Monday, 2:15 a.m. — I’m placing an order for Vibroplex parts today … a finger and thumb piece for W4DHV’s 1949 Vibroplex Original bug I just acquired, and also the parts for the terminals for my J-37 iambic/straight key project. Before I worry about the final finishing on the base, I better get the placement of the holes determined and get them drilled. It will be easier to repair the finish of the bug prior to completing the paint job.
I’m going to disassemble the DHV bug and prep the base for refinishing. One of the chores will be to extricate the pins that secure the brass nameplate. I’ve had pretty good luck using nails and driving them out from the rear. Bends a lot of nails in the process, but that’s ok.
The upper parts of the bug are in fair condition … not superb or anything like that. There’s some rust or corrosion on the main spring but I’ll address that. But the point isn’t to make the key a museum piece, its simply to honor Oak’s memory.
Back to the J-37 project — I made a template of the standard Vibrople original base and using the iambic and straight key assemblies, I determined placement for each and marked the mounting holes. In theory, I should be able to tape the template to the refinished base and drill the holes in roughly the correct spot. We’ll see!
Anyway, work to come. Another update soon!