this on playback? If not, are there machines with easily accessible tracking adjustment knobs? I'm almost to a point of taking it to a professional VHS to DVD transfer company but am low on $$$. Thanks for any and all information!

http://www.diyforums.net/forums/diy-tips/45294-vcr- head-crashes-or-tracking-error.html

tape has edge damage not running through tape guide properly.this is caused when a machine has a problem mechanically edges of tape get damage this can be seen by eye open door look at the tape in bright light can see buying a newer better machine will not correct your problem.also video tape played over and over such as children programming tape streaches edges wear out.you can buy all most all childrens tape on internet and ebay pennies on dollar flea markets i see a lot also not worth trouble to copy.most have copy write protect also and can not be copyed anyway.you can buy also already copyed on dvd at most department stores. what is your time worth include that when copying takes hours plus blank tape price machine electric etc etc etc cheaper to buy already done.read above link on this site for further info i repaired vtr,vcr,tv stuido equippment for 31yrs done all that is not worth it buy it done.