UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Powered By Google Custom Search Vintage Radio and TV Service Data

Go Back   UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum > General Vintage Technology > Success Stories

Notices

Success Stories If you have successfully repaired or restored a piece of equipment, why not write up what you did and post details here. Particularly if it was interesting, unusual or challenging. PLEASE DO NOT POST REQUESTS FOR HELP HERE!

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:25 pm   #1
Robert Darwent
Heptode
 
Robert Darwent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
Default Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Almost a year ago now, I was fortunate enough to find locally an empty walnut brown Ekco A22 bakelite case. It was in excellent condition, no scratches or cracks, and I immediately bought it. Since then I have been on the look out for an A22 chassis or a set with a damaged case that I could pick up at hopefully a much reduced price and combine. For several months that looked very unlikely to happen and I did serious work instead on using the parts from an Ekco A23 chassis to construct a reproduction A22 chassis to fit my empty case. Then unexpectedly the real thing turned up!

I collected the set in person. The seller told me that when he had purchased the set himself it had been damaged whilst being delivered and he had repaired the resulting broken case with Araldite. Apparently he had also "comprehensively overhauled" the chassis and it was in "superb working order". A quick look at the damage to the case, as I was loading the set into my car, showed it to be not as bad as I had first assumed and I thought I could much improve on the copious amounts of Araldite. But since I had always intended to transfer the chassis to my unblemished case it was not a real issue. The set also had a rough replacement for a back cover, the original having gone missing at some point.

Upon getting the set home I plugged it in to try out. After a bit of a warm-up MW brought in the local station loud and clear even without an aerial connected, but little else. The addition of a few metres of wire as a temporary antenna and MW was much more lively. SW too was very good with stations all over the dial. But LW was just background hiss, even Radio 4 was absent!

At this point I unplugged the set and removed the back cover. What a sight! Virtually the entire chassis had been 'daubed' with black paint. Not even decent black paint at that, more like hardened black treacle! I removed the chassis and was again shocked. The state of the wiring was terrible! Some had obviously been renewed by modern red and orange, but most was original, hard, brittle and flaking, showing exposed wire. If I'd have known this before hand I would never applied power. So much for the comprehensive overhaul! I was really surprised the set worked as well as it did in this condition.

Further investigation showed the 'overhaul' to have included replacement of all but one of the wax capacitors with apparently whatever type and value was to hand at the time! Several resistors had been changed as well, again seemingly with whatever was to hand, with one crudely joined in series to make up the value. But the 'new' wiring really was something! A screening braid had been made from what I assume was the outer layer of a piece of co-axial cable. I'll leave the 'before' and 'after' images to speak for themselves!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-a1.jpg
Views:	884
Size:	58.3 KB
ID:	28546   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-a2.jpg
Views:	830
Size:	61.0 KB
ID:	28547   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-a3.jpg
Views:	806
Size:	59.5 KB
ID:	28548   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-a4.jpg
Views:	813
Size:	58.1 KB
ID:	28549   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-a5.jpg
Views:	832
Size:	60.1 KB
ID:	28550  

__________________

Robert G0UHF
www.wavesintheair.co.uk
Robert Darwent is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:26 pm   #2
Robert Darwent
Heptode
 
Robert Darwent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Well there was nothing for it really but a full restoration. I needed to get rid of that horrible black paint and I could only do that properly by completely stripping the chassis. Obviously all the wiring needed replacing too, it was just downright dangerous. Once I had a bare chassis, I removed the black 'treacle' quite easily thankfully with a jelly type paint stripper applied to small areas at a time. The chassis was quite discoloured underneath due to light rusting in places and was the reason for the black paint I assume. I repainted with silver Smoothrite for most of the metalwork, with black on the underside, as per the original finish. I was quite pleased with how it turned out.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-b1.jpg
Views:	404
Size:	36.0 KB
ID:	28551   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-b2.jpg
Views:	402
Size:	37.4 KB
ID:	28552   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-b3.jpg
Views:	415
Size:	38.2 KB
ID:	28553  
__________________

