Unbuilt kits

[Terry Perdue]

Unbuilt Heathkits may not make sense as an investment, but I don't totally
agree that they become rubble with time. A couple of years ago I acquired an
unbuilt QM-1 Q-Meter, and couldn't resist the temptation to build it. I only
recall having two problems due to age. (1) The hardware - cad-plated, I
believe, had that white powdery stuff on it, so I replaced it with stainless
steel hardware. (2) The two variable capacitors that have ball-bearing
reduction were siezed due to corrosion between the concentric shafts.
Penetrating oil and a little careful twisting got them freed up. Aside from
that, all parts were in great shape. The meter was fine, all solder lugs on
sockets, switches, etc. soldered easily, the rubber line cord was still soft
and pliable, there was no rust on anything, and the finished kit works just
fine. IMO - that's not bad for a kit that's been sitting around waiting to
be built for almost half a century.

Terry Perdue

>So what are you left with - RUBBLE! Absolutely worthless!! People may
>think(erroneously) that an unbuilt kit that is 10-30 years old has much
>value now. But, in another 20-40 years when everything turns to rubble
>from age, does anyone seriously believe that people will want to
>purchase such a collection of useless parts. I believe that unbuilt kits
>are a lousy investment.

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