[Hammarlund] Looking for HQ-129X remanufactured faceplate

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

The only difference I could tell with mine was the script for 'HQ-129X' across
the top. Just another variation they used. Ron sent me a nice picture beforehand
though, and I knew this. They also had red lettering mixed in on some of the
earlier(?) models. Long and the short of it is that it would be extremely
expensive to make a silkscreen for each variation unless you knew the demand
would make it a worhwhile endeavor, so Ron probably chose the one that would
best represent all models. I sure am glad, because mine is like new except for a
quarter inch hole drilled into it by a former owner. Nothing in the hole either,
except air! Sometime this winter I plan to do the swap, then the receiver and
matching speaker will be put to use like the others.

In a world where some repoduction knobs or paint or anything else can seem a bit
outrageous, these panels are well worth the money. A bargain, I'd say. Even with
an R-390, you have to strip, sand, re-paint, re-letter or pay someone a chunk of
cash to do it for you. This one is complete and ready to install, instant
facelift for your radio.

If mine had just a few scratches or some wear, I wouldn't have bothered. I like
the authenticity of original gear if it's not too beat up and objectionable. But
when someone has played dentist with the front panel, any authenticity has been
lost. I remember when I looked at the radio and thought "this radio is clean and
would be in excellent shape, were it not for that hole! I wonder if it could be
plugged?". Then I saw an ad for Ron's panels, got the picture sent, and figured
someone was listening to me that day. took me another year or so to remember it,
but I bought one and I'm sure glad I did.

73, Boomer  KA1KAQ

SP600historian@aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 11/21/02 6:33:17 PM, rodney_bunt@yahoo.com writes:
>
> << All,
>
> I have used one of these repro panel, although the text on the panel is not
> exact, but they do
> look good. Recommended.
>
> Rodney
> VK2KTZ >>
>
> Exact as compared to what? There were four versions of the HQ-129 panel, Ron
> Hankins panels are just one of the versions. He chose the one that was the
> best looking (in his opinion) and had them silk screened.
>
> I suppose next we will have comments on the various shades of SP-600 front
> panels. I have owned 19 of them and have seen at least eight different
> shades....which is correct? You tell me.
>
> Les Locklear
> Gulfport, Ms.
> SP-600 Historian
> http://www.hammarlund.info/
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