Yes, Robert - I've seen robrenz's work (incredible - when he's finished with them, the instruments look better than they did when they came off the assembly line!!) along with that sticky. Both are helpful and inspirational, and I've spent a good bit of time looking through the posts. IIRC robrenz is the one that prompted me to try the magic eraser sponges on things after seeing his results; they do truly work magic. (They also need to be kept on a high shelf - my cats consider them prey and when I forget to hide them enjoy chewing them into little pieces of sponge that wind up scattered around on the floor.
) I can aspire to robrenz's level of refinishing, but likely won't get within spitting distance of it.
I like the old nixie stuff, too (obviously) - got started with it after a post a few years ago on the HP mailing list mentioning people cannibalizing 5245Ls for their display tubes as they were relatively inexpensive. I looked on the bay and almost immediately stumbled on one for very little $$ and bought it (not planning to cannibalize it, rather more to save one from that possible fate at someone else's hands). I decided it was a very cool old piece of equipment, and then began hunting others of similar vintage - attempting to kind of 'collect the whole set' for no logical reason other than they're interesting pieces of hardware. This naturally led to the nixie meters as well, and here we are.
If only the damned things didn't weigh so damned much - they cost a fortune to ship, and are a bear to pack. If/when I get the 2401C and 2410B fixed and talking to one another, I'll have a six digit bench meter than can measure AC & DC voltage, and resistance. It will be 19" wide by 19" deep, roughly 15" tall, and weigh about 100 lbs total.
I ain't right in the head, I tell ya!!
I wish you luck with your 5245L - it's a fine boat anchor! What's going on with yours?
-Pat
Edit to correct typo - I bought a 5245L, not a 5243L. D'oh!