[R-390] Non A Front Panel

[Barry Hauser]

Hi Roger and list:

I know you indicated that you're not interested in filling the hole with
putty or things related, but considering the alternative (welding, etc.) I
dunno ...

I've used products like plastic aluminum (Duro) with success.  Once you fill
it, allow to cure, and sand -- looks nearly like a metal fillin -- because
that's what it is (aluminum powder with a binder).  After refinishing, which
is what you plan anyway, the paint makes it disappear altogether.  You'll
find that some spare panels need filling anyway -- for nicks and spot
corrosion.  That type of detailing is best done with pink body filler.  So,
unless you find a near perfect replacement, you may well end up with more
"plastic" than using Plastic Aluminum or JB Weld on what you have.

Of course, the other alternative is to make use of the hole and install
something there -- a do-nothing switch for future use, an extra jack --maybe
to connect a counter to the PTO for checking calibration, diode load
connection, one of those round snap-in caps used to seal up extra holes,
etc.  (Temperature probe?)

On the other hand, it's convenient to have a spare panel to refinish while
keeping your R-390 intact until the newly refinished one is fully baked,
cured and ready to install at your convenience, rather than have the radio
"faceless" for the duration.  (I can rationalize nearly anything ;-)

Barry


----- Original Message -----
From: "KC8OPP Roger S." <kc8opp@yahoo.com>
To: <r-390@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 4:32 PM
Subject: [R-390] Non A Front Panel


> Fellow R-390 drivers,
>
> I picked up another R-390 last month at a local ham
> fest, was listed as a parts unit.  The owner indicated
> that it had a bad RF deck.  Well all the parts were
> there, including the meters and ID tag, plus all the
> tubes.
>
> As luck would have it, the bad RF deck was a burnt
> resistor and a mis-aligned band switch.  There are
> other minor problems but now the radio plays and will
> be on the bench this winter for a complete going
> through.
>
> The big problem is the extra hole in the front panel.
> It would seem that a previous owner installed an
> on/off switch for something.  The switch is gone but
> the hole remains.
>
> Anyone out there have an extra Non-A front panel they
> would consider parting with?  Does not need to be
> refinished, I can do that.  But would like it to be
> engraved and straight without any extra holes.
>
> Any suggestions for plan "B"?  I have thought about
> having a machine shop mill the hole round and press a
> plug in.  Not really interested in filling the hole
> with putty or things related.
>
> Thanks for your time and let me know what you may
> have, even a real "parts" rig.
>
> 73's
>
> Roger
> KC8OPP
>
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