FireStone Portable
 

Hi Folks,
A friend has an old Firestone Model 4-C-3 and the case is covered in Naga hide that has been spotted with light colored paint.
How would one remove this paint and not ruin the Naga?

Another question .. the radio is AC/DC and has places for A and B cells (2-4.5 cells for 9 volts and 2-45 volt cells for the 90 volt supply) Does anyone make these batteries anymore? :yes::no::thmbsp:

Buzz :music:

Some higher voltage batteries are sometimes available but at astronomical prices. What most people do is use battery holders and AA or D cells to make up the "A" voltage, and snap 9-volt transistor batteries together + to - to make up the "B" voltage. Dollar store batteries work fine in this instance.

Hinge problem
 

Hi folks,

I've broken a hinge that allows the back of this Firestone to flip up. The back also has a built in Antenna. I've looked on the web for a replacement hinge under several categories.
Hardware; Doll house hardware; model making hardware, and none will show me something even close. Here's some pics:

http://www.nemontel.net/~scooters/Firestone/1.jpg

http://www.nemontel.net/~scooters/Firestone/2.jpg

http://www.nemontel.net/~scooters/Firestone/3.jpg

http://www.nemontel.net/~scooters/Firestone/4.jpg

One of the "wings" was slightly sprung so I tried to gently bend it back.. (dumb move) and "!tink!" it broke.:sigh:

Measurements are 1 1/4" wide or long. The wings are 1/2" each. (from hinge pin to first bend and first bend to the end of the hinge, if that makes sense.) Hole spacing is 3/4" from center to center.

Buzz :music:

First, if I remember correctly, the spelling is naugahide, a plastic product that was intended to replace leather. Maybe it was naugahyde.

Those hinges aren't rare but you will probably have to salvage them from some other unit. You might try a hardware store; if they don't have it, often an employee can offer suggestions.

Ace place!
 

Hi Bob...and thanks,

Yup.. I spent some time down at our local Ace Place type hardware store. Nada Ting!...:scratch2:

I did buy some plain flat hinges that I might use if it looks like it might be an impossibility for the originals. I'll have to see if the lid prop giZZmo will work properly if I use them.. I think the center of the arc should be the same.. :scratch2: something to test out before I go to the trouble of drilling out the rivets.

I don't think I've ever seen one of these on Efray either. I'll put in a search/email deal at efray to monitor for one.

Thanks kindly for the ideas,
Buzz :music:

Look for some new hinges where each leaf is a bit over an inch and bend in your bench vise tapping with a hammer to the form you need. Drill any new holes as needed, cut off any excess with a hacksaw, file and smooth all the edges.

vice it
 

HI Reece,

That's a great idea. I've got to drive into town in the morning and I'll give that a go! If I can find something close...:D

Thanks

Buzz

Should work for you. Was just thinking, depending on the quality of the metal, you might want to heat the bend with a torch as you make it so it wouldn't be weakened and break. That could discolor the steel so you might want to just paint it afterwards.

If there are any machineists in your area you could ask them to make a new hinge for you. Back when I lived in Fl I had a local machinist make a part I needed for a portable windup phonograph.

Tom C.

Is there a Habitat resale shop near your place? It's a store operated by "Habitat For Humanity". They sell all kinds of new and used hardware and building materials. They have all kinds of obsolete items, so you might find the item you need.