Source For Coil Slugs

[WB6DGN]

I'm trying to modify a commercial boat anchor from 42 - 50 Mc. up to the 6 meter ham band. Not even one coil in the RF preselector and 1st oscillator/multiplier chain will tune into the ham band, which is very unusual for this radio. There are just too many tuned circuits to consider removing coil windings or changing capacitors so I want to try using brass or aluminum coil slugs in place of the powdered iron ones now used. Does anyone know of a source for these slugs? I can mic. the slug diameter and guestimate the thread pitch if anyone has any suggestions. TIA for any/all help.
Tom DGN

[WB6NVH]

No fair being sneaky, you should confess what this radio is. Inquiring minds want to know. Maybe one of us has already invented this wheel.

The only low band radio I heard of, involving the slug change, was the low band MT-500. As far as mobiles, I have just bitten the bullet and changed capacitors to smaller values.

[Andy Brinkley]

Try McMaster-Carr: www.mcmaster.com

They have a good assortment of threaded set screws, and you can drill holes in the center if needed.

[WB6DGN]

Really didn't mean to be "sneaky". Was just trying to keep the post from being any more wordy than it already was. The receiver is a Motrac/Motran "L" version, 42 to 50 Mc. receiver. I had been told that the multiplier chain needed a capacitor change and was expecting that, but I had expected the front end to tune without mods. I haven't been able to get back to the radio since shortly after my post as some personal issues have gotten in the way but, when I do, I am going to try tuning the front end once more according to the manual for "wide spaced frequency change". Some people have suggested that my initial tuning procedure may be part of the problem. If that doesn't do it, I will probably try the coil slugs first (thanks for the suggestion, Andy) as there are 11 tuned circuits in that front end; many of them "buried" under lots of other components. Changing capacitors (the right way to do the conversion) just isn't practical, especially if the fabric insulated wire they used in those days has become brittle as it often did. Interestingly, the transmitter tuned right up with no mods. necessary and works well That's where I had expected to have the problems. Once again, sorry it took so long to reply, I just haven't had much time for "fun" stuff lately.
Tom DGN