[R-390] General valuation

[Perry Sandeen]

Hi Reuben,
Valuation will depend on your *end game*
Do you want a pristine looking radio or do you just want performance?  If you want both and to have it done is big bucks to have it done?
What can you do yourself?  What test equipment do you have or have access to?
What is your time frame for the final type of radio that you want?
Many on the list end up taking *wreaks* and make them better than new, but it takes a huge amount of time, money and elbow grease.

What parts have been replaced or need to be replaced?
Do you want a stock OEM radio or do you want to add a SSB module from TreeTop circuits or others?
If you want a nice panel, can you do it yourself with the trial an errors that come with the learning process or would you have to pay someone to do it for you.
I'm the long time Heretic - In - Chief (and proud of it!) as I want to wring out all the performance that can be obtained.  That means replacing all the fixed caps and resistors,just for the start.  If you go to the R390A FAQ site you can download my *Almost best R390A* ski.
If you really, really want ultimate performance you can do the Ray Osterwald Competition R390A article found in the Y2KR3 manual.
There is the Kleronomos audio mod or one like Dallas Lankford did Also in the Y2KR3.
It's the same scenario as people who restore an old car.  You will never get back what you put into it with parts and labor.
 You do what you enjoy doing and your opinion is the only one that matters. Screw the nit picker self-appointed gurus who occasionally chime in with their opinion (which they probably never did themselves). 

They spew things like *keep it original for posterity or a museum* or *Don't drill any holes is it* or *It's got to have the original paint scheme*
If you want make it and Elton John/Liberace tribute with a maroon panel, white knobs, and gold flake lettering.  These radio aren't rare, never will be, and no one has ever been able to name a museum that wants or even has one.   

After mulling it over what you want let the list what help you might need for help and we'll be glad to assist.
.PS. Speaking of *r at re r at dios* as the moronic ebay shysters talk about, I have one of only three known Hammarlund R620's of the run of 100.  It's in crappy physical condition but I hope in the near future to get a-round-to it.
So go for it!
Regards,
Perrier