I had an opportunity to pick-up a well cared for IC-765 from the estate of a SK. This is my first commercial transceiver purchase and it made a lot of sense for me as a starter (100 W) HF rig. I have to say that the quad-conversion super het design is as good as the reviews I read and it is a simple rig that just works as others have written. Since I already had a 20 m End-fed Zepp, I got on 20 yesterday and immediately made and logged two contacts; 1 in Ontario and 1 in AZ.
This experience certainly put QRP into perspective for me as making similar contacts with 10 watts SSB would have been much more difficult or impossible during daylight hours. This certainly brought home the idea that success in QRP is about the conditions, location and the antenna you are using; and using CW or PSK31 modes. Challenges make a hobby lasting though.
The very next project is to get my planned antenna work done before it gets dark and cold here in MN.
Another Electronics Blog 
have you got a good copy of the service manual?
dennis
Yes, do you need a copy?