1KW 813A Tube Amp questions

[unit_399]

I have an old tube amplifier that I am rebuilding. It utilizes a pair of 813A tubes. The tubes in the amp when I got it weren't matched (one RCA, one Amprex).
I have several questions:

First of all, what's the best cleaner to use on the tube socket contacts ?? I see that DeOxit is recommended, but it's not available here. Is a generic contact cleaner OK, or maybe Tarn-X ?? I have both. I just don't want to damage the silver plating on the contacts.

Are Air Chimneys required with these tubes?? It looks like the amp was fitted with them, but they weren't there when I got it. Don't see them listed anywhere.

Finally, what is the best brand of tube to use (performance and longevity) ?? NOS RCA and GE tubes are available here at reasonable prices. Or is another brand a lot better ??

I've had this amp for years. When I lived in SoCal, a Mexican guy brought to me to check out and give him a repair estimate. He never got back with me, and I heard from one of his friends that he was deported (???) Now, I figured if I could get it up and running I could sell or trade it to one of the amatuer radio hombres here.

Thanks for your help.

- 399

 

[nomadradio]

Tube socket contacts? Non-residue organic solvent.

We use a CRC spray-can cleaner called "QD", for quick drying. Can't remember the ingredients, but they're flammable. Auto Zone carries in the USA. Got the last can from Amazon.

Denatured alcohol does a pretty good job on metal oxides and any airborne schmoo that can stick to contact surfaces.

I would guess that brake cleaner is fine so long as no thermoplastic stuff is nearby to get splashed with it. The toluene-based kind, not the chlorinated "non-flammable" stuff. The chlorinated cleaner is stinky and takes forever to evaporate.

73