If the replacement meter works properly,
and the modification was done neatly,
why not just leave it alone? If a good meter ever becomes
available, then change it out.
Not many folks would know, or care about the difference.

I guess the honest answer is . . . that it bugs me. The replacement is
functional. On the other hand, it not only works backward but zeros near the
midpoint rather than all the way to one edge. So it can't be as responsive
on weak signals as if it had the full range of travel.

My plan for this SX-28 is that it'll be my "keeper." It's a one-owner rig
that worked well as found, unabused and unmodified except for this meter.
I'm taking pains with all the work to make sure that it's as squeaky clean
as I can manage. (Everything is easier the second time around!) I even went
so far as to restuff paper caps for a while, until I got impatient and
noticed how hard it would be to cram some of those big paper cases back into
the crannies whence they came, without disturbing lots of other components.

I suppose I could always change meters with my first SX-28 and then keep an
eye out for a replacement or just dispose of that set as-is. The thought of
having two of these beasts open for surgery on the same workbench is a
little daunting, tho' :-)

Regards,

Phil Nelson