I have an unrestored RCA 87T. After watching your videos, I listened to local programming. The caps and resistors are original or of the period. I was very impressed with your tuner clean up. My tuner belt slips and it sounds a little rough when the needles move. I would like to clean that up to match the performance of yours. What did you use to clean the tuner and what if anything did you lubricate to get the tunner to move so easily? Is there a trick to removing the dial needles?
@SDPlainsman First off- replace the caps- at least the electrolytic and paper ones. Leaving them original is asking for trouble. They can short out and burn up the power or output transformers...... I cleaned the tuner with a tooth brush and rubbing alcohol, and lubed the bearings with gun oil. The needles just pop off the shaft- use a small screwdriver, but be careful because the center needle might come off the hub, like mine did (the solder was bad)
Well since it won't let me reply to the actual comment- I'll try it here- RE: the aluminum part: I cut it out of aluminum plate and filed it to the right shape. Then I drilled the holes and tapped those that needed threads, and voila ! A new part !
There would have been boric acid or sodium borate in that can. I drilled a small hole in the aluminum can for the ground lead when I rebuilt the caps in my Philco 60.
I have an unrestored RCA 87T. After watching your videos, I listened to local programming. The caps and resistors are original or of the period. I was very impressed with your tuner clean up. My tuner belt slips and it sounds a little rough when the needles move. I would like to clean that up to match the performance of yours. What did you use to clean the tuner and what if anything did you lubricate to get the tunner to move so easily? Is there a trick to removing the dial needles?
SDPlainsman 3 weeks ago
@SDPlainsman First off- replace the caps- at least the electrolytic and paper ones. Leaving them original is asking for trouble. They can short out and burn up the power or output transformers...... I cleaned the tuner with a tooth brush and rubbing alcohol, and lubed the bearings with gun oil. The needles just pop off the shaft- use a small screwdriver, but be careful because the center needle might come off the hub, like mine did (the solder was bad)
farmall1938 3 weeks ago
Well since it won't let me reply to the actual comment- I'll try it here- RE: the aluminum part: I cut it out of aluminum plate and filed it to the right shape. Then I drilled the holes and tapped those that needed threads, and voila ! A new part !
farmall1938 2 months ago
Adams Radio carries many radio belts including the 87T
bandersentv 2 months ago
@bandersentv I'll have to check them out !
farmall1938 2 months ago
There would have been boric acid or sodium borate in that can. I drilled a small hole in the aluminum can for the ground lead when I rebuilt the caps in my Philco 60.
bandersentv 2 months ago
@bandersentv I think it was easier to mount them underneath....and that works for me !
farmall1938 2 months ago
Thanks, will do
farmall1938 2 months ago
very interesting. keep up updated. thanks
mainebob6363 3 months ago