[Hammarlund] SP-600 RF Deck

[Joe Connor]

Once again, I come to you for some advice.
 
I am about to tackle the RF deck in my SP-600, JX-14. I've read (and re-read) Ray Vasek's excellent article, as well as the Western Historic Radio Museum article. I have Chuck remarkable DVD. HOwever, I am looking for advice:
 
1. My solder sucker cannot reach the 12 connections that I need to unsolder to free up the RF deck. Dare I try to disconnect these wires without a solder sucker? If not, any suggestions on what I should use?
 
2. I plan to use ceramic discs as replacement caps. Any issue with this?
 
3. Is there anything else I should watch for or any other tips to make the job easier? 
 
You folks helped me out on this set in November. Since then, I have re-capped the chassis, the IF cans, the T-9 can and the turret. This has gone from a marginally operational set to a sensitive, beautiful sounding receiver. If it sounds this good with 20 black beauties in the RF deck, I will be excited to hear what it sounds like after those caps are replaced. I changed the out-of-spec resistors, although I was surprised to find that fewer than a half dozen were more than 10% out of spec. I replaced a few missing parts (Thanks, Andy!). Surprisingly, I found that Sears sells the hole plugs for the RF deck. Once I finish the RF deck, I plan on installing Chuck's audio mods. 
 
As always, thanks for your help.
 
 
                                      Joe Connor