Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

tim.norris · 2nd Jun 2016, 4:30 pm

Hi, does anyone know if the metal surround which the aerial passes through on a Bush VTR 103 was originally chromed ?
Regards, Tim.

60 oldjohn · 2nd Jun 2016, 5:47 pm

The nut with two holes on mine is chrome.

John.

tim.norris · 2nd Jun 2016, 8:25 pm

John , Thanks for that , do you have a picture ?
regards, Tim.

60 oldjohn · 2nd Jun 2016, 9:14 pm

Its identical to your picture but a little brighter being chrome.

John.

Radio_Dave · 2nd Jun 2016, 10:50 pm

Have you tried metal polish on it? It could just be dirty

.

David

60 oldjohn · 3rd Jun 2016, 10:35 pm

The finish reminds me of the Nickel chrome from the 1920s. It may need buffing as Dave says, or it may be missing one of the plating processes.
A Chroming works would be able to tell you, but it won't be cheap if they have to do anything. Maybe better off asking for a broken aerial on this forum.

John.

Tractionist · 4th Jun 2016, 12:47 pm

I think it's nickel plated - mine looks like yours. (Why would this 'chrome' dull - whereas the dial surround etc. generally doesn't?)

tim.norris · 4th Jun 2016, 8:17 pm

Tractionist, i`m as baffled as you are , the other chromed items are in good condition so why not this component . Could be nickel plated i suppose it depends what the metal actually is , could it be alloy ?
regards, Tim.

slidertogrid · 4th Jun 2016, 8:26 pm

Chrome will deteriorate on some base metals whereas others seem unaffected.
Chrome deposited on solid brass for example will often last well. Chrome deposited on Mazak or "monkey metal" for instance often discolours and can flake and peel.
Storage conditions have an effect as well. I have had some Mazak that the plating looks new, others the chrome is so dull it looks as if it had never been chromed just painted matt silver/grey.
Rich.

tim.norris · 4th Jun 2016, 10:26 pm

Rich, i think thats the answer its probably Mazak , will have to remove it to find out for sure , thanks, Tim.

2nd Jun 2016, 4:30 pm	#1
tim.norris Hexode Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Blackburn, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 282	Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? Hi, does anyone know if the metal surround which the aerial passes through on a Bush VTR 103 was originally chromed ? Regards, Tim. Attached Thumbnails

2nd Jun 2016, 5:47 pm	#2
60 oldjohn Dekatron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 3,987	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? The nut with two holes on mine is chrome. John.

2nd Jun 2016, 8:25 pm	#3
tim.norris Hexode Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Blackburn, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 282	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? John , Thanks for that , do you have a picture ? regards, Tim.

2nd Jun 2016, 9:14 pm	#4
60 oldjohn Dekatron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 3,987	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? Its identical to your picture but a little brighter being chrome. John.

2nd Jun 2016, 10:50 pm	#5
Radio_Dave Nonode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 2,543	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? Have you tried metal polish on it? It could just be dirty. David __________________ http://www.youtube.com/ My Nixie Clocks

3rd Jun 2016, 10:35 pm	#6
60 oldjohn Dekatron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 3,987	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? The finish reminds me of the Nickel chrome from the 1920s. It may need buffing as Dave says, or it may be missing one of the plating processes. A Chroming works would be able to tell you, but it won't be cheap if they have to do anything. Maybe better off asking for a broken aerial on this forum. John.

4th Jun 2016, 12:47 pm	#7
Tractionist Heptode Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 875	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? I think it's nickel plated - mine looks like yours. (Why would this 'chrome' dull - whereas the dial surround etc. generally doesn't?) __________________ Red to red, black to black. Throw the switch and stand well back!

4th Jun 2016, 8:17 pm	#8
tim.norris Hexode Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Blackburn, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 282	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? Tractionist, i`m as baffled as you are , the other chromed items are in good condition so why not this component . Could be nickel plated i suppose it depends what the metal actually is , could it be alloy ? regards, Tim.

4th Jun 2016, 8:26 pm	#9
slidertogrid Octode Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,898	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? Chrome will deteriorate on some base metals whereas others seem unaffected. Chrome deposited on solid brass for example will often last well. Chrome deposited on Mazak or "monkey metal" for instance often discolours and can flake and peel. Storage conditions have an effect as well. I have had some Mazak that the plating looks new, others the chrome is so dull it looks as if it had never been chromed just painted matt silver/grey. Rich. __________________ The rotation of the earth really makes my day...

4th Jun 2016, 10:26 pm	#10
tim.norris Hexode Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Blackburn, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 282	Re: Bush VTR 103 Chrome ? Rich, i think thats the answer its probably Mazak , will have to remove it to find out for sure , thanks, Tim.