Sourcing parts from old amps.

[fastasulike]

I've just picked up a couple of cheap old amps with the intention of cannibalising them for parts, mainly potentiometers, switches and chassis.

Do things like potentiometers deteriorate a great deal over time, or is it more through use?
I was thinking that a good clean up with some contact cleaner might yield good results and save some cash for my first project.

[nigelwright7557]

I dont usually clean up potentiometers I just replace them as they are pretty cheap.
A bit depends why they have gone faulty, if the track is worn out then no amount of cleaning will fix them. If its just a bit of dust in there then contact cleaner works great.

[sakis]

place models and schematics if available

if your amps are canibalized you may need to find which was the original parts and then go ahead from there

read also this vintage amplifier repair/upgrade manual you might find it handy