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Leak Stereo 60 Valve Amplifier

audioaaron said:
Unfortunately it has many scratches so I’m thinking about removing the transformers and giving the chassis a couple of coats of Hammer Tone paint which will unfortunately destroy the decals so I’m not quite sure what to do... I would like to have this as a show piece so I would like to re-paint it but hate to lost the decals. Can new decals be ordered or made?
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The first thing I would try is an automotive "scratch pen". If it works, you have saved the original paint and (IMHO, more importantly) the original lettering. If it doesn't work, no harm as you were thinking of repainting anyway.

If you do have to repaint, I have had great success with "Water Slide" decals. The only problem I can see for your project is that you would have to get them to print white (or at least light beige). AFAIK, white is the default transparent for inkjet printers, so I'm not sure how you would accomplish this.

Here is the Wiki on Water Slide decals. Here is a project (still unfinished, I got side tracked) where I used them.
 
Hi Markshan,

Your Technics TT turned out great with the re-paint and water slide decal! This is probably the ideal way to go, thanks for the info as I hadn’t heard of them before. I can see that placing the decals on a all black chassis surface could be a problem so I’m thinking of re-spraying the amp chassis a different colour (either silver or gold/brown) so as to avoid this. Will post some photos when I’m done.
 
The two audio transformers have now been removed to get there deep clean and hammertone spray job. Will hope to have the power trans out this weekend.
 

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Just waiting on the Decal paper to arrive for the chassis. I have finished all the hammertone painting. The transformers have been done separately (pictured below) I ended up going with gold and black hammertone paint (Rustoleum - actually great stuff providing you give it at least 48 hours in between coats) I painted the trans core black. The paint is rated to handle up to 95 degrees so i'm hoping ill be ok there. Photos didn't come out as nice a I had hoped but when I have her all back together i'll post some more.
 

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What is the exact name or part number for that color? Or maybe you could give a link? It looks like a decent match for the more common Leak color. Thanks.
 
I used Rustoleum 'Hammered' Copper MPN# 020066172572 and Rustoleum 'Hammered' Black MPN#020066172565.

I wasn't able to buy it in any local paint or automotive shops so had to order it on eBay. It was worth the wait. It is a paint and primer and seems to be very hard wearing once fully cured (it's a bit of a slow drying process even with 20 degree days but the finish is worth the wait). I have given the transformers one light coat of clear enamel gloss spray after the paint had dried which brought out a shine and emphasised the hammertone look. Unfortunately the photos don't do it justice.
 
I've used other colors of their hammertone before. It is fairly tough, and lays on reasonably thick. Its fairly hard though so if you hit it hard enough, it will chip rather than just scratching.
 
Is it me or are you missing the rectifier tube , seems to have been a GZ34 ,?
If it hasn't been modded to solidstate you will need one to get it working.

Neat choice for the color.

Good luck restoring it ,regards F.
 
cannext said:
Is it me or are you missing the rectifier tube , seems to have been a GZ34 ,?
If it hasn't been modded to solidstate you will need one to get it working.

Neat choice for the color.

Good luck restoring it ,regards F.
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Very observant! yes at the time I took the photos I was missing the rectifier but have since got a nos one of eBay. Yes it was a GZ34 from memory.
 
Leak Stereo 60 restoration finished!

Well I’ve finished my Leak 60 project. It took a bit longer than I had hoped but it was worth the wait. Nervously, I powered her up slowly yesterday afternoon and she sounds great, as a bonus no BANG or SMOKE! Just a lovely warm valve sound. For testing I just used my iPod but am now working towards resurrecting my Varislope.
You certainly don’t need to put heater on a cold night if you are using one of these amps for your music! The white Standee Wire Wound Resistors on top of the chassis run quite hot, as do the valves as expected.

I prefer the Copper colour compared to the original back even if it is not quite as original. The water slide decals worked a treat! Many thanks to you all for your suggestions and advice it’s been fantastic. I hope i’m able to return some advice in the future.

See pics below FYI. I’ve uploaded a couple of quick and dirty video to Youtube captured on my iPhone, not the greatest video or sound quality but you might be interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OTtiIwPZXs&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjQtJeg1Rzw&feature=youtu.be
 

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