[R-390] R390A restoration.. x 2

[Optonline]

Greetings All...


Pardon my naiveté, but I am new to the R390A list and recently came into ownership of two not-so-well-kept R390A's and the dual-unit rack in which they were mounted. Both units are Collins '55 contacts. I've lusted after one of these since childhood, and now I have two in need of serious TLC.. And yes, I did by the complete set of Rippel videos. :)

I have begun the restoration and have a few questions..

Unit A has a missing top slug rack cover plate and the Oldham coupler spring is nowhere to be found. Unit B is missing one black "plug" on the Veeder-Root front panel window. Any ideas where to find them?

I would like to not re-use the stainless hardware that I removed due to it's condition. Does there exist compiled a McMaster Carr (or similar) parts-list of hardware? I can certainly do this myself, but I'd like to not re-invent the wheel.

Both units are silk-screened front panels. While not physically trashed, I would like to get these repainted/restored (silk-screen is beyond my expertise). Who do people recommend?

After stripping the chassis to the wiring harness, the inner portion of the chassis cleaned up rather well. Unfortunately, the sides are fairly scraped up (it's not easy to slide 85lbs of receiver in and out of a rack) and was wondering if I should leave it this condition, or pull out the orbital sander and polish these up.. I'd love an opinion on this.

I would sincerely appreciate any input the group could provide me along the way. My full-service shop and I are certainly up to this task (I am an RF Engineer by trade), and I cannot wait to have these beauties adorn my radio-room!

Best Regards,

Steve Uckerman, N2JXL