Could use some additional help in refurbishing my SX-1250 receiver. I have cleaned and repainted the top cover and screws using brown Rustoleum hammer finish paint. Sanded the wood veneer to remove multiple scratches, refinished it, and applied wax. Cleaned the insides primarily with alcohol, a small brush, and lint free wipes. Took off the bottom cover and cleaned and polished it. I also replaced several missing screws on the bottom cover. I have cleaned most of the knobs and switches on the front face.
My problem is in getting the front face plate off to clean up the grunge behind the tuner glass and to get at the pots for cleaning. I can get all of the knobs off except for the tuning knob. The knob appears to have been replaced with a non standard Pioneer knob for the SX-1250. It is not of the set screw type. It is on the shaft so tight that I cannot budge it. It is so tight that I'm wondering if someone has glued it on. Based on a search I found a thread where someone else had the same problem with the volume knob on their SX-1980. It was suggested that they should pry the knob off using a couple of spoons, or heat the knob with a hair dryer to get it to expand on the shaft.
I don't want to pry the tuning knob as I'm pretty sure I would crack the glass faceplate. I tried heating the knob with a hair dryer, but no luck so far. I'm not sure of how much heat to apply. Is there anything I can hurt by overdoing it on the heat? Any ideas for other methods to remove the knob?
Thanks in advance for any help,
Dave