[Hallicrafters] Power washing a dusty, grimy rig??

[Roger (K8RI)]

On 9/30/2011 4:59 PM, Michael Peron wrote:
> I purchased an SR-400/PS-500 at a local estate sale but it is in need of restoration. The undersides are quite pristine but both top chassis are very dusty and full of grime (luckily no smoke smell). I first plan to dust it with a dry brush followed by compressed air as mentioned on the Hali site. I've also read about the use of Windex, 409, soap and brasso but this could be quite labor instensive. I didn't find anything on using a power washer (on low to medium pressure). I've cringe at using water on vintage electronics but recall folks drying these boat anchors in an oven. Does anyone have any suggestions if this approach is advised? My electric power washer has a small tank where I can mix in "cleaner" to the water flow. Any ideas on what type of cleaner to use? What about compressed air drying instead of oven baking? A good friend of mine and fellow member suggested covering the IF cans before spraying with water (sounds like good advice). Thanks in advance. Mike WB6UTW

I would not use a power washer, or even compressed air on the "innards" 
of a rig I wanted to use again.  I find even compressed air of more than 
a few pounds inadvisable and it'll turn little dust particles into 
projectiles/bullets that can do a lot of damage. Sure I'd use it in open 
areas, cabinets, etc... but not around transformers or IF cans or 
variable capacitors.

I wouldn't even use a pressure washer on a cabinet unless I was planning 
on repainting it.
My pressure washer is capable of chewing 2X4s and larger timbers in two, 
although the resulting edge is not exactly neat<:-)) Kinda frayed around 
the edges if you know what I mean.

The same goes for chemicals. Make sure what you use is easily soluble 
and removed. Don't use anything that has Ammonia in it.  Early versions 
of Simple Green and 409 were great at dissolving Aluminum and other 
delicate parts.

As others have said, "Slow and painstaking" is the way to go when 
restoring anything valuable that you expect to work when you get done.


73

Roger (K8RI)
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