Quote:
Originally Posted by Argus25
There are of course chromate and zinc based primers for steel with rust inhibiting qualities that I have never been too impressed with. These are nowhere near as good as having the item zinc plated and putting a proper baked coat of paint or a powder coating over that.
Have a look at the transformer covers and black painted rear brackets and EHT cage on this TV chassis:
http://worldphaco.com/uploads/621TSARTICLE.pdf
Also, one advantage of power coating is that it can be made of a custom mix, if you look at the EHT cage on the TV chassis, it is a subtle dark metallic brown. This was done to replicate the original finish of the cage which had rusted. Powder coating is extremely scratch resistant and very long lasting, provided not exposed to direct sunlight. It needs to be applied by an experienced operator so that the applied coat is not too thick. |
Absolutely excellent job on that TV Argus! An absolute labour of love. I try to get close to that level, but completely dismantling variable capacitors, mains transformers and loudspeakers puts me off. Although I did come very close with an Ekco A22 I restored last year. I even rebuilt the IF cans, re-dipped the coils in hot wax and transformers/choke in varnish. Performance-wise almost certainly completely unnecessary...
It opens the wider issue - just because it looks like new, does it work any better than a more basic rebuild? Almost all the new components will have better performance than the originals, so I like to think such lovingly restored attention to detail has some real effect, especially after a careful alignment. But realistically I'm not sure this is true, especially as most of this work is hidden inside! But it is the feeling of thoroughness I enjoy.