[Collins] 75S panel overlay repair

[GRANT YOUNGMAN]

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.

I finished the chassis cleaning and washed the front panel.  It all looks virtually like new.  Application of Meguar’s Scratch X2.0 gently to the trim ring and cabinet really brought out the original shine.  And there are no consequential issues or flaws in the paint of the trim ring or cabinet.  It was clearly well cared for by the previous owner(s).  

The panel overlay loosened completely during the cleaning process.  So reattaching it will be much simpler with a good contact cement since there’s now no need to inject adhesive around the edges while trying to keep it off the panel face.

Interestingly, I can now tell that the overlay (which has a round emblem installed) was drilled also for the winged emblem.  There’s no hint of this from the front, so it was apparently (maybe?) done at the factory.  It’s only visible from the back of the overlay.  In addition, the ham band crystals live on the crystal deck under the chassis.  Even though the ham bands are printed on the overlay (a la 75S3-B) under the “C” crystal switch escutcheon , I’m tempted to believe that this 75S3B was converted to a 75S3C by the factory rather than with the conversion kit.  No guaranteed way to tell for sure, I suppose.

Grant NQ5T


On Sep 30, 2014, at 12:56 PM, GRANT YOUNGMAN <nq5t at tx.rr.com> wrote:

> I’m working on cleaning a very dirty 75S3B/C receiver.  i’ve discovered that the front panel overlay is peeling slightly from the left side.  It isn’t loose overall, just slightly peeling from one side.  It will press back in place, but won’t stay there.
> 
> Any suggestions on whether it would be better to just leave well enough alone, or try to fix it?  What kind of adhesive would be the best thing to use?  I’m presuming I’m going to need to inject it somehow between the backing aluminum panel and the overlay (I think I have a needle syringe around here somewhere .. maybe .. if I can even find it).
> 
> As a second question, the overlay is a bit dirty but free of scratches and should clean just fine.  Would it be best to wash it (mild cleaner) and leave it as is or put some carnauba wax on it, etc.?  What’s the standard approach on these things?
> 
> Thanks … Grant NQ5T