[AMPS] Alpha 76PA panel

[Richard W. Ehrhorn]

Hi Bob...

I wouldn't be surprised if Alpha/Power has a new panel to fit your 76PA. They've done a good job of stocking replacements for painted sheet metal parts made during the mid-to-late 70's. You should call (970) 535-4173 and talk with Scott.

That suede-like paint used on the 76A & 77D line for a few years was called "Nextel." It was made by 3M, expensive, and considered one of the best and toughest finishes available. ETO's painting work back then was done by two major, top-quality electronic sheet metal manufacturers - Buckeye Stamping in Ohio for the 77s and ZERO Manufacturing's Florida plant for other models. It was at least 10-15 years before the paint deterioration showed up. Presumably it was due to defective paint formulation, since products from two good manufacturers a thousand miles apart eventually had the same problem. 

Long before that, at least 20 years ago, the price of Nextel jumped to ~$50/gallon about the same time that EPA regulations forced most sheet metal finishing companies to switch to paints containing far less, or maybe no, volatile/toxic solvents. Neither ETO nor Alpha/Power, so far as I know, has had further paint problems.

Just a little trivia FWIW.

73,    Dick  W0ID  



-----Original Message-----
From:	Robert W. King [SMTP:w3gh@kiski.net]
Sent:	Friday, November 26, 1999 8:07 AM
To:	amps@contesting.com
Subject:	[AMPS] Alpha 76PA panel


I have a 76PA Alpha amp bought new in 1979. After a few years the panel paint
became sticky to the touch. Today the panel coating has deteriorated to the
point
where the thru panel pushbuttons hang up because of the tackiness of the paint.

I have seen other alpha amps with the same problem.  Was this a problem with the
paint process?  I need to have the panel redone or acquire a replacement. Is
there
someone who does restoration of this type.  I have not called Alpha, however
I doubt
they would have a replacement for an amp this old (still working great).

Any suggestions?

Bob W3GH  


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