Repairing hole in front panel
 

Question for the group:

Am restoring a TX-1, and was horrified to find that a previous owner
had drilled a 1/4" hole in the front panel for a pot controlling
output to an oscilloscope display.

I like to have my equipment as original as possible, and this one
really threw me. Does anyone have any ideas on how to repair this
front panel hole, or am I going to have to look around for a new front
panel? (yugh.)

Bondo+paint?

Thanks to the group in advance,

Lin/KJ6EF

For email responses, remove "nospam_".

Question for the group:

Am restoring a TX-1, and was horrified to find that a previous owner
had drilled a 1/4" hole in the front panel for a pot controlling
output to an oscilloscope display.

I like to have my equipment as original as possible, and this one
really threw me. Does anyone have any ideas on how to repair this
front panel hole, or am I going to have to look around for a new front
panel? (yugh.)

Bondo+paint?

Thanks to the group in advance,

Lin/KJ6EF

For email responses, remove "nospam_".

You can use a product called JB Weld. It is found at hardware stores and I
think WalMart sells it. Place a non-stick backing to the back of the panel and
fill the hole letting it settle a bit above the panel. Sand smooth. I have
heard of this being done with great success. I have not filled a hole as such,
but have used the product for other things and it is pretty good stuff. It is
machinable, sandable, paintable, etc.

Good luck.

Barry - N4BUQ

In article 3f347db8.1077907@nntp, (Space Charge)
writes:

Bondo+paint?

Yes. It works. Put a piece of smooth tape on the front side and apply the bondo
from the rear side. Let it set, remove tape, sand with very fine paper and
paint.

The results are as good as your craftsmanship.

73 de Jim, N2EY

N2EY wrote:

In article 3f347db8.1077907@nntp, (Space Charge)
writes:

Bondo+paint?

Yes. It works. Put a piece of smooth tape on the front side and apply the bondo
from the rear side. Let it set, remove tape, sand with very fine paper and
paint.

The results are as good as your craftsmanship.

73 de Jim, N2EY

If the front panel is textured (as in the Collins S line or wrinkle finish) you can
make a mold of the front using silicone 2 part mixes. When cured, place the mold
over the hole and back fill with the epoxy. I have used this technique on S Line
gear- and once painted with the Collins paints- it is virtually undetectable.

Dale W4OP