[R-390] Judging a R-390A for potential purchase

[Flowertime01 at wmconnect.com]

Fellows,

Short of a real chopped up wire harness, almost any R390 or newer R390/A
can be repaired. If it has not actually undergone a fire, it is likely 
repairable.

Over the net, ask for lots of pictures.
Its worth driving over to see it and bring it home yourself.
Nothing like seeing one, first hand at a swap meet.
Fair Radio delivers as advertised.

If it has just been setting around, these are easiest to fix.
Painted front panels are about $150.00
Do not fret over bent metal, That is all fixable.

Consider your own skills. There is no reason to buy something you cannot
fix up your self. Do not worry if you know what needs fixing in an R390.
The folks here on the list will happily walk you through any problem. We been
there and we have done it. But your stuck doing the work your self. You are 
going to have to do your own washing and soldering. 

Pick a problem any problem, jump in anywhere with it on the list. We will 
slow you down, back you up and feed it to you step be step with the test 
equipment you have on hand. We will help you get to the problem part. Then you have to 
fix it yourself.
If you think you would like to take a "project" on, R390's are great 
"projects" You
can buy almost any thing and get it operational. Over the long haul the cost 
of tubes
will be your biggest expence. You may do a one time tear down with, cleaning, 
new caps and some rework. The missing knob or meter can be costly. Mostly the 
issue
is finding time to make the repairs.

Back in the old days, 68-75, I never saw a problem that was not located with 
more than a signal generator and a volt meter. Neither needed to be calibrated 
or very accurate. Obviously more is good, but not required. Older receivers 
are now presenting problems that take more thinking to solve their problems, or 
more careful inspection and test. But you do not need a laboratory of test 
equipment to support the receivers.

Over $650.00 you better be getting a fine receiver from someone on the list 
or past list member who put more hours than you want to know about and love 
into the receiver. If you can afford it your still stealing the beast. Pay your 
dollars and run home with it.


$650.00 Really good looking paint job smoked inside. (your buying a paint job)
$500.00 Original paint and meters good working receiver.
$450.00 Original paint lost meters good working receiver.
$400.00 Original paint meters "If was working the last time it was powered on 
before the kids were born"
$300.00 It is at least all there. No real obvious missing broken parts.

For things missing subtract the cost of item from Fair radio and $100.00 for 
repair time. even if you are doing it your self.

Would I spend more than $650.00 on a receiver?
>From the right guys on the reflector here, In a New York Minute.

Would I walk past one in a swap meet? Only when I have spent all my money.

Roger KC6TRU