[Drake] Cleaning Drake plastic

[Garey Barrell]

John -

The dial window and meter covers are pretty tough.  Worst case some 
Novus polish will cure just about anything.  But the dials themselves 
are quite susceptible to damage from cleaning products.  The "blank" 
side is easy, but the frequency markings are easy to damage.  I have 
heard from others that even dish soap can be a problem.  I would be VERY 
concerned about something as strong as Simple Green, even diluted.

The only ones that I have seen discolored were from sunlight exposure, 
which turns them dark brown, usually in the shape of the dial window.  
I've never used anything other than plain water, with a drop or two of 
Ivory dish soap.  Whatever you try, start on one of the "overrun" marks 
down by the "STOP".  I have had very good results on just about 
everything using GoJo Hand cleaner (white) with no damage to panel or 
chassis markings.  But I've never had the guts to try it on a dial plate. 

There are NO replacements aside from donor units, and there just aren't 
that many donor units with decent dial plates!  Plus there are different 
plates for different models, R-4 vs R-4A vs R-4B vs R-4C.  I've saved 
the clear CDs that are at the top and bottom of the CD-R towers with the 
thought of a possible scan and print on an Avery clear label 
arrangement, but so far haven't had to try it!

Let us know of your experiences, good or bad!!

73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 4-B, C-Line & TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>



John King wrote:
> My Drake R4 receiver was rescued from a basement in
> Alaska where there was a wood burning furnace and I
> think my dials and the lens and the meter cover are
> probably not clear due to a heavy layer of smoke. I
> think the dial disc and the plastic lens in front of
> the dial need a good cleaning. The plastic is not
> clear on the dial or the lens as my other Drakes are.
>
> I have cleaned Drake dials before, but I am not sure
> what I used to clean them with. I think it was diluted
> Simple Green. I know that one doesn't dare use water
> on old Hallicrafters dials because the lettering will
> wash off, but i don't recall that problem with Drake
> dials.
>
> What has been your experience with Drake 4 line dial,
> lens and meter cover cleaning. Your input based on
> experience will be appreciated. 73, John, K5PGW 
>
>