I am sometimes am want to use the mic element from H-33PT handsets, if they can be found. I will try your method next time. Funny... the method of taping an element on the front of a T-17 looks like a pig wearing a gas mask...!

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of B. Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 5:13:32 PM
To: Military Radio Collectors Association <[email protected]>
Subject: [MRCA] T-17 rebuild

Several have asked about replacing the carbon microphone element in the T-17. I usually use a standard telephone button and trim it to fit inside the T-17 housing by removing the outer frame. The button then fits inside the T-17 housing and the outer cover with the small center holes can be fitted. (Drill additional center holes if necessary to improve voice response) Other have taken a T-17 housing and machined the interior to enlarge it to accommodate the larger button but removing the outer frame with a small file is faster and easier. There is no compassion between the audio output level between the original T-17 cartridge which has aged and the telephone button, the button is loud and very crisp.
Info on the T-17 including the button mod,capacitor info, rewiring etc can be found at the link below. In addition there is a chart supplied by WA5CAB on the different contract dates and manufacturer of which I've added a couple of entries. I will add additional info to the chart if I receive the information.
Z
http://k4che.com/T-17/T-17.htm