Bush MB60, TR82, VTR103 and other variants

[Robert Darwent]

I "teased" the dial off with a long screwdriver so that no stress was put on the plastic.

That's the best way to remove it.

Can't agree with you there chaps.

Using a screwdriver from the inside may have been successful but sooner rather than later you will find it breaks the plastic around the shaft. Rather than putting "no stress" on the plastic you are in fact doing the exact opposite by applying pressure unevenly at one point - the tip of the screwdriver.

I own 40+ examples of this series of radio and must have removed the large clear tuning knob from most of them at one time or another. There are probably only two really safe ways of removing the knob - using a cord threaded underneath, or by using a small sink plunger.

My preferred method is with a cord, but others report equal success with a plunger - in fact its the stated method recommended by Bush themselves.

I've taken a few photographs to illustrate how simple and quick the cord method is to remove the clear knob safely;

1. Start by fully meshing the tuning capacitor so that the pointer lies horizontal across the dial face.

2. Take a length of strong nylon cord or string, anything that is soft and doesn't break easily is fine. A thin strip of fabric can also be used.

3. Slightly lift the top of the knob and thread the cord underneath and position it across the diameter taking care not to snag the pointer.

   

4. Firmly pull upwards with both ends of the cord with a slight rocking motion. Take your time and don't pull too hard, you are aiming for the knob to slowly come off of the shaft not for it to hit you in the face when it does! You will feel the knob gradually lifting as you do this.

   

Depending on how stubborn the knob is, it should take between 10 to 60 seconds to safely remove it.

   

It's a good idea to slightly grease the tuning shaft before refitting the knob to aid any future removal that may be necessary.

Regards