[Boatanchors] RV: Cabinet for the 51j-4

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 4/29/06, Al Parker <anchor at ec.rr.com> wrote:
> Hi Francisco,
>     Yes, the 51J-3 & -J4 use the same cabinets, as do the R-388's, and I
> believe the 75A-3 & -4's do also, & maybe the earlier 75A's, tho' I may be
> corrected on the 75A-'s.

Actually, the 51J/R-388 is a special cabinet compared to the others as
it has a larger cut out on the back for the large tuning mechanism to
fit through. The 75A-2 and A-3 share a cabinet, and while the
51J/R-388 cabinet has the same outside dimensions overall, it needs
the cut out or the radio won't slide all the way in without jamming up
against the back. So, while you can use a 51J/R-388 cabinet for a
75A-2 or -3, the reverse is not true.

The 75A-1 uses the same cabinet as the 32V-1 and -2, but not -3. The
only difference being a decal inside of the 32V transmitter cabinets.
You can fit the 75A-1, 2, 3, and 51J/R-388 into these cabinets also
since they are an inch or so deeper, they just won't be
'collector-correct', if things like this keep you awake at night.

And the 75A-4 has a unique multi-piece cabinet, it matches the KWS-1
RF deck but has different information particular to the receiver
silkscreened on the back. Confused yet? (o:

51J/R-388 cabinets are quite scarce, although I did see one on ebay
last week. The scarcity is probably due to the fact that most of the
receivers were military R-388s, and were rack-mounted. Howard Mills
had a batch of reproductions made up a few years back due to the
demand, and probably still has a few left. As well as being a perfect
fit, they have a nice, hard powdercoat paint job. Price was $450 +
shipping last I knew.

> They are found occasionally on ebay & elsewhere.
> A fellow bought an R-388 with cabinet from me last summer because he
> wanted only the cabinet.  He then sold the R-388 without cabinet.

I've heard of this before, it's usually the only way to get a cabinet
unless you're very patient and resourceful. I did come across one at a
hamfest last year in nice shape, for $100. That is indeed the
exception though, and not the rule. Rule is more along the lines of
Al's experience: buy a radio to get the cabinet, then sell the radio
seperately.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