[Guest]

I have some pretty bad surface rust on my Model 87.
I have used Naval Jelly and had great results on the areas I could get to easily.
I have no idea how to get the rust off the tuning condensor and would love to have any tips there might be on cleaning it.

Should I just replace it?

[Guest]

You may be able to strip it, how much depends upon the construction.

I'd certainly have a go at taking out the rotor. Remove the end bearing and turn it to min capacitance and see if it will withdraw. Catch all the balls at the front. This may give you enough access for more rust treatment. Put the balls back in with grease before inserting the rotor.

It may be worth a try soaking the stripped frame in thin phosphoric acid and then cleaning. Dishwashers do work. However, the Paxolin insulators absorb water and need time to dry out... a week on top of a boiler does the trick. Resistance drops to a few K Ohms!!

I see you have an e-mail so I will send you an article that deals with one I did. Probably not quite the same but it may give you ideas.

If you can get an exact replacement then that maybe the best bet.

Gary

[Guest]

Gary

Thanks a lot for the help, I will give it a try. I had not idea how I was going to get in there to clean it up.

I appreciate any and all advice.