Robert G0UHF
www.wavesintheair.co.uk
Robert Darwent is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:27 pm   #3
Robert Darwent
Heptode
 
Robert Darwent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

As for capacitors, with a set like the A22 I would have liked to have stuffed the original 'waxies' if they were in a good enough condition to do so. But as they were gone and never an option open to me I replaced with 630V rated yellow polypropylene types instead. I decided I may as well change all the resistors whilst I was at it, since several needed changing anyway or had been caught with that horrid 'treacle'. I replaced with 2W types because of their similar dimensions to the originals. At least the set had a consistant type of capacitor and resistor fitted now of the correct values, and IMHO looked much better for it even if some originality had been lost in doing so. The two large and small can electrolytics were both restuffed with modern types and refitted at this time also.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-c1.jpg
Views:	532
Size:	86.6 KB
ID:	28554   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-c2.jpg
Views:	469
Size:	67.0 KB
ID:	28555   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-c3.jpg
Views:	479
Size:	64.6 KB
ID:	28556   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-c4.jpg
Views:	437
Size:	55.5 KB
ID:	28557   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-c5.jpg
Views:	471
Size:	58.2 KB
ID:	28558  

__________________

Robert G0UHF
www.wavesintheair.co.uk
Robert Darwent is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:28 pm   #4
Robert Darwent
Heptode
 
Robert Darwent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

I now turned my attention to making a reproduction back cover for the set. Using measurements taken from the case and appropriate images of original A22 backs, I arrived at a full sized paper template for marking out some 3/16" mdf board. This was drilled and smoothed until I was happy with the finish and then given a coat of matt acrylic black paint. I made up some graphics again from images of original A22 backs, carefully cut them out, and glued them on in the correct places. The entire back was then given a couple of coats of clear satin acrylic lacquer. This sealed the graphics and gave the back a similar finish to an original A22 cover.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-d1.jpg
Views:	400
Size:	23.4 KB
ID:	28559   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-d2.jpg
Views:	410
Size:	33.3 KB
ID:	28560   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-d3.jpg
Views:	461
Size:	31.6 KB
ID:	28561   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-d4.jpg
Views:	500
Size:	41.0 KB
ID:	28562   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-d5.jpg
Views:	464
Size:	50.5 KB
ID:	28563  

__________________

Robert G0UHF
www.wavesintheair.co.uk
Robert Darwent is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:30 pm   #5
Robert Darwent
Heptode
 
Robert Darwent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

I eventually got to the bottom of the LW problem when I noticed in both LW coil cores, what I had originally took to be just sealing wax, was also Araldite! After careful cleaning out I discovered the two original slugs were missing and bits of ferrite rod stuck in their place! I can only assume the originals were knocked out and lost in the delivery accident that damaged the case. Fortunately I had several of the correct type of slug available, fitted two, realigned the band, and was rewarded with excellent LW reception.

At this point I'd like to acknowledge forum members 'kalee20' for kindly sending me a capacitor clamp for mounting the smaller of the two electrolytics which was originally missing. And 'ekcobeach' for supplying me with an EBL31 for the set. Many thanks!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-e1.jpg
Views:	534
Size:	55.2 KB
ID:	28564   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-e2.jpg
Views:	454
Size:	53.2 KB
ID:	28565   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-e3.jpg
Views:	540
Size:	63.0 KB
ID:	28566   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-e4.jpg
Views:	513
Size:	62.3 KB
ID:	28567   Click image for larger version

Name:	A22-e5.jpg
Views:	595
Size:	80.1 KB
ID:	28568  

__________________

Robert G0UHF
www.wavesintheair.co.uk
Robert Darwent is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:40 pm   #6
MichaelR
Retired Dormant Member
 
MichaelR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,587
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

A lovely piece of work. I love those sets.

