[Hallicrafters] SX-28A side chrome needed

[Mike Everette]

Rob wrote:


I just bought a SX-28A for restoration. The metal trim on the sides is pitted and oxidized. I'm looking for replacement trim in good condition.


Yes... you, and dare I say, scores more just like you.

Unfortunately, I know of no "aftermarket" source for these parts.  They are hyper-scarce.

The cold hard reality is, you'll probably have better luck finding a complete cabinet, than just the "chrome" parts.

Actually I seriously doubt that these are actually chrome; rather, they are highly polished steel.

The best thing you could do, is try some "Chrome-Glo" metal polish, available at auto parts or motorcycle stores.  This stuff is truly wonderful.  You might also try "Nevr-Dull" metal polish.

Either way, you are going to have to expend a lot of elbow grease.  

Something else which MAY help get rid of severe oxidation, is "P-B Blaster," an aerosol penetrating oil and corrosion buster.  You might try the P-B Blaster, on cotton balls, before the polish to get rid of the worst of it.  Use this product with PLENTY of ventilation, because it is extremely strong and will give you an awesome headache if used indoors.  (Not to mention the one your wife will give you when she smacks you with a rolling pin, for bringing the stuff indoors.)

After you try your best -- and I doubt that the first effort will actually be your best -- and get rid of as much as possible, you may want to talk with an automobile restorer about how to deal with any remaining pitting (and I'll be willing to bet, it's not as severe as you think it is).

There may still be shops around which offer re-chroming of bumpers and trim; but in the last couple of decades, as chrome has all but disappeared from cars, they may be hard to find.  (And remember, these things are probably not chromed to begin with -- mine don't appear to be.  They aren't even stainless steel.)

Expect to pay a lot for this service.... undoubtedly more than for an SX-28 cabinet.

All this having been said:  I would recommend, strongly, that you get your radio working -- recapped and re-resistored (and you'll have to replace darn near all of the resistors, I'll wager) -- before you worry about the chrome side pieces.

I don't know what your experience restoring radios may be... but if you haven't worked on anything as complex as an SX-28 before, I would strongly urge you to NOT make this a first project.  And this is doubly true if you are attempting your "first boatanchor."  This radio is Expert level.  Maybe higher.

Restoring an SX-28 or 28A is NOT a walk in the park.  (I actually think the 28 is somewhat easier than the 28A.)

Perhaps I'm making an improper assumption; but questions about stuff like side trim from one who's "just bought" a radio for restoration tend to trigger such assumptions.

My recommendation:

Find something not as complicated, or at least not such a tough customer to work on, to warm up.  I might suggest a Halli SX-25, or maybe a National NC-173 or NC-183.  (The National receivers are, on the whole, better built to begin with.)  But I say this, assuming you have at least some experience under your belt.

Been there?  You bet.  Got the shirt?  A whole closet full.

Two web sites which will help you a lot, if you haven't already been there:  "Phil's Old Radios," and www.radioblvd.com which has comprehensive info on the SX-28 series.

73

Mike
W4DSE