[Hallicrafters] tools for the newbie

[tlogan7 at cox.net]

Hi folks -
If I decide to "tweak" my new S-53A myself, rather than have a more knowledgable person do it, I will need some pointers:
1) - Where do you suggest I buy a "varacter" and about how much should they cost? Any special characteristics I should look for?
2) - To align the S-53A I would need a freq. generator. What would you suggest for the simplest, low level, anybody can use it, freq generator? Low price is good too! Any special features, ranges etc I should look for?
3) - What is the normal Locating and Replacing Bad Caps 101 procedure?
4) - The top to my S-53A gets pretty warm - almost hot to the touch - more so on the right side I think - is this normal?
Thanks for any tips folks!
73/Tim NZ7C