Don't think I can save this one

[TM86]

Finally bought a Tram D201A a while back. It was listed as parts only, but for once the seller wasn't just trying to protect themselves. This thing is trashed.

From the front it doesn't look too bad, although I'm sure D201A aficionados will notice that the meter is slightly offset and a knob is missing.


But once you get inside you see the horror that awaits:

Now, while I can't prove anything, I think this poor radio was left outside for a few years and was rained on. Repeatedly. Also, when shipped, a transformer was left loose inside the radio. I'm really surprised it only smashed one tube.

It's so bad, even part of the veneer is trying to get away:


So, in light of all the damage from time and the elements, I do not think this thing can be revived. It might come back as a frankenradio if I happen to run across a working but cosmetically destroyed radio to put inside. Or get bored.

Or the XYL may get tired of looking at it and throw it away, if she can lift it.

 

[Rwb]

i got some ocean front property in missouri for sale

 

[TM86]

Started pulling off the knobs so I could at least clean the faceplate. Two won't move, Volume and Mic Gain. These are the small knobs on top of the RTC and TTC controls, respectively. The set screws appear to be rusted (or corroded) in place. I've tried giving them a shot of PB Blaster, no joy.

Any suggestions short of drilling out the set screws? It's not like these things are available everywhere and I don't want to damage them if I can avoid it.

Oh yeah, plastic, so heating them with a blowtorch is also a non-starter.

 

[nomadradio]

I have one suggestion. The "canned air" dustoff sold in office-supply stores will expel cold liquid if you hold it upside-down when spraying. We use it for thermal shock tracking down intermittent failures. Used to get the exhaust-flange bolts loose on air-cooled VWs by alternating between freon (that was then) and PBlaster. The cold would shrink everything and open up cracks for the PBlaster to creep in . The force of the freon spray would drive away the loosened rust particles. Snapped-off exhaust flange bolts became a thing of the past. Safer for this knob than heat. And the D201s knobs are made from thermoset-type resin that won't care about solvents.

And yeah, this radio is in the same spot as the 1965 MG that was parked in a creek bed for years. Might be some stuff still usable. Just not a lot. No way it will ever be roadworthy again.

73