Wanted: URL for basic restoration info

[AD8B]

A Hallicrafters Super Defiant found its way to my front door unannounced a few years back.  It is filthy but undented and complete.  I brought it up to voltage over a three day period this summer.  All controls function and signals were heard through the expected hum.  Now I've got the restoration bug.  I know it needs at least a deep cleaning and new caps.  Can you suggest a site that will help me see what I'm up against and what mistakes I should avoid?

Thanks,
Dave - AD8B

[W5HTW]

I'd suggest you start with the Hallicrafters mailing list.  It's at qth.net, click on the "lists" at the left, find Hallicrafters, and follow the instructions to join the list.  You can't post to the list unless you join, but you can read the archives without joining.  Joining is free and you'll get LOTS of excellent Hallicrafters folks to help you out.

Ed

[W9GB]

Dave -

Here is the Hallicrafter's Collector's web page:

http://www.w9wze.org/Links.php

They also have a regular HF net every weekend.

Greg
w9gb

[W9GB]

Super Defiant SX-25
SX-25 Super Defiant. 4 bands .54-42MHz. IF 455kHz. 12 tubes. Production year 1940-46.

Here are downloadable SX-25 support documents (schematics, alignment, service notes):
http://www.nostalgiaair.org/NostalgiaAir/Schematics/schem_HAL.htm

The original SX-25 catalog sheet !
http://home.c2i.net/la5ki/200303/photo/sx25.jpg

I would NOT recommend cleaners with abrasives (e.g. pumice).  Protection of decals is a must.

Windex, GoJo Hand cleaner (without pumice) and MASS (a cleaner made in LaGrange, IL and available at Ace hardware stores) are often mentioned.  The Collins CCA and CRA web sites are also good for general cleaning recommendations.

John King's S-38 and S-36A restorations (with photos) may be of interest.
http://www.schmitzhouse.com/Johns_Electronics_01.htm

SX-25 web pages on the Internet:
(These owners are good resources for photos or measurements during a restoration!)

http://www.hug-a-bug.com/SX-25.html

http://www.dxing.com/rx/sx25.htm

http://pages.cthome.net/nord/sx_25.html

http://home.earthlink.net/~w8pu/ham.htm

http://pages.prodigy.net/w4qcu/sx25.jpg

Table of commercial receiver IF usage
http://www.thorneyhill2.freeserve.co.uk/commsifs.html

Good luck - sounds like nice winter project

w9gb

[W9GB]

Dave -

Another VERY GOOD web site is:
http://www.antiqueradio.org

How to Replace Capacitors in Old Radios
http://www.antiqueradio.org/recap.htm

Although you have an SX-25 -- here is an example of a SX-28 "Super Skyrider" restoration -- by Phil Nelson --- step by step and with digital photographs!
http://www.antiqueradio.org/halli12.htm

The rec.antiques.radio+phono newsgroup is also very helpful with a number of retired radio repairman.

w9gb

[N6AJR]

do some google search's