[ARC5] T-18 restoration...filling chassis holes...

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 26 Feb 2020 at 15:29, Peter Bertini wrote:

> I picked this one up from a local ham... it was modified and pretty much ruined 
> as a collector grade radio.  The set was modified for both crystal and VFO
> operation, and the rear deck was drilled and butchered.

I have had pretty good luck with using JB Weld and two pieces of aluminum plate, covered 
with SaranWrap, to fill those sorts of holes. I fill the holes with JB Weld, then clamp the two 
pieces of SaraWrapped aluminum plate to both sides to make the JB Weld flat.

After the JB Weld sets, I remove the clamp and the aluminum sheets. The SaranWrap then 
peels off, although sometimes it must be scraped off.

I have several BC-band receivers which have been horribly hacked. 5, at last count, as I 
remember it.

Using this methiod, at least the holes are filled. Then I paint the receiver with aluminum 
paint.

It LOOKS acceptably, but it sure isn't collector grade. :-(

I've never really understood why these were so badly hacked up.

One of the BC band receivers I have uses a BC-453 chassis. The BC-453 plate on the side 
is still there. Someone simply replaced the IF cans, the BFO can, and the RF/Osc/Mixer box 
with those from a destroyed BC band receiver.

I have not (yet) examined the differences between the two receivers to tell if this actually 
works, but it seems as though it would.

BTW, I have one, completely un-hacked, T-18 here. The paint is very dull, but at least the 
transmitter is all in one piece. I haven't decided what to do with it at this point. I bought it off 
eBay many years ago for cheap, like $10.00 or so.

I, at first, had the idea of using it on 160 meters, expecting it to be hacked up. But after 
seeing it close up, I decided against that.

Since I am not a collector (can't afford it), it should probably go to someone who would 
appreciate it. Trouble is, I don't know what it is worth.

Ken W7EKB