01-12-2009, 01:02 PM
In case anyone has to replace pushbuttons with fiberboard slides behind them on a Zenith 8-S-359 or other 6-button station, I got the following good advice:
First, take a look at your 6 broken ones buttons and make a map. There are two types NO and NC three of each in your kit to replace.
Next. Dremel Tool and grind off the metal staked backside so you can remove.. pry off carefully the bakelite strips. Next you will have to unbend slightly the steel holder for the wire harness... you need just a bit more room to get it all apart. So unroll that thing just a bit. Now you have the bakelites off the backside... remove the old broken fiber switches... while you have it apart.. clean the brass fingers of the switches...super fine sandpaper works well.. next install the new fibers into correct positions. Now put the bakelite strips back in place. This will require addition of slight amount of 2 part epoxy to keep them in place since you ground away the metal that held them before. Close up the rolled wire holder a bit and your done. I use clear silicone then to install new hook buttons on the ends of the new fibers.
First, take a look at your 6 broken ones buttons and make a map. There are two types NO and NC three of each in your kit to replace.
Next. Dremel Tool and grind off the metal staked backside so you can remove.. pry off carefully the bakelite strips. Next you will have to unbend slightly the steel holder for the wire harness... you need just a bit more room to get it all apart. So unroll that thing just a bit. Now you have the bakelites off the backside... remove the old broken fiber switches... while you have it apart.. clean the brass fingers of the switches...super fine sandpaper works well.. next install the new fibers into correct positions. Now put the bakelite strips back in place. This will require addition of slight amount of 2 part epoxy to keep them in place since you ground away the metal that held them before. Close up the rolled wire holder a bit and your done. I use clear silicone then to install new hook buttons on the ends of the new fibers.
"Ignorance is bliss...'til you have to fix a radio..."