08-08-2016, 11:49 PM
Hi Matt & welcome,
<1) Knowing that the radio is working, what should I consider doing for electronics updating? I had planned on a full re-cap, still advisable?
Good question. I would say if the electrolytics are more than 15-20yrs old then it's not a bad idea to error on the side of safely and swap them out. The paper caps should be replaced. If you look at leads coming though the rivets on the bakelite blocks the originals will have stranded wire, replacements will have solid wire. Also checking the resistor values is good too. Even though it's working it may work better with all specified values.
2) The newer power caps, can I trust them,or should they be replaced? If I replace them is there a source for the original aluminum cap bodies?
Most guys will take the old caps and cut them open and replace the innards with new remount them back on the chassis. Or some will disconnect the old and solder in new ones under the chassis.
3) What is a safe product to clean the chassis and electronics? There is no rust (just on the tube covers) but the entire chassis is dirty, almost greasy looking. I have used Corosion X before (RC Hobby) is it safe to lube all moving electronics with?
See Bob's comments
4) The Chassis label on the back is really dirty, what can I clean it with without damaging?
Probably not but there are guys making repro labels out there so you may be able to find a replacement.
5) I plan to remove most of the components on the top to clean. Anything I should be particular careful with?
Personally I wouldn't. Some will strip down the chassis, drill out the rivets and strip it bare to clean or polish it or whatever. The problem arises when the reassembly occurs. The wiring is layed out in a very particular fashion and if you are not really careful can get you self into trouble. Most or the time it ends up being an alignment issue or some sort of oscillating/motorboating problem.
I'm sure I will have many more questions and will spend the evening searching this great site to see what I can find.
GL de N3GTE
<1) Knowing that the radio is working, what should I consider doing for electronics updating? I had planned on a full re-cap, still advisable?
Good question. I would say if the electrolytics are more than 15-20yrs old then it's not a bad idea to error on the side of safely and swap them out. The paper caps should be replaced. If you look at leads coming though the rivets on the bakelite blocks the originals will have stranded wire, replacements will have solid wire. Also checking the resistor values is good too. Even though it's working it may work better with all specified values.
2) The newer power caps, can I trust them,or should they be replaced? If I replace them is there a source for the original aluminum cap bodies?
Most guys will take the old caps and cut them open and replace the innards with new remount them back on the chassis. Or some will disconnect the old and solder in new ones under the chassis.
3) What is a safe product to clean the chassis and electronics? There is no rust (just on the tube covers) but the entire chassis is dirty, almost greasy looking. I have used Corosion X before (RC Hobby) is it safe to lube all moving electronics with?
See Bob's comments
4) The Chassis label on the back is really dirty, what can I clean it with without damaging?
Probably not but there are guys making repro labels out there so you may be able to find a replacement.
5) I plan to remove most of the components on the top to clean. Anything I should be particular careful with?
Personally I wouldn't. Some will strip down the chassis, drill out the rivets and strip it bare to clean or polish it or whatever. The problem arises when the reassembly occurs. The wiring is layed out in a very particular fashion and if you are not really careful can get you self into trouble. Most or the time it ends up being an alignment issue or some sort of oscillating/motorboating problem.
I'm sure I will have many more questions and will spend the evening searching this great site to see what I can find.
GL de N3GTE
When my pals were reading comic books
I was down in the basement in my dad's
workshop. Perusing his Sam's Photofoacts
Vol 1-50 admiring the old set and trying to
figure out what all those squiggly meant.
Circa 1966
Now I think I've got!
Terry
