Bush VTR103 Plessey cap renovation - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Radio_Dave · 11th Jul 2006, 10:57 pm

Right, I know I'm sad/mad

but as this is such a popular radio and if, like mine, those red and black Plessey electrolytics are all leaky there might, just, be somebody who finds this useful

Firstly remove that horrible sticky label thing and with a sharp knife cut the cap in half. This isn't as easy as it seems because there is an aluminium ring to cut through as well!

Once cut in half the innards are easily removed. Cut the old 'legs' off and drill small holes through each of the alloy rivets. Drill slowly to stop the rivets getting too hot and spinning in the plastic!

Simply put a new axial cap inside and superglue the two halfs together.

I printed my image onto paper, stuck it around the cap with Pritt stick and then, simply, wrapped a piece of sellotape around it

... OK I know it's not perfect but it looks alot better than just putting new ones in, It costs nothing and, really, doesn't take long to do

I've attached an image that covers all the values for the VTR103, just make sure the image is 4.5cm X 6cm before printing

David

Mike Phelan · 12th Jul 2006, 8:49 am

Excellent, David.

The sort of thing I like to do.

Radio_Dave · 12th Jul 2006, 3:50 pm

Glad you like them Mike. It was, of coarse, you who got me doing it in the first place!

(can't decide which one to use

)

af024 · 12th Jul 2006, 9:09 pm

Well done David - they look certainly look the part. I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who likes to do this sort of thing - I'm still dipping caps for England in boiling wax on the kitchen stove ...

Well done that man!!

Regards,

Andy

Nickthedentist · 12th Jul 2006, 10:16 pm

Another brilliant job, Dave

.

Just a suggestion, but next time, I'd use something other than Sellotape, which tends to yellow and drop off after a few years.

The self-adhesive clear film sold for covering books can be cut into strips, and seems much more stable

.

Nick.

Radio_Dave · 12th Jul 2006, 10:53 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickthedentist

Just a suggestion, but next time, I'd use something other than Sellotape, which tends to yellow and drop off after a few years.

Yes exactly! just like the original gooey sticky thing

In all honesty I could have made a much better label but it still looks 100% better than just putting 'modern' caps in... and it keeps me occupied

David

af024 · 13th Jul 2006, 5:37 pm

There's also CIR 16mm clear splicing tape (if it's wide enough). Now that's more stable than the film. Derann Film Services, Dudley have loads of it.

I like the idea of originality though, so maybe Sellotape is just the ticket as you say!!

Cheers,

Andy

11th Jul 2006, 10:57 pm	#1
Radio_Dave Nonode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 2,543	Bush VTR103 Plessey cap renovation Right, I know I'm sad/mad but as this is such a popular radio and if, like mine, those red and black Plessey electrolytics are all leaky there might, just, be somebody who finds this useful Firstly remove that horrible sticky label thing and with a sharp knife cut the cap in half. This isn't as easy as it seems because there is an aluminium ring to cut through as well! Once cut in half the innards are easily removed. Cut the old 'legs' off and drill small holes through each of the alloy rivets. Drill slowly to stop the rivets getting too hot and spinning in the plastic! Simply put a new axial cap inside and superglue the two halfs together. I printed my image onto paper, stuck it around the cap with Pritt stick and then, simply, wrapped a piece of sellotape around it... OK I know it's not perfect but it looks alot better than just putting new ones in, It costs nothing and, really, doesn't take long to do I've attached an image that covers all the values for the VTR103, just make sure the image is 4.5cm X 6cm before printing David Attached Thumbnails

12th Jul 2006, 8:49 am	#2
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Bush VTR103 Plessey cap renovation Excellent, David. The sort of thing I like to do. __________________ Mike.

12th Jul 2006, 3:50 pm	#3
Radio_Dave Nonode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 2,543	Re: Bush VTR103 Plessey cap renovation Glad you like them Mike. It was, of coarse, you who got me doing it in the first place! (can't decide which one to use)

12th Jul 2006, 9:09 pm	#4
af024 Octode Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ashby-de-la-Zouch (it's not by the sea) Posts: 1,255	Re: Bush VTR103 Plessey cap renovation Well done David - they look certainly look the part. I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who likes to do this sort of thing - I'm still dipping caps for England in boiling wax on the kitchen stove ... Well done that man!! Regards, Andy __________________ Now where on earth did I remove that from?

12th Jul 2006, 10:16 pm	#5
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Bush VTR103 Plessey cap renovation Another brilliant job, Dave. Just a suggestion, but next time, I'd use something other than Sellotape, which tends to yellow and drop off after a few years. The self-adhesive clear film sold for covering books can be cut into strips, and seems much more stable. Nick.

13th Jul 2006, 5:37 pm	#7
af024 Octode Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ashby-de-la-Zouch (it's not by the sea) Posts: 1,255	Re: Bush VTR103 Plessey cap renovation There's also CIR 16mm clear splicing tape (if it's wide enough). Now that's more stable than the film. Derann Film Services, Dudley have loads of it. I like the idea of originality though, so maybe Sellotape is just the ticket as you say!! Cheers, Andy __________________ Now where on earth did I remove that from?