Fisher TA-500 --- Restoration

[Avagadro1]

Fisher TA-500

I just won an auction for a Fisher TA-500 (tube, mono; maybe Fisher’s first such product). It was an estate auction, not an electronics auction. The auction photos showed a very nice unit. We’ll see. Even though the auction house stated that “the radio worked”, I will want a proper restoration.

Would someone recommend one or two Fisher specialists ---- of if not, per se, a Fisher specialist, someone who can do a good job with this old machine.

One more matter, please.
I may myself (for the first time) try to clean and polish the faceplate and chassis. On this site I’ve seen a comment about Blue Magic polishing cream for such purposes.

A Web listing for Blue Magic shows several different compounds ---- 550, 500, 400, 300, 200 and 100 ---- which one might assume refers to how much grit is in the compound for more or less aggressive polishing.

Considering the different chassis and faceplate metals, and the having due regard for the stenciling on the faceplate and chassis, which of the Blue Magic products (perhaps more than one) might be most appropriate?

Thank you.

 

[bhamham]

Let us know your location so someone can recommend a person or shop local to you.

Nice grab

 

[Tim D]

+1 on what Bruce said.

If you want, you can add your town to your profile like mine and Bruce's. That way you can get localized recommendations.

 

[Avagadro1]

Thank you for your comments.

I'm in Pittsburgh, Pa. But I do not mind shipping the unit to the "right" person.

I might add the following: There seem to be a few good electronics REPAIR shops in Pittsburgh, but I am not aware of any RESTORATION specialists. In fact, one fellow ---- a very good repair man, I believe ---- specifically told me that he can do repairs on lots of equipment (it's mostly 1970s to 2000s solid state), but he does not do restorations.

Ok. I'm open to suggestions.

Thank you.

 

[notdigital]

A member close to you recently worked on his 500. You might want to touch base; Fisher 500 (mono) Distortion and Instability

 

[Avagadro1]

notdigital: Thank you. I wrote a message to "Dave451" ---- the fellow who is currently working on a Fisher TA-500. By the photos of his test equipment, he appears to be a pro. Thanks again.

 

[larryderouin]

Yeah, Dave is very good. And he knows Fishers well.