[Johnson] Johnson Ranger Progress

[Whitebear1122]

I've made good progress on the Ranger restoration.  I have the front panel and the vfo compartment removed so everything is accessible.  I ordered new paper and electrolytic capacitors from MOUSER.COM along with a new 18K current limit resistor, so they should be here sometime next week.

I was able to finally get the vfo vernier apart.  It was a struggle and on my first attempt I did damage the threads just a bit.  There wasn't a drop of grease inside the vernier when I opened it up.  I took some pictures and plan to post them on my webpage so you can see what the vernier looks like.  I cleaned up the vernier parts, lubricated it well with  Valvoline Syn-power, and reassembled it.  The vfo tuning is smooth now.  I did observe that you can't tighten the vernier too much or it gets 'less smooth' more knobby like feel.

For once it was nice cleaning the chassis and having nearly unfettered access to the surfaces.  The inside was pretty clean considering how grimy the front panel and cabinet was.   I scrubbed down the front panel with GOJO and it cleaned up quite well. I haven't been able to completely remove the last remnants of tape adhesive so I might give it one more try with GOO GONE today.    

The knobs are filthy, and I'm talking FILTHY after sitting on the floor of the OT's shack since 1970.  I'll be scrubbing on them for a while.  I found the vfo knob to be broken and a chuck missing out of it so I'll be looking to buy a replacement knob.  

73, Scott WA9WFA