Socket heads - el84 in preamp socket?

[paradox]

I'm working on an amp in which I'm mounting an el84 into an octal sized hole using and adapter plate, problem is the power tube type socket with retaining clip (on right - see pic) does not fit the adapter well at all, but a regular preamp type socket fits great (installed for test fit).  Do I really need the clip on the el84 (so I'll need to mod both the adapter and chassis - didn't really want to mod chassis) - OR - can I just go with the preamp socket?  This is just a small practice amp so I'm leaning towards the one that's installed.  What do you think?

 

[marty1776]

It's hard to imagine one fitting just right and the other not, that sucks. Hell, if you like the fit, I'd take some copper wire and make a retainer clip and slip the bottom loops through the holes in the base.

 

[paradox]

yeah - I thought the same thing marty, - to me it looks like the ceramic socket itself is the same, but the ring is different - on the preamp the ring is taller and goes around the socket unlike the other one with just goes on top. the latter requires the ceramic socket to go into the hole further which is where the problem begins - the socket flares out. It just won't sit flush with out some grinding. Its amazing the things you get picky about when u start building these things!!!!

 

[paradox]

Driven crazy by something as dumb as this, I decided to try modding just the adapter plate - to see if I can get the right socket ring in there.  I took the adapter and enlarged the socket hole by two sizes with a step bit and slightly enlarged the 3 mounting holes on it to add a little adjustment.  Low and behold - it fits much better.  If anyone runs across the need to use the weber adapter for an octal to 9pin conversion - a little patience and some minor drilling is required!!!  The chassis did not have to be modded at all - so if I do not like the el84 I have the option of going back to a 6v6.