03-23-2023, 04:24 PM
+1 on Arran's comments. Some people deal with rotten rubber wire by unsoldering one end and sliding heat shrink tubing or "Spaghetti" on the bare conductor. This will halve the amount of connections that you need to take apart.
In dealing with caps, J Hooking is usually accepted, especially if "stuffing" paper caps, as the joint might be able to be made under the paper shell of the stuffed cap. This is especially true of mid 30s RCA radios as the paper tubes are much longer than the cap that is internal (a rare easy job).
Another consideration is if the socket can withstand the required "surgery" of cutting into and desoldering wiring.
The bottom line is to do this the way that you want to. Unless this was an expensive and highly collectable model, the underside of the radio is not going to be inspected by a museum curator. any method of connections and proper insulation is acceptable. However, if the museum curator is you and you want this to be an accurate total restoration, go for it!
As to why the tight wrapping and crimping of wire connections onto sockets, etc., back in the 1930s, and later (as noted in Heathkit manuals) it was always stressed that a strong mechanical connection was necessary; that the solder was not to be the mechanical connection, just the "mortar" for the joint. That concept went away with PC Boards and those who serviced TVs that were built on PC Boards have dealt with more cold solder joints on PC Boards as opposed to the traditional construction (mid 60s - mid 70s Zeniths notwithstanding).
In dealing with caps, J Hooking is usually accepted, especially if "stuffing" paper caps, as the joint might be able to be made under the paper shell of the stuffed cap. This is especially true of mid 30s RCA radios as the paper tubes are much longer than the cap that is internal (a rare easy job).
Another consideration is if the socket can withstand the required "surgery" of cutting into and desoldering wiring.
The bottom line is to do this the way that you want to. Unless this was an expensive and highly collectable model, the underside of the radio is not going to be inspected by a museum curator. any method of connections and proper insulation is acceptable. However, if the museum curator is you and you want this to be an accurate total restoration, go for it!
As to why the tight wrapping and crimping of wire connections onto sockets, etc., back in the 1930s, and later (as noted in Heathkit manuals) it was always stressed that a strong mechanical connection was necessary; that the solder was not to be the mechanical connection, just the "mortar" for the joint. That concept went away with PC Boards and those who serviced TVs that were built on PC Boards have dealt with more cold solder joints on PC Boards as opposed to the traditional construction (mid 60s - mid 70s Zeniths notwithstanding).
"Do Justly, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God"- Micah 6:8
Best Regards,
MrFixr55
