Gonset GSB-201, "Frame-Up" restoration --- A SAGA

[GlocknSpiel]

Progress is slowing down as Summer sets in and I'm overdue for an update. Even though there IS a/c , it's still too hot out there, so I really haven't done much this entire month. Anyhow;

I got the input tuner installed, and it works great!
The soft-start module is in-place, and the discharge tubes and new .0047Uf input cap are installed on the tube filament buss.
The OG real estate hogging perf-board circuit had to be moved forward 1" in order to provide clearance for the two fuse holders on the back.
All coaxes are replaced.
I had issues with the homebrew 12/24VDC, tuner feeding, bias-providing power supply's PCB mounting holes not wanting to be drilled-out wide enough (they all broke-out), so I have to re-mount everything on a new PCB, --- or find a store-bought module small enough for the only space left for one...... So more later on that.
EDIT: The pencil scribble on the tube sub-chassis is from previous owner(s).

 

[SuperLid]

Gonset GSB201 Moderniziation.
YEARS ago, (1995 I think), I picked this old girl up at a local tailgate, and it came with the original manual. I traded an old Kenwood TS-7500 2 meter rig for it. As you can see in the pics, this amp was very rough, but I'm just attracted to 'old iron'. And at 81Lbs, this sure fits that bill just fine. I brought her home, hoisted it up on my heaviest bench, and brought it up on the variac. I recall that I got around 400W full-drive from it before backing away from it. While staring certain death in the face the whole time, I didn't want to "push any envelopes"... I was SO afraid of it after a day's worth of tinkering with it, that I built a sturdy dolly for it, and wheeled it under the bench, never to see daylight again.... Until today.

I'm sorry, but this is truly going to be a "saga", y'all., to be updated as I make any progress on it. But it's a flat mess. I plan to not only get her chooching again, but I intend to modernize the circuit as best I can as I go. I'm documenting this process here because I'm sure that if I'M willing to do this, there are other radio heads with these sweet old boatanchors under their bench. So let's do this!
I just hope my skill level is up to the task!

Here it is, in all of it's present OEM glory. I know, it's fugly. Outside of a new paint job at some point during this project, it'll likely remain fairly fugly. But I see an 81 pound "diamond in a cesspool".

I am enjoying your saga! I almost bought one of these once years ago, but the lack of a 220(240)VAC tap was the dealbreaker for me. You are doing a very nice job on this. Good luck!