Plate choke painting?

[Samsquatch]

My kits came by post today and it's finally time to start givin'er. To err on the side of caution I thought I'd ask you guys. Can I remove the steel jacket form the plate chokes to paint them? I'm going to spend some time in the wood shop and paint booth at work tomorrow to prep for the build.

[Paul Joppa]

No.

The plate choke has a thin spacer between the butt-stacked E and I laminations; the spacing is a critical parameter. The channel frame holds it all together. Vacuum impregnated goop also holds things together, but that includes the channel frame - anything strong enough to get it off will likely damage the spacer as well.

IMHO the best way to improve appearance is to put them in a perforated or woven metal can. Sometimes you find them as desktop pencil holders - keep an eye out. The plate choke dissipates some heat, so a sealed or encapsulated can is risky.

[Samsquatch]

Duly noted. When I was looking at them the little alarm went off and stopped the mechanic in me from just going ahead and prying them off. Gently of course.

[Paul Birkeland]

You can just tape up the wires, then spray the whole choke with whatever color suits your fancy.