[Boatanchors] Hallicrafters SX-42 - Restore or Parts?

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Sat, Jun 9, 2012 at 6:27 AM, David Stinson <arc5 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:

> I just picked-up a (heavy!) Hallicrafters SX-42 receiver
>
> I've certainly seen worse sets recovered.
> The very complexity of this set will make it a big project.
> I'm not a Hallicrafters person.  I don't know if an SX-42 is
> considered
> worth recovery or if I should "part it out" to help other sets.
> Advice, please?
>


They are wonderful sets when they are restored and working properly, Dave.
It was their top-of-the-line set in the late 40s, styled by Raymond
Loewy.The push-pull audio is incredible into a good speaker (like the
matching 600 ohm R-42 Reproducer or larger), and the tuning set up is a
marvel.

They are also a bear to restore. Mainly the issue of re-capping and
checking all the resistors as some are incredibly hard to access. As well,
the clutch system can be a PITA and if the little locking lever (in the
center of the tuning knob) is snapped off, good luck repairing it. Also,
the audio output transformers are often fried. If you decide to restore it,
check that and if good, restore that circuit along with the power supply
first before putting the power to it.

Paint wasn't a strong suit for most manufacturers, so don't let the rust
and corrosion bother you. Most did not prime the parts properly, if at all,
since they didn't envision any still being in use 10-20 years down the road
- muchless 50-60! I saw one cheap at the Raleigh 'fest, front panel was
freckled pretty good. Stored in a damp basement or garage, no doubt.

It's not a rare set by any means, so if you need parts like a clean panel,
you should be able to scare one up. By the same token, if you deem it too
far gone or damaged to bring back, you won't be committing heresy if you
part it out. I have a parts rig here myself, and gave away another that
have both helped bring back numerous sets.

To put it into car terms, it's like those late-50s land yachts with all the
chrome: beautiful and worth preserving, but also something you'd want to
find already done if you were in the market. The SX-42 will have you
talking to yourself in harsh terms before you're done.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4