[Milsurplus] BC-312/BC-342 Questions

[Mack McCormick]

First, I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me in my journey to restore my BC-342. It now is 100% functional in the RF/Electronics sense. I replaced all the black paper caps including in the RF/Detector sections. Repaired three switch contacts in the RF/Detector sections. Replaced a screen resistor. Corrected many serious wiring mistakes that one of the previous owners made in his quest to restore the rig, replaced the 5W4 rectifier with  silicone diodes (choke input filter), replaced bad tubes, cleaned it very  thoroughly with Simple Green inside and out, replaced the 2nd audio tube with a 6Q7, added a 4000 ohm : 8 ohm matching transformer, and increased the screen voltage in the 1st and 2nd RF tubes to give it more sensitivity. I then aligned it with my IFR-1900 service monitor and it is better than -115 dBm sensitivity on all bands.

I'm now ready to tackle the cosmetic issues with the radio and would appreciate your additional advice.

1. I have the black crinkle paint from Antique Radio Supply. Do I really need to cook the finish in my XYL's oven or will will be satisfactory to warm it with my heat gun? I also plan to powder coat the tuning and band knobs with flat black powder coat.

2. The portion of the band switch dial that shows the frequency window is not aligned. It needs to be moved about 15 degrees on every band. I've looked at things mechanically, tried loosing everything I can, and can't figure out how to align this dial. Please advise.

3. Many of the original screws and parts are missing. I need to purchase a donor rig or as we used to say in the military a hanger queen to get some authentic parts and screws. If you have one for sale please let me know. I did recently purchase another BC-312 here on the list but it was in almost perfect condition and far better than this one that I'm restoring for a friend so I wouldn't dare harm that one.

In case you don't remember my story this is a rig I restoring as a Christmas present for a dear ham friend. He gave it to me and I later learned that this rig belonged to his elmer who is now a SK. It was also the first rig he ever heard CW on. I want to restore it to as near perfect condition as my abilities allow and give it back to him.

73,

 

Mack

WB4MAK