700 Series II Build

[Hexis22]

Finally getting around to building myself a 700 after finding a Series II with functioning donor components, not the best cosmetically but will do given the price.

After finishing a 700B for a customer, I'm looking forward to having a 700 to use when I want a concert in my living room. I also liked the front panel On/Off and meter sensitivity switch features.

I will most likely update my 400 S2 with a meter sensitivity switch as well. I call it the Wife sensitivity switch, the meters don't usually move much when she's home...

I plan a full White Oak upgrade including new chassis and faceplate.

Here is what I have to work with, it's all stock except a large variation of replacement outputs with SIL pads AND thermal grease:

 

[Gepetto]

Finally getting around to building myself a 700 after finding a Series II with functioning donor components, not the best cosmetically but will do given the price.

After finishing a 700B for a customer, I'm looking forward to having a 700 to use when I want a concert in my living room. I also liked the front panel On/Off and meter sensitivity switch features.

I will most likely update my 400 S2 with a meter sensitivity switch as well. I call it the Wife sensitivity switch, the meters don't usually move much when she's home...

I plan a full White Oak upgrade including new chassis and faceplate.

Here is what I have to work with, it's all stock except a large variation of replacement outputs with SIL pads AND thermal grease:

Cannot wait to see how you restore this one Eric.

 

[Hexis22]

Remaining carcass after harvesting required components - transformer, mid-plate, heat sink fins, p-clamps:

 

[Vintage 700b]

Finally getting around to building myself a 700 after finding a Series II with functioning donor components, not the best cosmetically but will do given the price.

After finishing a 700B for a customer, I'm looking forward to having a 700 to use when I want a concert in my living room. I also liked the front panel On/Off and meter sensitivity switch features.

I will most likely update my 400 S2 with a meter sensitivity switch as well. I call it the Wife sensitivity switch, the meters don't usually move much when she's home...

I plan a full White Oak upgrade including new chassis and faceplate.

Here is what I have to work with, it's all stock except a large variation of replacement outputs with SIL pads AND thermal grease:

Aaaaaah the Thermal Grease !!!!! My absolutely least favorite part of the build !!!
Looks like a great project Eric.
You have set a great standard, your work is impeccable.

 

[Hexis22]

Thank you.

I just wish one project didn’t include cleaning thermal grease!

 

[Vintage 700b]

I'm with you on that !
I do enjoy my 700b's daily, and the builds are so much fun !!

 

[laatsch55]

I use what they call "condensate" in the oilfield. The liquid that falls out of natural gas when it hits the surface. Lots of high end 'nanes...octane , septane, hexane, pentane. Liquid dynamite really. Got an old Goldenrod oil can and all I have to do is squirt the condensate on the chassis and the white goo instantly runs off....takes about two minutes to clean the backwall and heatsinks...
The shit is so hot, you can squirt a little puddle in your palms and watch it evaporate..;.;takes about 30 seconds. Damn its nice stuff. I have one well that makes 5 gals a day...can't use it all. Great parts cleaner...

 

[Hexis22]

I used Simple Green, toothbrush, and the right sized drill bits for each hole.

It works, but takes more time and effort than I like.

 

[laatsch55]

Yeah...I know...

 

[FredR]

That will rock!

 

[J!m]

Have you guys tried Brakleen to remove the paste? It works for never seize which is from the same diabolical laboratory…

 

[laatsch55]

Condensate works on "seize-anti" also..

 

[Hexis22]

Brakleen would probably work well.

I may try that on the next one.

 

[mlucitt]

Condensate works on "seize-anti" also..

Lee, you could put that stuff in 2 oz. bottles for $20 and have a nice side business. Call it "Hot Cleaner" and be sure to print up a MSDS saying that the substance is "Organic" and "Nature Pure".

 

[laatsch55]

Fresh from mother earth. " Use all contents after opening"...

 

[Hexis22]

Finished the control board and most of the backplane board components.

I'm starting to see reference numbers in my sleep... Knowing relative component placement based on ref numbers has cut assembly time significantly.

 

[Hexis22]

Backplane board assembly:

 

[mlucitt]

On the back of your Control Board, the Philips screw heads are not all vertically oriented. Come on man, get with the program!

 

[AngrySailor]

I had to clean Linda and Tim of thermal grease. I tried a few different formulations of brake cleaner which seem to have different effects in the shop on certain materials and none would touch that evil stuff.

 

[mlucitt]

I had to clean Linda and Tim of thermal grease. I tried a few different formulations of brake cleaner which seem to have different effects in the shop on certain materials and none would touch that evil stuff.

I use 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol (ebay) with rags and Q-tips and it works almost as well as Lee's LNG mixture.