Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Kentode · 27th Nov 2017, 10:22 am

If you haven't got the recommended tool, which is a plumber's sink plunger, then pass two pipe cleaners under the dial ( with the tuning gang closed) and gently rock and pull upwards.

You can also use two lengths of string.

Has anyone here ever used a plumber's sink plunger?

Nuvistor · 27th Nov 2017, 10:44 am

When I was repairing these 50 years ago I used a similar system as you, I think it was strong RS drive cord I used, I did try the plumbers sink plunger but it never worked for me.

I never broke one this way but we occasionally had the radios brought in with a broken dial, replacements were easy to obtain then, trifle more difficult now.

paulsherwin · 27th Nov 2017, 12:22 pm

I've never had problems removing these with fingers. You lift one side then the other, gently but firmly, until it starts to move. You just have to be patient and not apply excessive or lopsided force. Maybe I've just been lucky though, and the next one I do will break.

On reassembly I add a smear of grease so that dismantling will be easier next time.

Refugee · 27th Nov 2017, 12:47 pm

I undid the chassis screws and reached in with a long tool and pushed it off a little bit at a time from inside against the boss rotating the dial as I went.
I have never broken one.

slidertogrid · 27th Nov 2017, 6:17 pm

I have only had one that wouldn't pull off. That was stuck solid, I was afraid of cracking it by pulling too hard.
I took the centre cap off and warmed the end of the tuner gang spindle with a soldering iron, not enough to melt the plastic but enough for the knob to be released easily.
Rich.

paulsherwin · 27th Nov 2017, 6:56 pm

Good tip. It should also melt any hardened grease.

Andrewausfa · 27th Nov 2017, 7:48 pm

I wiggle a silk scarf purloined from the Mrs behind the knob, more area to pull against. The more expensive the scarf, the better.

Andrew

paulsherwin · 27th Nov 2017, 10:16 pm

I bet that ends well if you get grease on it

crackle · 27th Nov 2017, 10:17 pm

A duster threaded under and wrapped around then twisted is good for pulling off stubborn knobs.
I use a little smear of old hard capacitor wax to help the knobs back on, it even helps hold them from falling off if they are rather loose.

Mike

27th Nov 2017, 10:22 am	#1
Kentode Octode Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Yorkshire, England. Posts: 1,303	Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. If you haven't got the recommended tool, which is a plumber's sink plunger, then pass two pipe cleaners under the dial ( with the tuning gang closed) and gently rock and pull upwards. You can also use two lengths of string. Has anyone here ever used a plumber's sink plunger? Attached Thumbnails __________________ Regards, Ken. BVWS member Last edited by Kentode; 27th Nov 2017 at 10:26 am. Reason: Photos added.

27th Nov 2017, 10:44 am	#2
Nuvistor Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 9,433	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. When I was repairing these 50 years ago I used a similar system as you, I think it was strong RS drive cord I used, I did try the plumbers sink plunger but it never worked for me. I never broke one this way but we occasionally had the radios brought in with a broken dial, replacements were easy to obtain then, trifle more difficult now. __________________ Frank

27th Nov 2017, 12:22 pm	#3
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,970	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. I've never had problems removing these with fingers. You lift one side then the other, gently but firmly, until it starts to move. You just have to be patient and not apply excessive or lopsided force. Maybe I've just been lucky though, and the next one I do will break. On reassembly I add a smear of grease so that dismantling will be easier next time.

27th Nov 2017, 12:47 pm	#4
Refugee Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK. Posts: 5,554	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. I undid the chassis screws and reached in with a long tool and pushed it off a little bit at a time from inside against the boss rotating the dial as I went. I have never broken one.

27th Nov 2017, 6:17 pm	#5
slidertogrid Octode Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,898	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. I have only had one that wouldn't pull off. That was stuck solid, I was afraid of cracking it by pulling too hard. I took the centre cap off and warmed the end of the tuner gang spindle with a soldering iron, not enough to melt the plastic but enough for the knob to be released easily. Rich. __________________ The rotation of the earth really makes my day...

27th Nov 2017, 6:56 pm	#6
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,970	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. Good tip. It should also melt any hardened grease.

27th Nov 2017, 7:48 pm	#7
Andrewausfa Octode Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: St Ives, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,180	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. I wiggle a silk scarf purloined from the Mrs behind the knob, more area to pull against. The more expensive the scarf, the better. Andrew __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life. Or they should do. BVWS Member

27th Nov 2017, 10:16 pm	#8
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,970	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. I bet that ends well if you get grease on it

27th Nov 2017, 10:17 pm	#9
crackle Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Basildon, Essex, UK. Posts: 4,100	Re: Removing Bush VTR 103 tuning dial. A duster threaded under and wrapped around then twisted is good for pulling off stubborn knobs. I use a little smear of old hard capacitor wax to help the knobs back on, it even helps hold them from falling off if they are rather loose. Mike