[R-390] News Flash... R-390 follows man home from swap....

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Why is it everything I buy. Needs wheels or a fork lift to move it ??

Hello.....  From the Heart of Silicon Valley...

I just purchased at swap in the valley today. My first R-390 "A" made by
Motorola in 1954 according to the serial number list.
This is a early production SN # 1583 with the silk screened front panel
and I really do wish it was a later production model.

But, I think I was Very Lucky.

The only thing I'm missing is the top dust cover / shipping cover, a few
top and bottom cover screws and a allen set on the band select.
If I decide to install the receiver it in a cabinet, then it will not
matter. At this time I'm not sure if I want to.

The unit has both the Original meters, Original Motorola  ID Tag,
complete set of factory knobs, no broken glass, good front panel.
The mechanical Counter and PTO are Collins. But I'm not sure if Collins
was the only manufacture to make the PTO.
Some components still have the green depot marking paint and others have
been serviced and or painted.
I'm not sure if the are all the modules are Motorola.
No major dents or extra holes drilled and does not show any signs of
being hacked up or major problems at this time.

The more I look at the front panel. It is not that bad. It just looks
flat because it is not a engraved panel.
Paint is dull, but the lettering is nice, heavy and very white.. I need
to repaint all the knobs.
Only a few chips in the gray panel paint and one or two in a white
letter. Easy to touch up, I just need to mix the correct shade.
Just needs a front panel cleaning, a little touch up paint on the edges
and a very good polishing.
Being a screened front panel, I do not have any other choice.
But...  I open to any suggestions.. On how to make the front panel
sparkle.

The top inside assemblies needs a little cleaning and dusting because of
the missing cover and was stored in a garage. But the bottom
inside assembly and gear train are very clean. I need to tighten a few
screws.

A few of the local 390 guys looked it over for me and I knew the seller.

At one time, I had purchased a KLH audio system. Yea.... I'm one of the
audio guys.

It's a working unit as of about 18 months ago when it was pushed into
the corner and I have no drought that it is a working unit it just may
not be perfect. Well at this time, but only time will tell. The radio is
almost 60 years old.

If the collins filter has not been damaged, then I will be very pleased
with my new receiver.
I know that if I do not change some capacitors. I may have more trouble
then I want to repair.
So....  I have not even power it up. Until I do some preventive service
and check out.

I'm really not sure if I need to rip the gear train down at his time. It
as mechanical marvel and freighting to say the least. I just not sure,
if I want to rebuild a motorcycle transmission.

A few months ago, I had posted some questions about the 25F signal
generator given to me as a free gift at a flea market.. I received lot's
of great information.

I guess I was destine to own a R-390 or two.

Any information, help, service hints or things to look at... Will be
appreciated.

I'm open to any advice you can give me.

Lot's of the group has been down this road before. I open to any help.

Before I start my project...

I will post some photo's on my site and post a link on the list maybe
later today.

TKS

Gary
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