[Hallicrafters] SX-71 Lid came out 'nice'

[Philip Atchley]

Hello all
Well today I "basically" finished up the lid of the SX-71 receiver.  It
looks REALLY nice.  This thing was basically "brown" with rust.

Here's the steps I went through, some following hints of those on this
reflector and some doing it "my own way".

1.  Removed the lid from the cabinet (duh).

2.  Using Jasco paint stripper I stripped all the old paint (what remained)
from the lid.

3.  I then used wet/dry paper and got off all the rust I could.

4.  I then used Jasco Metal prep to remove all the remaining rust, including
that in the perforations.  This product said to simply wipe on, let sit
overnight and then wipe off the white powder, prime (if desired) and paint.
However, I found it plugged up MANY of the perforations and could not be
easily removed by wiping (more like using a toothpick).  I then got the
bright idea, leaned it up against a tree, got the garden hose with a
"pressure nozzle" up close and "washed" the entire lid.  This unplugged all
the holes and removed the prep material.  I was left with a nice clean lid
that had been very lightly etched.

5.  Dry off best I could, and left in the sun to dry (which it quickly did).

6.  Using Tie wraps I "hung" it by two of the hinge mounting holes so that
it hung vertical.  As I had to do this outside I figured that would give it
the least amount of surface for bugs and junk to light on.

7.  Then I used Krylon "Rust Tough Zinc Rich" grey primer and gave it a nice
coat of primer, top, bottom sides etc.  I was afraid this might be a 'thick"
primer and plug the perforations again, but no, it went on well and didn't
plug them.

8.  Then, after the primer set the obligatory 35-40 minutes I "Shot it" with
the Krylon Rust Tough aluminium Enamel.  Again, I was afraid it would plug
the holes, but no, it didn't.  It came out looking very nice.  I gave it
several light coats of the enamel and the paint came out nice and even, no
streaking, dripping or running!

NOTE:  I PURPOSELY DID NOT sand it smooth after the application of the
primer.  I liked the very light "texture" this gave the paint and I figured
that it would not have any shiny or extra "glossy" spots this way.  (Also
probably helped to prevent any running).  The texture of the finished
product reminds me of some of the textured surfaces some of the older gear
used to have, though not as pronounced!  Probably keep the light from
"shining" off the surface and showing up any minor blems/scratches  that
might appear over time.

One last thought:  I'm considering "clear coating" the lid, case and front
panel, especially if I can find a matte clear coat.   What think Ye?  That
should protect the lettering on the front panel (after it gets here).

73 de Phil  KO6BB






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