[ARC5] Aluminum Chassis cleaning (and 'that' philosophical question on cl...

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

The original (new) unpainted WECo and other manufactured SCR-274-N 
components were not shiny.  The individual aluminum parts were clear matte anodized. 
 The most that I would do would be soap and water and stiff non-matallic 
brushes.  Some of the WW-II vintage unpainted aluminum components (Cannon 
K-Series and some P-Series connectors for example) were hard coat anodized, 
which yields a dark gray.  But I don't recall ever seeing this finish on Command 
Set parts.  Mostly Navy aircraft sets.

Robert Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480

In a message dated 12/29/2015 10:25:05 AM Central Standard Time, 
aa9il at sbcglobal.net writes: 
> Hi All
>  I have a modified BC series ARC 5 transmitter (octal socket for power, 
> 1/4 inch jack added for the key) - I cleaned the base chassis sides with 
> Mothers aluminum cleaner/polish (from your standard auto parts stores) - it 
> cleaned up the chassis to a nice shine.  I have not yet tackled the front 
> panel as I am wary of taking off the paint for the controls.
> What I have done is mask labels and paint marks with painters tape and 
> worked around that.
> 
> 
> What I found though with the top cover, there was a good build up of 
> oxidation - I applied the cleaner and it didnt clean to a nice polish - I can do 
> a second clean/polish cycle - OR - I can go a different route and use 
> white jewelers rouge and a cloth wheel on the dremel tool.
> 
> 
> What have you used in the past for cleaning aluminum?
> 
> 
> Ok, have to ask the philosophical question - I have several receivers that 
> are not modified but the chassis and cover is dirty (ive asked about this 
> before if this sounds familiar) - I can do a gentle clean with soapy water. 
>  Im assuming that these radios are like telegraph keys, you can remove 
> dust/dirt but polishing/cleaning reduces the historical/collector value.  Im 
> sticking with a damp sponge wipe down for now.  Comments?
> 
> 
> Thanks for all the great info from the list group.
> Mike
> AA9IL
> 
> 
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