Zenith 6S229 - Removing & Cleaning the old Tuning Condenser

While waiting on the weather to improve, taking time to remove the old Tuning (Variable) Condenser (Capacitor), some quick capacitance checks for future reference before a thorough cleaning using citric acid, water, and a few cycles in the ultrasonic cleaner with dishwashing detergent.
You'll find the scanned copy of the dial scale for the Zenith 6S229 at:
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
The playlist for the series:
• Zenith 6S229 - 1937 To...
Thanks for watching and subscribing to my channel on vintage radio repair and other related circuits.
#restoreoldradios
#6S229

[@rciancia]

That's great Don. These Zenith units were high end for their time and many were mechanical marvels. Good to see this one getting the right treatment from you. Its going to be amazing when you are done.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you Ron. The mechanical engineering is amazing for the period and sometimes hard to comprehend without studying. Best, Don

[@hinspect]

Neat video, I'll have to look over some of your other videos
From looking at the beginning, removing the tuner a roll of Solder-Wck would've come in handy to avoid clipping things loose with flush cutters🤔

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thanks for watching. I keep solder-wick on hand these days; it does come in handy for sure. All the best. Don

[@jamesmann1243]

Don, I use white vinegar, to soak my tuning condenser's in. Usually over night is sufficient, then the tooth brush and simple green cleanser, to remove the old slime and oxidation that has accumulated over 70+ years of use and abuse.. great videos, love the one of the Faux finished cabinet. Great Job.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

James, thank you for the info, it’s always great to know how others tackle these issues successfully and I appreciate your kind words on the cabinet. Best, Don

[@barryfleischer6553]

You're amazing, to do all that work and video it. You make it look so easy. So many times parts go flying or worse, I can't remember where I put them. How many times have I been working and I'll see a tube that I stupidly left on the bench roll off and break before I could catch it. Its so much easier to watch someone else do this stuff. I really enjoy your channel.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Barry, thank you. The old floor monster eats my parts at times too. I appreciate you following the series and reaching out. Best, Don

[@AllAmericanFiveRadio]

Nice Zenith, looking forward to seeing more and listening to it working.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you Rick. Hopefully it will make sound again. Best, Don

[@JoeNathan42420]

Yesterday I found an old (older than the one In this video Im pretty sure) zenith. It was in very bad condition and basically the only thing I was able to salvage was the condenser. Can't wait to get it back in working order and surfing waves again

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Very cool, I hope things go as planned. Best, Don

[@tectalabyss]

Hi Don. I am enjoying the restore. Has always I L and S. All my very best.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Appreciate it Bobby. Glad you’re enjoying the series to this point. Best, Don

[@DERB_Seymour_Indiana]

Hey Don. Cool stuff all. Nice touch with the documentation. :)

[@RestoreOldRadios]

I appreciate it Doug, I need to touch it up; hard to read my chicken scratch at times. LOL Best, Don

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

Looking good Don, congratulations on reaching 10,000 subscribers!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Much appreciated Gregg. Best, Don

[@tubeDude48]

I ALWAYS clean V.C.'s and other parts in an Ultrasonic Cleaner with *Simply Green !*

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thanks for the info. Do you dilute it or use at full strength? Best, Don

[@tubeDude48]

@@RestoreOldRadios - I use full strength on really bad condition items, but use 1/2 & 1/2 on most items. I then blow them off with an air compressor, and fill the bearings with lithium grease.

[@ahmedsalim4294]

😍😍😍😍

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you. Best, Don

[@oldavguywholovesRCA]

Always a fun time on your channel. How much citric acid did you use? That stuff is pretty potent.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

I just did a video and published it after seeing your comment; one teaspoon of citric acid with two cups of warm water. Best, Don

[@oldavguywholovesRCA]

@@RestoreOldRadios thank you for that Don. Can’t wait to do my next restoration video and use that method.

[@deanschmeltzer9620]

Hi Don , my 6s229 the dial was not soldered on just pushed on. Careful if you get another very easy to break while installing . Also, the grid cap wire on mine was not shielded . Hope this helps

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Dean - helps a lot my friend. I appreciate your feedback. Best, Don

[@deanschmeltzer9620]

@@RestoreOldRadios It is I who is grateful I have learn so much watching your videos. I really love what you did to the cabinet . I must admit I was skeptical at first, boy that thing turned out great . Thanks

[@stun3282]

Would I do something like this for a television tuner?

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Check out the new series that Bob just started and he would be a great resource for your question. Best, Don
youtube.com/@bandersentv?si=8NhOhnXPu_k-tyk2

[@barryfleischer6553]

....I spent two weeks looking for a capacitor I never actually removed. D'oh!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

LOL I’ve been there and done that. Best, Don

[@johnsenchak1428]

Citric acid, isn't that what they use in soda? Why do they call it a gimmick capacitor?

[@RestoreOldRadios]

John, you’ll see my earlier reply to the citric acid question. A gimmick was just the name given as it’s a trick, i.e., twisting two insulated conductors together to form a 1 to 3 pF capacitor or so and was a cost effective solution for those low value capacitance needs. Best, Don