[Hallicrafters] Restuff or not

[Rinkie & Ron Pollack]

Might as well put my 2 cents in as well, as I'm a recent owner and fixer
upper (not quite restorer) of an HT32/SX101A, which I have been using
regularly.

My understanding, and I welcome correction, is that when it comes to
electrolytics, the problem is not primarily age but lack of use.  I got my
'101 about 6 months ago from a neighbor who used it regularly for years.  It
has the original filter caps, as well as, I believe, all others.  I've been
told that it is lack of use that dries them out, and as long as the set is
used often, shorting is not a big problem. Notwithstanding, I do plan to
replace them as well as a bunch of paper ones that look a bit suspect,
because the receiver is not as stable as I'd like.

In contrast, I just got an HT32 that had not been on the air for 35 or so
years, and came wrapped in plastic.  It was therefore quite clean, but I
took the panel off and cleaned it, replaced the filter caps in the LV supply
(the HV is an oil filled which I'm told rarely goes bad) and the caps in the
bias supply.  There are only a few paper caps, and I replaced those as well
as a mica that looked like something was leaking.  Fired it up, and it works
perfectly, with good audio reports and cw note reports.  Exception:  I did
not replace 2 electrolytics or several paper in the SSB generator sub
assembly, as it looks like a huge project to get it out.

Such is my experience.  I welcome corrections/suggestions by the many more
knowledgeable than me.

Thanks to all on the list who came to my aid with suggestions, a mike plug,
and encouragement.  This is my dream station from when I was 13 years old!
Proud photos e mailed on request!

Ron K2RP