[R-390] front panel restoration

[Cecil Acuff]

I have glass bead blasted one....and would probably do so again.

The paint is so tough to get off...I couldn't find any strippers that would 
remove the stuff so I resorted to bead blasting.

There are two issues.

One issue is that it does soften the edges of the engravings but not enough 
that it is noticeable once refinished.  You have to go easy around the 
engravings.

The other issue that is more of a concern is that bead blasting spreads the 
metal.  I only bead blasted the front side and when I was done the panel was 
slightly arched...just enough that it wouldn't lay flat against the center 
face of a cabinet.

I think the solution would be to blast both sides and the panel would 
probably come out flat but slightly larger all around.  Probably only a few 
thousandths but it does grow.

I did end up with a beautiful finish and I believe one that probably adhered 
better than any other I had done due to the surface having a bit of a tooth.

I sprayed it with a very light dusting of zinc chromate and a week later a 
coat of Rustoleum machine gray.  Filled the letters with a lacquer stick in 
brilliant white and it was beautiful.

I have pictures if the radio if you would like to see the finished product.

Hope that helps...

I will probably do the same again...am considering doing the Hammarlund 
SP-600-VLF panel but am a bit worried since it's a bit thinner than the 
R-390 series.

Cecil Acuff
K5DL
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <odyslim at comcast.net>
To: "r390 list" <r-390 at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 8:16 PM
Subject: [R-390] front panel restoration


> I have re-finished several front panels and am quite proud of my work.
>
> With this said, I am always trying to find ways to make it easier.
>
> My question is, has anyone used a media blaster to strip the front
> panel?  I am curious if the engraved lettering gets smoothed out
> and looses that nice sharp engraved look? Has this happened to
> any one?
>
> I am really trying to fine a good reason to buy a small, portable
> type blaster, probably from Harbor Freight Tools.
>
> BTW, a few years ago, I purchased a nice touch up paint gun
> from Sears. I thought it was a good deal. It came with some attachments
> and a hose for $89.00 . It is aluminum and stainless and the quality
> is ok.
> I was seriously pissed off when I saw the EXACT same item at Harbor 
> Freight
> for $19.00. It even had the same box, just a different name on it. Just 
> FYI
>
> Any comments about the media blaster are welcome. Also, has anyone
> used this method for cleaning knobs.
>
> Please forgive me if this was discussed in the knob painting thread,
> I did not read it.
>
> Scott w#CV
>
>
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