Fisher 400 faceplate cleaning question.

[tubeboob]

I need to clean the faceplate of a Fisher 400 tube receiver of 1960's vintage and I have two questions where I need some help. I love the sound of this piece and plan on keeping it for many years, so . . .

1. How do I safely remove the faceplate from the chassis?

2. How do I clean it once removed so that I don't damage or remove the lettering and graphics?

All help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[Stephen J]

The process is not that tough. First remove the knobs.They pull straight off.If they are difficult to remove.I have seen people say they used two spoons like little levers.Putting the tips behind each side of the knob.using the bowl in the spoon to provide the leverage.I have very strong fingernails,and was able to remove them with out using anything else.
Arrange the knobs somewhere in the positions you took them off so that you are putting them back in the same places. Then there are two brass flat nuts,1/2'' I think. Remove those and the face plate will come off. I used windex wipes on mine.Then rinsed the residue off with several damp paper towels.
That should do it.I cleaned my 400 and 500c with good results.

[tubeboob]

Thanks for the quick response. I will try it this weekend.

How are you enjoying your vintage piece.

I am amazed at just how great these vintage pieces actually sound.

Thanks again.

Cheers

[Stephen J]

I only had the opportunity to enjoy the 400 for a short time. Then I noticed the problem with one of my power tubes ( red plating ) made a phone call and haven't plugged it in since. The 500c was a whole other animal. Playing when I bought it.Sounded good but I know those caps are tired extremely clean. So I decided I would have it Keggerized.
Hopefully it will be ready for AK fest with some speakers I have in the works.
ie Aristocrats or GREAT BIG EV DIY'S We shall see.

[spaceman]

Just don't try to clean the dial glass, you'll wash the lettering right off. If you really have to get the crumbling foam out, be really careful. Good luck.

[Stephen J]

Originally Posted by spaceman

Just don't try to clean the dial glass, you'll wash the lettering right off. If you really have to get the crumbling foam out, be really careful. Good luck.

The lettering on mine is on the back of the glass

[tubeboob]

I finally got around to cleaning the dial glass.

Took off the knobs and the faceplate, and removed the dial glass by removing the 4 screws, two of which were hidden behind old dry rotted and caked on foam.

Very gentle cleaning with a mild detergent and soft paper towels, careful to avoid dust and other residue.

This thing now has improved aesthetically by leaps and bounds, and the dial glass now lights work so much better as well.

Thanks for all the input, it really was easier than I thought, just a little patience was needed.

Cheers