Heathkit IM-18 VTVM Restoration

Picked up this 1960s-era vacuum tube voltmeter from Goodwill online. What a mess! A battery had been leaking for 30+ years, leaving the components covered in acid residue. The cabinet was beyond redemption, or so it seemed. This video follows the steps I took in bringing it back to life, including component testing/replacement, cabinet treating, decal application to the front panel, etc.
** I have Heathkit custom paint, alignment tools and parts for the Heathkit restorer. Not gonna put my email here for the spam harvesters, but I'm good on QRZ: N5OLA.

[@farmall_cub_in_columbia3642]

Will, you brought back a really rough VTVM. Looks good. Just something for folks looking at these VTVM's, note that R17, 7 Meg Ohm resistor sees 63% (7/11) of the applied voltage at the DC probe. When measuring the 800 VDC of a HP-23 power supply for example, that resistor is exposed to 504 VDC. At 1500 VDC (max reading on meter) this voltage becomes 945 VDC. So for this component, check the replacement part(s) and confirm it develops the voltage withstand specification that can meet/exceed this voltage level.

[@johnblystone8781]

I built one in the early 1970's. Great meter.

[@frequencywatchers]

What a sweet resto, i have soviet version of this device and many others, sweet save, my hat goes off to You My man !
73

[@mikefinn2101]

Will great job nice video mine was not near as bad as yours saved from junk yard

[@kenanshobbies9970]

Will: Great video as always. Can you please tell me (us) how you reproduced the Heathkit serial number label? I am restoring an old DX 35 from my novice days. Thanks.

[@N5OLA]

I made some up in Photoshop and had them printed by a sticker company. Find me on QRZ and I'll send you one.

[@tubeDude48]

You need my 1.5V DC kit. Works with ANY device that implements 1.5V DC Just uses the 6.3V AC for filaments. I disagree with using Heathkit green on HAM gear, not test equipment. There's a gray and a blue for that. Home Depot has a very good match for that. At 15:08, they are 22Meg not 22Ω