[Hallicrafters] Re: A mirror finish?

[Bruce Wright]

Dear Fellow List Members...

I've just viewed the pictures of Rich's SX-42 and must say he has done a 
fine job...I don't know where the words "mirror finish" came into the 
discussion, but that is considerably short of a mirror finish...I've seen 
mirror finishes on several occasions, both up-close in person and via 
pictures posted on the internet and, as I said, IMHO the fruits of Rich's 
labor are, in my estimation, "bright metal finish" not "mirror finish".

Having said that, and not to involve myself in the debate or "modified" or 
"restored" (I'm using a lot of quotation marks here), I can relate the 
results of a restoration (by my definition) that I performed on the chassis 
and plated components of my SX-100 a few years ago.

Although I was lucky to acquire a radio in excellent cosmetic condition, the 
chassis, sub-chassis and shield cans were dirty, dusty and quite far removed 
from factory appearance. There was slight staining in some small areas but 
no pitting and no rust...My method, which took several evenings (perhaps 8 
to 10) was to use the very fine white Scotch-Brite pad, whetted in a 
solution of Simple Green and water, about 1:5...I cut the Scotch-Brite in 
various small sizes and shapes, and with the aid of some extenders (small 
diameter wooden dowel, cut in several different lengths, popsicle sticks and 
flexible plastic rods (similar to alignment tools), I was able to clean and 
polish the chassis and components to the point where it was again what I 
would call "bright metal"..."Too bright?" I wondered when I finished with 
the final rinse of distilled water...But now about 3 years later, I witness 
a very clean, attractive chassis and components that has lost that "just 
worked on" look...The brightness has toned down and I can say with 
confidence and some accuracy that it has that soft sheen that most Halli 
fans would imagine is original...Father Time and/or Mother Nature, I 
imagine.

FWIW

Bruce
WC5CW