02-04-2009, 10:03 AM
I suppose to each their own. I don't see any value in using terminal strips as opposed to the bakelite blocks. My own preference is to preserve the bakelite blocks, since they have the correct terminals already in the right places. It's harder to make a mistake using the original bakelite block IMHO. To me, that esthetic is important. I like the look of a chassis that retains originality. If function were all that were important, we wouldn't care about correct knobs, finish, grillcloth, cleaning off dirt, etc. etc. etc. Just slam bang it together any old way and listen to it. Or we could install solid state components for longer life. Lets face it, anyone can get a radio working, it takes some more skill and dedication to restore a radio. So where do you draw the line? Just because it's under the chassis doesn't mean it isn't looked at. No one much cares about antique radios except other geeks like us anyway. When I sell a radio, eventually someone will pull out the chassis, examine it and pass along the word that my work is above grade. THat keeps customers coming.
Unlike some "purists", I do not favor continuing to use the original capacitors in the blocks if they happen to test currently good. I believe they will fail at some point and they were never engineered to last forever. I do not criticize those who open the old wax paper caps and hide new ones inside the old, or those who restuff can electrolytics, although I don't do anything like that myself.
Unlike some "purists", I do not favor continuing to use the original capacitors in the blocks if they happen to test currently good. I believe they will fail at some point and they were never engineered to last forever. I do not criticize those who open the old wax paper caps and hide new ones inside the old, or those who restuff can electrolytics, although I don't do anything like that myself.