Ekco ACT96 restoration - Page 6 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Nickthedentist · 28th Mar 2023, 11:27 am

I'm currently working on a Bakelite Pilot Major Maestro, which was given to me as a birthday present by my brother, bought from an antiques centre kind of place.

It was gleaming on the outside, but rusty as anything inside.

My thoughts were that it was probably a shed find, and that the stallholder had painstakingly cleaned and polished the case, selling it merely as a decorative piece. If it had been the version with a wooden cabinet, I suspect it would have been just a pile of delaminated plywood.

It's amazing how quickly some chassis etc. will rust if left undercover but in an unheated space. I left a couple of NOS transformers in our wooden car port for a few weeks in the autumn, and they went from as-new to rather rusty. Not surprising really, as the car regularly had condensation on it.

stevehertz · 28th Jun 2023, 11:49 am

For BVWS members and those interested, I'm in the process of drafting a write up of this restoration for the BVWS bulletin. I've been in touch with editor Alex regarding word count etc, and all being well I should have it with him in the not too distant future.

McMurdo · 29th Jun 2023, 9:54 am

hugely impressive!

stevehertz · 2nd Sep 2023, 9:18 am

My article covering the restoration of the set has been accepted for publication by bulletin editor Alex of the BVWS. Obviously scheduling has to be done, so I am unable to advise at this point in which issue it will appear, though as I understand it, in one of the next three issues. Thanks for everyone's contributions, suggestions and encouragement.

28th Mar 2023, 11:27 am	#101
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,839	Re: Ekco ACT96 restoration I'm currently working on a Bakelite Pilot Major Maestro, which was given to me as a birthday present by my brother, bought from an antiques centre kind of place. It was gleaming on the outside, but rusty as anything inside. My thoughts were that it was probably a shed find, and that the stallholder had painstakingly cleaned and polished the case, selling it merely as a decorative piece. If it had been the version with a wooden cabinet, I suspect it would have been just a pile of delaminated plywood. It's amazing how quickly some chassis etc. will rust if left undercover but in an unheated space. I left a couple of NOS transformers in our wooden car port for a few weeks in the autumn, and they went from as-new to rather rusty. Not surprising really, as the car regularly had condensation on it.

28th Jun 2023, 11:49 am	#102
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,826	Re: Ekco ACT96 restoration For BVWS members and those interested, I'm in the process of drafting a write up of this restoration for the BVWS bulletin. I've been in touch with editor Alex regarding word count etc, and all being well I should have it with him in the not too distant future. __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

29th Jun 2023, 9:54 am	#103
McMurdo Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 5,269	Re: Ekco ACT96 restoration hugely impressive! __________________ Kevin

2nd Sep 2023, 9:18 am	#104
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,826	Re: Ekco ACT96 restoration My article covering the restoration of the set has been accepted for publication by bulletin editor Alex of the BVWS. Obviously scheduling has to be done, so I am unable to advise at this point in which issue it will appear, though as I understand it, in one of the next three issues. Thanks for everyone's contributions, suggestions and encouragement. __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..