Arrived condition non-functioning Checkmate-66, dented control plate but the grill cloth is in decent shape.Auction PicAuction Pic, ouch that dentThat old tape glue will be fun to get off. Auction PicOne extra large screw, 2 stripped heads and and 4 screws missing. Label holding on for dear life. lolLooking pretty clean in there for a probably 54+ years oldIs that a pedal pcb or an amp? How cute!Three Germanium transistors bolted to the chassis.Tiny power transformerStarting to take it apart for repairDented up faceplate ready to get straightenedOld carbon resistors and capacitors before I replace them allCM66 solder label on the boardStraitened most of the dents out in the control plate and polished it up. Not perfect but much better. It’s very thin.The original alnico speakers don’t look bad at first but the surrounds have a crack and won’t last long so they are coming out.All the loose tolex has been glued back down and the grill cloth and rest of the amp has been thoroughly cleaned. Black marker on any exposed spots to help hide them.Cleaned the inside of the amp and wicked ca glue in all the wood joints to help solidify this monster amp.All the capacitors and resistors have been replaced with better than original specs. Installed a three prong power cord for safety. Thermal paste added to the transistors and re-mounted to the chassis. Wiring braided and re-routed to help minimize noise where possible. Waiting on a fuse block to add some protection to this amp.Glued the label back down.Repairing the chipped screw holes with plastic wood and thin CA glue wicked in to reinforceShot of clear lacquer over the schematic to help preserve it.Taped off and sprayed the back panel with black and then clear satin lacquer over it.Added a fuse and installed a new tone pot to get rid of some crackling sounds.Upsized a capacitor and re-wired the tremolo switches to get rid of a slight trem hiss when switched off.Added a clip to help secure the power cord.1969 date codes on the pots.Added some foam to the back edges to prevent rattling of the back panel.All done and ready for some fun.
Guitar-Restos 