flyboy0681 Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 All of the faceplates on the King avionics in my panel are dull and looked weathered. Amazingly, when I recently had the KX-165 sent out to be serviced it was returned to me looking brand new (it's definitely the same faceplate due to the location of a scratch). I was wondering if anybody knows of a solution which will restore them to their original luster. The KX-165 pictured used to look like the KAP-150 and KT-76. The HSI and AI also suffer from this aging process. Quote
N601RX Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 Black spraypaint and a silver marker will make them look like new. Also check this website for inserts. http://www.engravers.net/aircraft/fp_list.htm Quote
N201MKTurbo Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 Remove the face plates and wash them in the sink with a soft toothbrush and soap and water. If they don't look good enough then mask the parts with text, spray paint and then lightly sand the raised parts to get the silver lines back. On the transponder you will need to take the knobs off first. legally speaking, if you take the transponder out it will need to be re-certified, but I won't tell if you don't. Quote
N201MKTurbo Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 The quick and dirty way to improve the appearance is to scrub them in the plane with a soft toothbrush and Armor All. Spray the toothbrush with Armor All not the radio. Put a towel on your lap to keep from getting Armor All on your seats and carpet. Before the Armor All completely dries polish the face with a soft cloth. Quote
rbridges Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 I know some can be rubbed over a flat piece of sandpaper; they are made of metal and the silver outline gets enhanced. Not all, however, b/c some are made of plastic. Quote
carusoam Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 And if the cleaning doesn't work... BK sells the parts.... lost link... -a- Quote
flyboy0681 Posted August 11, 2013 Author Report Posted August 11, 2013 And if the cleaning doesn't work... BK sells the parts.... lost link... -a- The prices for new plates are outrageous, which is why I'm trying to restore the existing ones. Take a look at this one item on ebay alone: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bendix-King-KX-155-Faceplate-With-Lens-Factory-New-/290953770215?pt=Motors_Aviation_Parts_Gear&hash=item43be3234e7&vxp=mtr Quote
carusoam Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 The link I lost was chiefaircraft.com Prices were around $300 (from aged memory). Not terrible for one, but I probably have four or five or more radios... If it were a G branded radio it would be a few grand and include an upgrade.... Good to have options. Best regards, -a- Quote
flyboy0681 Posted August 11, 2013 Author Report Posted August 11, 2013 If it were a G branded radio it would be a few grand and include an upgrade.... True dat, and a subscription would probably need to be purchased at the same time. Quote
carusoam Posted August 11, 2013 Report Posted August 11, 2013 Memory challenge... This is the area, but probably not exact page... http://www.chiefaircraft.com/avionics/bendix-king/faceplates.html Best regards, -a- Quote
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