Tube HF transceiver restore

[vintage guy]

I'm in the process of restoring a Drake TR4Cw. Got the cover off the transceiver and found a build up of dust and grit on the chassis. I was wondering if leaving tubes installed, spraying wit CRC QD Electronic cleaner a d brush with small sovent brush. Cover had a few dents that I've straightened out and am repainting.
Should I spray Deoxit in the controls?

 

[danmcclain]

I'm in the process of restoring a Drake TR4Cw. Got the cover off the transceiver and found a build up of dust and grit on the chassis. I was wondering if leaving tubes installed, spraying wit CRC QD Electronic cleaner a d brush with small sovent brush. Cover had a few dents that I've straightened out and am repainting.
Should I spray Deoxit in the controls?

With the buildup of dust and grit on the chassis I would highly recommend spraying the control pots... Dan

 

[BJ radionut]

DO Not use anything abrasive on the Drake chassis. Careful of any degreaser and solvent...eats lettering. I like 90% rubbing alcohol...Qtips/soft cotton rags (Old T-shirts)...Remove tubes. If really dirty I have used diluted green dish soap/warm water/old worn-out tooth brush to clean...Be aware...some of those "dirt" spots maybe rust...Though that was uncommon in the TR4C run of radios. Let dry for several days before energizing anything.

DeOX/other solvents OK on controls...do NOT use on VFO assembly...(at least I would not) gaskets and rubber bushings do not like that...There is info out there to correctly clean those assemblies without damage.

WB4HFN Amateur Radio Website

Drake Items - Parts - Page 1 - Nationwide Radio & Eq. Sales LLC

ke9pq.com

GL...many here to help
All the Best
Gary

 

[BJ radionut]

Another Note: Old tubes...when cleaning best just warm mild soapy water...pat dry...careful with much else you will remove the lettering...Solvent/deox OK on pins and tube sockets applied with Qtips /soft towel.

 

[loosecannon]

just so it gets mentioned, you should know how to discharge the HV caps before doing any work on a tube radio.
just because its unplugged doesn't mean its safe.

you should definitely remove the tubes before cleaning the chassis.

as for cleaning the pots and switches, yes using something like de-oxit will help BUT!
you should not use any sort of contact cleaner on any switches that have high voltage on them.

even though they say it doesn't leave any film behind, they do, and that can cause arcing across the switch contacts.

I found this out watching a repair video by greg howe of S9 radio.
he's a very good tech and showed a switch that had this happen and he had to scrape away all the carbon left on the switch body that was caused by it arcing across contacts.
LC

 

[vintage guy]

So, as I understand: 1) discharge HV caps, 2)remove tubes and clean with water/mild soap, 3) use deoxit for pots and switches, not solvents, 4) solvent on chassis ok, something like denatured alcohol may be better than CRC QD Electronic Cleaner, use bristle brush like old tooth brush, 5) let thoroughly dry.
As for deoxit, I looked at website and saw a variety of products. Which one is best for pots and switches?
Thanks