I am not one for trying to keep the original look as far as the electronics are concerned, your example looks beautiful with those brand new yellow caps.

very well done

Mike
MichaelR is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:45 pm   #7
Radio_Dave
Nonode
 
Radio_Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 2,543
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

A remarkable restoration in every respect! Well done Robert

David
Radio_Dave is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:46 pm   #8
julie_m
Dekatron
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Derby, UK.
Posts: 7,735
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

That's a beautiful job! Definitely one to be proud of.
__________________
If I have seen further than others, it is because I was standing on a pile of failed experiments.
julie_m is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 12:55 pm   #9
dave walsh
Dekatron
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Ramsbottom (Nr Bury) Lancs or Bexhill (Nr Hastings) Sussex.
Posts: 5,814
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Really excellent Robert-looks straight from the factory! Will you now be putting the "reproduction" chassis into the [more araldite free] damaged case I wonder?
Dave W
dave walsh is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 1:50 pm   #10
batterymaker1
Heptode
 
batterymaker1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Posts: 674
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

That is so tidy. Looks like it's almost brand new out of the box!
__________________
Just playing with high voltage....
batterymaker1 is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 2:27 pm   #11
ekcobeach
Rest in Peace
 
ekcobeach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Wilmington, East Sussex, UK.
Posts: 230
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Superb job Robert, i feel chuffed to have supplied the much needed EBL31.Pity you didn't ask me about the backboard.I have a spare which i'd have happily sold you. Regards, Colin.
ekcobeach is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 2:31 pm   #12
Boom
Retired Dormant Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 2,451
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Absolutely lovely job Robert.
Boom is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 4:59 pm   #13
Colin
Heptode
 
Colin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Ilkley, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 656
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Brilliant job, well done indeed! And congratulations too on a superb write-up. Love the pictures!
__________________
Colin Armstrong

Last edited by Colin; 8th Sep 2009 at 5:06 pm.
Colin is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 5:19 pm   #14
Boom
Retired Dormant Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 2,451
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Robert, a few details of materials and/or inks used for the large transfer for the back cover would be appreciated.

Dave
Boom is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 5:36 pm   #15
Lloyd 1985
Nonode
 
Lloyd 1985's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 2,814
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Thats a fantastic job! I don't think I'd be brave enough to completely strip down a chassis like that! I like the repro back too, I might have a go at that for a couple of sets I have without backs

regards,
lloyd.
Lloyd 1985 is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 6:37 pm   #16
Sideband
Dekatron
 
Sideband's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Croydon, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 7,548
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Excellent work! Barring an intermittent EBL31 in later years, it should soldier on for another 50 years!



Rich.
__________________
There are lots of brilliant keyboard players and then there is Rick Wakeman.....
Sideband is online now  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 6:55 pm   #17
JoshWard
Octode
 
JoshWard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Near Stowmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Posts: 1,962
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Wow! Great restoration! Is this where I admit to connecting resistors in series sometimes?.... Or the fact I only have one colour of internal wire?....

That set looks great, I like the chassis layout too, wouldnt mind restoring one of these but I doubt I'd have a chance to do one!
JoshWard is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 7:02 pm   #18
AndyHipkiss
Triode
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Walsall, West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 25
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Absolutely wonderful work there Robert, give yourself several pat's on the back
AndyHipkiss is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 7:24 pm   #19
Paul LS
Retired Dormant Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 196
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

Is that the original output transformer or did you replace it? If the original how did you clean it up? Like wise with the supply transformer?

Thanks,
Paul.
Paul LS is offline  
Old 8th Sep 2009, 7:58 pm   #20
McMurdo
Dekatron
 
McMurdo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK.
Posts: 5,263
Default Re: Ekco A22 in walnut brown/bronze c.1945

I'm glad a set like this has found a worthy custodian! That back board looks fine, where did you get MDF so thin?
__________________
Kevin
McMurdo is offline  
Closed Thread

Thread Tools



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 3:41 pm.


All information and advice on this forum is subject to the WARNING AND DISCLAIMER located at https://www.vintage-radio.net/rules.html.
Failure to heed this warning may result in death or serious injury to yourself and/or others.


Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.