[Heathkit] Opinion needed

[jeremy-ca]

Ive restored and/or rebuilt many old radios, primarily Collins and National. 
I cant recall anyone ever saying that replacing defective components 
decreases the value. Breadboards from the 20's are a different matter 
altogether.

In fact IMO it enhances the value by being able to say "performance equals 
or exceeds original specifications". Many novice BA buyers get disenchanted 
when their new purchase has poor sensitivity, distorted audio, etc., not 
realizing that original does not always mean working well.

I sometimes bring a refurbed Zenith TO to the ocean beach and often have a 
crowd completely amazed at how well it performs. Especially when its a Red 
Sox game that comes in poor on the average rice box blaster. When I tell 
them it is 60 years old it blows their mind.

And as mentioned, certain selected pieces that have special historical 
significance should be left alone.

Carl
KM1H



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Codella, W2PA" <w2pa at arrl.net>
To: "heathkit" <heathkit at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 11:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] Opinion needed


> Gene,
>
> Unless the specific piece of equipment is all original *and* is already in 
> nearly like-new condition, I'd say, no, substituting new components will 
> either not change its value, or else it will increase it, depending on its 
> condition before restoration.  (And, after all, if it were in such good 
> shape, why do a restoration in the first place?).
>
> I've done two of these "re-kit" procedures, as you aptly called it - both 
> were Heathkits.  It was really fun.  In one case I completely disassembled 
> an SB-101, cleaned everything, replaced only a few parts and reassembled 
> it according to the original manual.  What a blast!
>
> The only other case where I'd say you'd decrease the value is with an item 
> that is very unusual, rare, or has other historical significance.  Not 
> many Heathkits fall into those categories (but we love them anyway ;-)
>
> 73,
> Chris, W2PA
>
>
> WØQFC wrote:
>> I would like the collective opinion of the groups regarding restoration 
>> of DX series (Or any other boatanchor for that matter) radios:
>>
>> I have two that I want to "re-kit" and I wonder if it would change the 
>> value of the radio if the re-kitting was done with 'modern' style 
>> resistors and caps.
>>
>> Most all of my stock of the Ohmite style (and what I have been able to 
>> purchase) resistors are too far off value to use so I wonder about using 
>> the newer film resistors and also the newer electrolytics.
>>
>> Do you think that by using the newer parts it would decrease the value of 
>> the restored equipment?
>>
>> I am talking about a complete restoration, including a re-done front 
>> panel.
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Gene, WØQFC (OK on QRZ)
>> Spring Hill, Florida 34606
>> WEB SITE:
>> http://www.w0qfc.com
>>
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