[Drake] For Sale - MS-4 Front Grille Material, cut to size

[Tom Hammond]

Folks:

As part of my ongoing effort to install the Hageman Drake Het Osc Xtal 
Eliminator into an MS-4 speaker enclosure while NOT modifying the original 
perforated steel front panel, I have purchased a 36" x 40" sheet of 
perforated metal from McMaster-Carr.

The perforations are 1/8" in diameter, spaced 3/16" apart and succeeding 
rows are stagger-spaced, just as those on the MS-4 grille. This is 
McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com) product 9255T661 ($33.19, plus $15 
shipping via UPS).

In an effort to recoup some of the not insignificant expense in purchasing 
the perforated steel sheet, I am offering single pieces of this material, 
cut to a size of 10-5/8" x 5-11/32" (+/-1/32" in each dimension), to just 
fit inside the MS-4 case. To properly insert these panels, you will have to 
nip off 1/16" from all four corners of the panel  (to accommodate the 
slightly rounded inside corner of the case) and, on one side only, remove a 
1/16" deep by 1-1/2" 'notch', centered on the narrow side. This notch is 
required to allow the panel to swing into place without catching on the 
steel 'backing strip' which is spot welded inside the MS-4 case, to join 
the top and bottom halves together. This material is easily cut using a 
DremelTool with an emery cutting wheel.

The OEM front panel for the MS-4 was cut oversized and then bent (using a 
sheet metal brake) to form four sides around the panel itself. The bottom 
side was used to secure the grille into the case of the MS-4. My panels do 
NOT offer this option. They are designed to be held in place either by 
mounting brackets or, as I'm doing, by being pushed forward against the 
inside of the turned-in lips of the front of the MS-4 case. I can provide 
pictures of how I installed my panel if you are truly interested. Just ask.

The panels themselves are of #22 gauge (0.030" thick) steel and one side is 
smoothly finished while the back side is clean, but no attempt was made by 
the manufacturer to 'finish' it. There are no significant nicks or 
scratches on the panels and none are bent, other than a 'natural' slight 
curve imparted by the shearing process. I actually make use of this curve, 
to ensure that the panel fits snuggly against the inside of the case front.

The panels are 'clean' but there is a very slight oily film on each sheet. 
I'd advise anyone to either place the panel in the dishwasher for a couple 
passes, to remove any remaining oily residue, prior to painting or final 
installation.

I will ship one (1) piece to you, via U.S. Priority Mail for $6.00 for the 
panel and $3.85 postage. The panel will be protected against damage during 
shipment by a piece of junk PC board, cut slightly over-size and taped 
against the panel itself.

If you are interested, please contact me directly at:

      n0ss at earthlink.net
or
      call 573-893-2813

I will probably have about 15 panels available for sale.

73,

Tom Hammond    N0SS