[Hallicrafters] HT-44 Transmitter Problem

[richard.arland at verizon.net]

Recently I procured a set: HT-44/SX-117 and matching supply. The receiver is a spare as I have one that is in great condx and works well. 

The HT-44 has some squirrley things happening: 80 & 40 M load fine with full output around 100 W. HOWEVER, 20, 15 & 10 M have a severe loading problem: as you tune up, the transmitter "takes off" and the drive control has no effect at all with controlling the output. The transmitter just "runs wild" indicating, to me, that the TX has some spurs or parasitics (sp) and needs some intense TLC. 

Does anyone have any ideas or has anyone encountered this before on an HT-44? If so, what was your solution?

One last question: what is the best way to repaint the cabinet on the HT-44 to match (as closely as possible) the "pebbleized" texture of the original paint? Getting the proper shade is not a problem, the texture is. 

vy 73

Rich K7SZ