I've got an old Rauland PA amp (5U4, 2x6V6, two octal preamp tubes I can't remember off the top of my head) that I picked up to rebuild into a guitar amp - so I want to reuse the chassis, power transformer, and sockets, maybe more parts (resistors, etc) if they test out ok. The amp powered on and worked when I got it, although it was very tinny and had low volume, the usual problems with tubes being shot, old caps, etc etc.
Anyway, the problem I've come across is the leads coming from the PT are in terrible shape. The insulation is falling apart, and since they've been in the same layout for maybe 50-60 years the wire itself isn't really flexible any more. What I want to do, if I can, is snip off all the leads close to the transformer, and attach new leads, solder and heatshrink the connections, and go ahead and use it in the amp. In theory this should be simple, but will it cause any problems? would the connections be liable to fail if soldered?
If not possible to reuse the old transfomer, should I just ditch it and try to find another one that'll fit the chassis? Or would it be worth my money to have the original PT rewound with new leads (I assume replacing the leads as part of a rewind shouldn't be an issue)?
Anyway, just looking for advice, thanks!
Anyway, the problem I've come across is the leads coming from the PT are in terrible shape. The insulation is falling apart, and since they've been in the same layout for maybe 50-60 years the wire itself isn't really flexible any more. What I want to do, if I can, is snip off all the leads close to the transformer, and attach new leads, solder and heatshrink the connections, and go ahead and use it in the amp. In theory this should be simple, but will it cause any problems? would the connections be liable to fail if soldered?
If not possible to reuse the old transfomer, should I just ditch it and try to find another one that'll fit the chassis? Or would it be worth my money to have the original PT rewound with new leads (I assume replacing the leads as part of a rewind shouldn't be an issue)?
Anyway, just looking for advice, thanks!
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