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THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => QSO => Topic started by: Todd, KA1KAQ on July 19, 2012, 09:40:07 PM



Title: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: Todd, KA1KAQ on July 19, 2012, 09:40:07 PM
Been working on a 30K-5 transmitter project here, although the heat in the garage tends to slow things down a bit.

One of the items in need of attention was the front emblem which was really scruffy and in need of paint. As simple as it might seem, it took several hours to do with several lessons learned along the way. Thought I'd share a Before and After shot to show how much of a difference a little detail can make. Though not 'Factory Perfect' or original, is sure looks a lot better now than before.

I'm sure the signal will benefit significantly.


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: ke7trp on July 19, 2012, 10:59:45 PM
Looks great and you did it yourself!

C


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: KA0HCP on July 19, 2012, 11:03:17 PM
Very good indeed.


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: Opcom on July 19, 2012, 11:21:54 PM
A good inspiration for doing it yourself!


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: w3jn on July 20, 2012, 06:48:54 AM
That will almost certainly add 10 dB!


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: W3GMS on July 20, 2012, 07:27:07 AM
Hi Todd,

Looks very good.  So what were the lessons learned along the way?

Joe, GMS


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: KD0HUX on July 20, 2012, 07:50:35 AM
  :)LOOKIN GOOD :)


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: WD8BIL on July 20, 2012, 08:51:27 AM
Now shoot it with a few coats of clear coat.


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: W9PSK on July 20, 2012, 10:44:43 AM
Very nice!


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: K9PNP on July 20, 2012, 12:20:01 PM
Good job!!  Keep up the good work.


Title: Re: A Small Detail Can Make a Big Difference
Post by: Todd, KA1KAQ on July 24, 2012, 01:35:25 PM
TNX guys. My internet service crashed last Friday and was only restored this morning, so I'm a bit late catching up.

I've had a number of folks ask about the process involved, so when I get a spare minute or three, I'll jot down some notes and add it to the Restoration forum. Though each item will differ as far as size, paint depth, etc, the overall process is pretty much the same. Repainted the skirt for a Super Pro band knob the same way. It's probably more an issue of the applied technique which is bound to vary by the individual. If you don't use it regularly, you end up relearning almost as much as you learn new.

I will say that trying to do too much at once is a sure-fire way to end up stripping and starting over.  ::)

The transmitter is coming along nicely over the last week. Will post some shots and info on that too, when time permits. W3JN really saved my bacon and got the rig making substantial RF through the aerial. I can say that a 4-125 is capable of making enough light to read by while warming things within a 2-3 ft radius when not tuned properly. When it's tuned correctly, 250 watts output is the better alternative.

Now shoot it with a few coats of clear coat.

That's a great idea, Buddly. I'd though of this before but decided against it since it could lock in discoloration or other problems with the chrome areas. But it would make sense to use the same process and simply remove the clear coat from the chrome if that's an issue. Hmmmm......
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