[Drake] R-4B mechanical repair questions

[Dennis Monticelli]

Hello to everyone on the list.  I just subscribed today.

I recently acquired an R4B (very early serial: 7011) and was in the
middle of a restoration when I run into a couple of mechanical issues.

1)  The preselector vernier slips when I get up to 15M.  It is not a
slug rack resistance problem because if I provide a little upward
nudge on the rack the vernier gets past the slipping spot and
continues on towards 10M.  Can this vernier be disassembled, cleaned,
regreased, and adjusted to work properly or am I looking at a wear
problem that defies repair?  If it can be repaired, I would appreciate
advice as to the procedure.  If it cannot, I would appreciate advice
on where I can buy either an original one or a new part that happens
to fit (including accomodating the red pointer).

2)  I have a burned out neon lamp that requries front panel removal
for repair.  But I got stuck trying to remove the metal IF bandwidth
lever.  Does it simply press onto the shaft?  I've put some force on
it (short of using pliers) and it just won't budge. I recognize that I
need to support the shaft when I do this because the switch back near
the IF filter box is not strongly attached.  Maybe that little lever
is not meant to be removed.  Perhaps the entire shaft needs to be
removed by disconnecting the coupling near the switch?  If so, how?

This radio is in otherwise very good mechanical shape, so I want to be
careful and do this right.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Dennis  AE6C