[Collins] Have fun Alodining your Collins radio

[Craig Roberts]

Like many Collins military sets, I'm guessing, my "new" R-388 appears to 
have an Alodine-treated chassis, as distinguished by its golden yellow 
appearance.  In the process of cleaning up my receiver, I removed the 
anti-corrosion treatment from a chassis rail (that had corroded anyway) 
and I;'d like to repair that. I'd also like to refinish the side covers 
of the set and treat some other bits and pieces in the name of 
authenticity. (Yes, anal -- but I'm sure some of you will understand).

Now, the Alodined surface could be replicated by using colored varnish 
(I think someone once suggested using Highlighter dye leached out with 
acetone) -- but why not use the real thing?   Back when I was building 
experimental aircraft (an avocation to which I hope to return soon), we 
routinely treated aluminum structural members with Alodine obtained from 
a wonderful company called Aircraft Spruce.  Well, they're still around 
and still selling metal prep chemicals, including Alodine.   Go to:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pdf/catalog/Cat06324.pdf

for more info and become as obsessive as me!

73,

Craig
W3CRR