[Heathkit] Shining front panels

[Chuck Penson]

Thanks to all who responded to my question about techniques to shine the
front panels of Heath's gray style test equipment.

I got six suggestion, and for the benefit of the group I have summarized
them below:

1) A car polish called ICE believed made by Turtle Wax.  The big advantage
is that is a clear liquid so it leaves no white or other color residue.
Works well on both painted and plastic finishes.

2) Pledge and a soft cloth. Helps if you can get the panel off and free of
all controls.

3) GoJo cream hand cleaner and 0000 steel wool.  Buff it with a soft cloth
and it leaves a nice polished look.

4) Simple Green for most of the dirt and grime.  When there are troublesome
spots, use a little Naptha but be careful because it can also remove the
silkscreen.  Clean knobs with a toothbrush and Simple Green.  Brush in the
direction of the 'flutes' on the knobs.  They come out shiney and like new.

5) 3:1 on a clean cloth.

6) Automotive soft wax. Where the panel condition is very poor, precede
with Brasso, but only after first testing on an inconspicuous area (it can
easily damage aged lettering).


I also have heard that WD-40 works well, but I do not know how it is
supposed to be applied and/or worked.

Because I have several "sacrificial" front panels to practice with, I will
try all of these and report back.

Best,

Chuck / WA7ZZE