[Heathkit] Heathkit AT-1 rebuild started

[kwylow zinjanthropus]

All:
Just wanted to post you on my ongoing process on my Heathkit AT-1 transmitter rebuild. It started full swing and it is going quite well.
 
First off, the day before yesterday, I completely stripped out the transmitter. The cabinet is currently being powdercoated a wrinkle grey. I gutted everything else, saving the carcass of the wiring harness for spares should I need them. I decided to rebuild the entire xmtr using as many new parts as possible. The only things that will remain original will be the power xfmr, all of the rotory switches, the meter, and the jack.
 
Since the chassis was stripped down to "parade rest" (as they say in the military), I decided to use Dave Ishmael's (WA6VVL) technique of spray painting the chassis a copper color to emulate the old copper plating from the factory. Like Dave, I didn't want a mint example of something that left Benton Harbor, MI just to put in the shelve of some class encasement to stare and oogle at. I wanted something that worked, looked good, and performed ham duties as needed. 
 
Back to the rebuild. I used ACE hardware brand copper paint to redo the top of the chassis. I didn't do the bottom because I wanted to leave the metal intact for grounding purposes. The top was slightly corroded so I cleaned off the top using degreaser and some 150 grit sandpaper. 
 
Next, I turned my attention to the transformer. The "new" power transformer isn't original. It's a taller Thordarson replacement. At least the footprint didn't look intrusive and I suspect it worked fine. I took off the endbells and other hardware and clean and painted those items gloss black. I did the same to the AT-1's plate meter. The metal cover was taken off of the movement, sanded, cleaned, and also spray painted black. I also cleaned the glass from years of grime/grit and so far, the unit looks pretty new. 
 
The front panel has been cleaned and polished using both soapy water and a finish wax using Mother's Cleaner and Carnuba wax. All hardware will be replaced with new plate steel or plated brass items. 
 
Right now, I'm waiting to let the paint dry on all of the black painted items. I ordered new sockets from Antique ES and those will be going on tomorrow along with as many of the new or refurbished component I salvaged. I also bought a manual from Pete Markavege (alias the "Manualman"). I also plan on getting the parts list and getting the rest of the resistors and caps not ordered from AES. To be continued. 
 
Cal, N6KYR.


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