49-500 Dial Cover Removal? - Printable Version
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49-500 Dial Cover Removal? - SRv2 - 04-22-2026
Hey all, I’m just starting on a 49-500 to work on my Bakelite techniques. Anyone have a trick to remove the inner fasteners that hold the dial cover in place - see attached pic. Luckily this dial cover is in good condition and maybe the best answer is “if it ain’t broke…”
Just tapping the collective phorum knowledge for any tips on these pressed in clips. Thanks, George
RE: 49-500 Dial Cover Removal? - Arran - 04-22-2026
Yes;
Those are called either tri-clips or tri-mounts, and they just push into a hole in the Bakelite. The way to remove them is by working a thin, flat, blade underneath the head, and prying them out, something like a putty knife, they are only held in with friction. They are much easier to remove then the rectangular, black, spring steel clips that some companies used to hold dial windows, or grill cloths in place, that pushed down over a plastic post.
Regards
Arran
RE: 49-500 Dial Cover Removal? - SRv2 - 04-22-2026
Arran, genius! Thank you! I had nightmares about the other type of speed nuts and the impossibility of getting those off. Onward we go.
RE: 49-500 Dial Cover Removal? - Arran - 04-22-2026
George;
That dental pick, or scribe, looks like it would work well on one of those rectangular clips I mentioned, (maybe they are called speed nuts", at least when they are used on Bakelite or metal. I always used the small jeweler's screwdrivers to gently lever them off. There is another kind that looks like a washer, and the only way I have been able to remove those is to cut them off, I once had to that to get a speaker out of a 60s era AC/DC set.
Regards
Arran
RE: 49-500 Dial Cover Removal? - radiorich - 04-22-2026
Hello George,
Great idea! I can’t stand those little retainers, but the speed nuts are even worse. Anyway, some of these sets seem like our new TVs—just throwaway items, not meant to be repaired. Those AA5 sets can really be a pain.
Sincerely Richard