Oh yeah, one detail...
If the amplifier has any of those 1960's/1970's PVC encased capacitors, use
latex gloves to handle them when you are in there. PVC
of that age generally is "bleeding". When PVC decomposes, it drips a yellowish
substance that is known to cause sterility in women,
particularly young girls, is a known carcinogen, and may have reproductive
damage to men as well [unproven, but possible, given what
is known]. Please contact Mattel and ask them why Barbie isn't made of PVC
anymore, they will be happy to explain.
Twenty years ago, we had to deal with PCBs in large capacitors, dummy loads,
and transformers. Now we have decomposing PVC to deal
with, among other things.
The last time I dealt with and saw this problem was last year when restoring a
philco 40-130 tabletop radio, apparently it had
undergone three previous amateurish repair jobs, including one that put in two
of these capacitors. One of the caps I replaced had
the problem bad, and another looked as if it was just beginning to develop the
problem.
Amazing what you can learn about by listening to a "Barbie Expert" on "Antiques
Roadshow" about such things as the chemistry of PVC
decomposition, and the known and suspected biological hazards it poses. I had
seen the phenomonon for years restoring old radios,
and never knew what it was until about four years ago.
Jim Bryant wrote:
>
> I agree, AES is by far the best source, especially for Fender.
>
> They stock just about every replacement part possible for Fender amps,
> from the reverb springs, to the tubes, to the speakers.
>
> I also use them for antique radio restoration.
>
> As far as the caps go, I suggest replacing all of them, given the age of
> the amp, and the length of time of storage. Sprague orange-drop type
> caps should suffice, and happen to be superior tolerance [5%] compared
> to the original caps in the amplifier.
>
> They also have an excellant supply of resistors. When I restore the old
> stuff, I replace everything except coils, even if it's not needed. I've
> had people ask me why, and it's always a simple answer: "I don't want to
> have to go into this radio again". Given that most of the radios I do
> are between 50 and 75 years old, I lay odds that they will last another
> 50 to 75 years without service [barring any catastrophic failure].
>
> One hint, some of the rubber and plastic wiring in that fender may be
> deteriorating. Replace it with cotton-covered wire. My experience,
> including on radio equipment older than 80 years old, is that cotton and
> silk covered wire does not have insulation deterioration.
>
> Be sure to request a catalog from AES. their website is
> www.tubesandmore.com
>
> Mike Sawyer wrote:
>
>> Scott,
>>
>> My recommendation is Antique Electronic Supply in Tempe, Arizona.
>> Not only do they have parts for repairing the classic ham radio
>> equipment, but they specialize in old guitar amps, TV etc. Here is
>> their URL: http://www.tubesandmore.com/
>>
>> I would check them out since they are more inclined to your needs.
>>
>> Mike(y)
>> W3SLK
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>>
>> From: CosmiCelt <mailto:w4pj@bellsouth.net>
>>
>> To: amps@contesting.com <mailto:amps@contesting.com>
>>
>> Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2001 7:32 AM
>>
>> Subject: [AMPS] Audio Amps supplies in S. FL ?
>>
>>
>> I know this is a list mainly for Amateur Radio RF amplifiers, so
>> this may be off-topic or at least slightly off-topic.
>>
>>
>> I am preparing to refurbish a Fender Super Reverb mid-1970's guitar
>> amp. It hasn't been plugged in for more than 10 years. After
>> starting it up with a variac for several days, I'll know whether the
>> caps should be replaced, or maybe I should just go ahead and replace
>> them anyway? Does anybody know a good source in S. Florida for
>> parts? Besides the standard, Vance Baldwin and Electronic Equipment
>> Company. ?? The speakers are original, paper cones, maybe need
>> replacing or re-coned. Also silver-mesh fabric? Any specialists in
>> old guitar amps in this area?
>>
>> There are a few websites but referrals are the best ads.
>>
>> Thoughts?
>>
>>
>> Scott / W4PJ
>>
>> Fort Lauderdale, FL
>>
>
> jim
--
ET has one helluva sense of humor!
He's always anal-probing right-wing schizos!
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