[R-390] UPS Drop kicked my R-391 !

[Barry Hauser]

Hi Phil:

Sorry to read about your situation there.

The other Barry N4BUQ, is right on to be curious about how "The Box Place"
packed this R-391.  Most of the "mailbox" places -- MBE's and clones -- like
to present themselves as packing experts, charge up the wazoo for poor
materials, and usually mark up the UPS rate anywhere from 10 to 110%!

Typical is a large but flimsy carton -- not doublewall, and not even good
singlewall, bubblewrap and peanuts.  None of this is boatanchor compatible
or suitable for shipping anything really fragile or heavy.  However, they'll
gladly charge you top dollar ($8 or more) for the carton, bubblewrap and
(often) used peanuts.  I won't buy if the seller insists on using one of
these outfits.  It also complicates any claim.  UPS has some ownership or
business partnering relationship with Mailboxes Etc., however they're
franchises and their packing usually doesn't meet UPS requirements, so even
if it were an MBE, the packing might not past muster for a claim, no matter
how much you were overcharged for it.

Did you pay "The Box Place" directly, or did the seller?  The store is the
shipper of record and must request the claim.

I have not done a UPS claim, but started several with the USPS and gave up.
The first issue is the packing.  Then if they do allow for the claim, the
cost has to be established.  My understanding is that if the item can be
considered a total loss, they will refund the purchase price (up to the
insured amount) and the shipping cost.  However, I believe they take the
goods, which eventually get auctioned off or trashed.

It is for that reason, I have not followed through on claims.  I couldn't
stand the idea of them taking the relic, damaged though it may be.  Sort of
like sending an orphan back to the orphanage because he limps a little.

Many of us are into these radios with the idea of bringing them back from a
long sleep, correcting, detailing and adjusting for any of the slings and
arrows of the distant past.  It breaks my heart when they get fresh wounds
just because seller A is trying to ship to buyer B.  I get a lot of stuff
with either unadvertised defects or some kind of damage in transit --
usually due to poor or misguided packing.  What do I do -- fix 'em.

This is especially applicable to R-391's which don't come along very often,
and $700 was a good, fair price for one in decent shape, but not necessarily
perfect.  In many cases, the autotune mechanisms are overdue for
maintenance, and if you attempt to operate the autotune without thoroughly
checking it, you can do more damage than UPS did.

From your description, it sounds like this R-391 should be readily
repairable.  My understanding is that partial claims can be complicated for
vintage gear -- they may ask for a repair shop estimate which is not
practical.  However, Fair Radio and individuals on this list probably have
everything you need.  Except for the autotuner, the R-391 is virtually
identical to an R-390 non-A.  All the modules are the same.  The unique
parts include the panel (with a couple of extra holes), the casting that
supports the autotune components, and maybe one part of the wiring harness
that brings the DC to the autotune motor.  There migh also be one extra
small hole on the right side panel for access to the autotune shaft when
synching the thing.  If the front or side panel is bent, you can probably
straighten it.

The bent/broken shafts/controls you mention are all stock non-A and you may
be able to straighten the bent shafts as I have -- or get a hulk IF deck w/o
filters for cheap.  The veeder root counter is also available, but more
likely, the thing flexed and pushed the gear out of mesh.  To more
completely assess the damage, you would have to drop the front panel.  It
might have been worse, but if the KC and MC mechanisms still work -- the
slugracks move up and down, etc. -- it may be OK. The trouble is, you have
to "tamper" a bit to get into the thing further to make sure you have all
the damage identified.  Solution is to put it back as best you can
afterwards and before showing the rx for the claim.

Are you sure that's all that's wrong?  One thing to look for is damage to
the casting or "spider" on the bottom front where the autotune stuff mounts.
Make sure it isn't cracked or broken.  I would test the tubes before
attempting a power up.  Don't try to test the autotune unless the seller
knows it was working and then I still would hold off.  In most cases, they
need work anyway.

You'll want to consider the advice of those who reply with info on UPS
claims.  I recommend that you first go over the unit more thoroughly to
identify any more damage.  Test for operation if you can.  Then contact Fair
Radio and post an inquiry for available parts on this and some of the other
reflectors.  Remember, if it isn't part of the autotuner it's the same as a
non-A part.  Some on the list have parts for these.

Gather up the parts costs -- and submit to UPS.  Another approach -- at the
same time -- is to completely describe and provide photos to someone like
Dave Medley, who is a non-A/391 expert and a perhaps a few others on the
list who do restorations and repairs for others and get quotes.  (They are
the "authorized repair shops."  Don't forget the cost of 2-way shipping.
The objective is to get several hundred $ and repair the radio - either by
someone else or yourself with some remote help from us.

Don't give up the radio ... that's my 2 cents.  Or get a partial claim and
then sell it as is.  We don't want UPS dumping the thing.

Also -- next time a seller tells you they're going to take it to a pack and
ship storefront joint, just say no.

Barry


----- Original Message -----
From: <N2PNT@aol.com>
To: <r-390@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 9:49 AM
Subject: [R-390] UPS Drop kicked my R-391 !


> Well, my earlier post about my new R-391 "clanking and rattling" in the
back
> of a UPS truck turns out to be quite prophetic. Upon unpacking it seems it
> was dropped on its left side (facing the radio) impacting on the edge of
the
> front panel causing the front panel to shift to the right. The shafts out
of
> the I.F. deck are bent, the ANT Trimmer shaft snapped and the counter does
> not turn when the MC or KC knobs are rotated. My questions for the group
are
> not about repair at this point but has anyone had a similar experience
with
> UPS? I called their CS department and they are sending someone to inspect
the
> damage. The seller had it packed and shipped from The Box Place in Ohio.
>
> Are they going to ask for repair estimates?
>
> Will they refund me the purchase price ($700.00) or a portion there of?
>
> Will UPS ask for the radio back? I would like to keep it. I think
eventually
> it can be repaired.
>
> Any guidance is appreciated.
>
> Phil