Wireless Set No. 52 Canadian - Project

[David Dunlop]

These are the Cross-Pins (-5 or #5) used with the large Airloc Cowl Fastener Studs found on the 52-Set Receiver and Coil, Aerial Tuning assemblies.

I found them in stock at MilSpec Products, Inc. in Sorrento, Florida. Their Stock Number for these parts is 294185.

David

[David Dunlop]

This is the tool needed for installing the Cross-Pins for the two versions of the Cowl-Fastener Studs found on the Wireless Set No. 52 components. It can also be used to carefully press out the pins already in place, though, with a little care, any adjustable head set of pliers could do this, as long as you do not damage the stud trying.

They were out of stock of this tool at AIRCRAFT SPRUCE CANADA, but did have them available at MilSpec Products when I ordered the larger Cross Pins from them.

They look like a simple large Vise Grip, but the jaws have been machined to accept the two sizes of Cross-Pins (-2 and -5) and if you have more than one of the same type to install, after the first one is centred in its stud, you can close up the hex nut on the adjustment shaft of the tool to lock the settings in place for the rest of the pins you need to install.

And, No, this brand new tool is not rusty. That was the reflection from a large pile of orange wool on the dining room table when I took the photo this morning. I did not notice it when taking the picture.

David

[David Dunlop]

Another beautiful, warm, sunny day, so these two KNOBS received their top coat of Armor Coat, Gloss Misty Grey paint this morning, so they will be ready for reinstallation on the Sender front panel when the time comes.

David

[David Dunlop]

I finally got around to disassembling the central core of this SOCKETS, Antenna, to give it all a good cleaning. Good thing I did, as there was a lot of sooty grease packed between the Bakelite fitting and the central assembly.

Once cleaned and polished, I reassembled it for reinstallation on the Sender panel down the road, once the missing pair of #6 external tooth lock washers have been replaced. I should be able to source them locally, in spite of the current lockdown we are in.

It was interesting to notice the plating on the brass central socket was worn away, leaving the shiny brass when cleaned. The similar brass socket on the COIL, Aerial Tuning also shows a high degree of wear on the plating with and lot of brass visible. However, the ones on the three receivers are essentially factory mint in condition. They simply never got used over the service life of this 52-Set to wear them down.

David

[David Dunlop]

Good outdoor painting weather is rapidly disappearing here these days, so I took advantage of a chance to strip the old paint and varnish coats off this item yesterday and get it ready for priming.

I was surprised at how bright and shiny the original metal work was underneath the layers of paint.

Originally, the interior of these COVERS was left in a bare, plated metal state, but traces of overspray through the wire screens was still evident around the inner rim. Over the years, moisture had puddled on the lower inner rim and some surface rusting needed to be cleaned away. For the sake of protecting this inner surface in the future, I have decided to prime it, but only finish coat the exterior surfaces.

For such a small part, the extent to which it underwent spot welding it worth noting on the exterior view. You can see a lot of spot weld dimples all the way around the front rim. I am thinking a number of these welds were first applied to hold the wire screen securely in place. Then the inner C-Ring fitting was installed and also spot-welded in place, to prevent the open rim of the wire screen from moving about and perhaps unravelling.

If you browse back to Post 285, you will see what this COVERS looked like when first removed from the Sender panel.

David

[David Dunlop]

The COVERS, Metal for the Sender front panel has now been primed inside and out.

Hopefully the weather will hold long enough this week to get the finish coat applied to the outside of the COVERS now.

David

[David Dunlop]

The COVERS for the Sender, with its final exterior coat of paint.

Now to start working on the last major repair challenge before reassembly of the front panel to the Sender can begin.

David