Reality check: re-stuffing e-caps on a '58 Deluxe?

[overtone]

I need a bit of advice:
picked up an old '58 or thereabouts Deluxe, 2-pin cord and death cap, cig burns + smells alright.
The main reservoir cap and Rk are hanging off.

I was going to re-cap, but then, as soon as I saw inside, I froze like a deer in the headlights.
It seems silly, but I am hesitant.

Has anyone any experience or tips on re-stuffing these old Astron electrolytics?
I have some other old card-sleeved e-caps around that I could practice on first
- or should I just bag up the Astrons and fit the F+Ts naked?

All opinions welcomed, even rude ones.

tony

[Milkmansound]

I would swap in new caps and save the old ones in case someone wants them in the future. Seems crazy but some people want a mint stock amp even if it does not work properly. You should be able to put them in without pulling the card - pulling the card is a lot of work but would be the best way to replace the caps

[ToneMerc]

I need a bit of advice:
picked up an old '58 or thereabouts Deluxe, 2-pin cord and death cap, cig burns + smells alright.
The main reservoir cap and Rk are hanging off.

I was going to re-cap, but then, as soon as I saw inside, I froze like a deer in the headlights.
It seems silly, but I am hesitant.

Has anyone any experience or tips on re-stuffing these old Astron electrolytics?
I have some other old card-sleeved e-caps around that I could practice on first
- or should I just bag up the Astrons and fit the F+Ts naked?

All opinions welcomed, even rude ones.

tony

I look at it this way; if the amp is intended to be player then I would recap it and not worry about whether it is cosmetically or period parts correct. How many times are you to open it up and just stare and drool at the guts?

On the other hand, there is a valid argument that having a 100% original amp or original looking could increase its resale value in the context of being a collector piece.

I would remove the death cap and upgrade it to 3 prong AC cable at least.

TM

[dorrisant]

I have cut open the aluminum cans under the cardboard tubes, cleaned them out and installed new caps inside in order to retain the vintage look. Works fine!!!

Tony

[Firestorm]

High-voltage ATOMs are typically the same size as the old ones. They fit inside the cardboard insulator. Bypass size caps are too small. You have to get creative to make them work. I'm crazy that way too.

[overtone]

Oh my, cutting open the old cans looks like a really healthy pass time! I may have a go at that on some spares.

Thanks for the input. I have some blue Atoms and a selection of large German made caps for the cathodes on the way.
For sure, I am changing to a 3-prong plug, i have just located a grey one that is close to the original - they are not so common over here.

I was trying to get into the mind of the collectors and their perceived value of original parts, even if defunct or downright deadly.
Maybe it is about having something that has not been messed around with - like getting a guitar or car still with the original finish?

I have been there before with old classic sports cars.
In the end I decided old sports cars deserve to be driven hard and repaired rather than locked away.
That's my intention with this old Deluxe too.