repairing lifted pads

[melvin]

I have a boss ce-1 that has some lifted pads.  It worked when I first bought it, then it just stopped working.  When I opened it up I noticed a lifted solder pad.  Then another and another.  The ones I have found so far have lifted under electrolytic caps. 

Can I use a conductive paint and then flow some solder over the top of it? 
Is running small wires in place of the track my only option? 
Could leaking caps have caused the pads to lift?

Even with these problems, I can't even get a bypassed signal.  Is it possible that the PCB has deteriorated beyond repair and I shouldn't even waste my time trying to fix it?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[R.G.]

Can I use a conductive paint and then flow some solder over the top of it?

No. The paint part keeps solder from wetting the conductive part. Conductive paint is not really useful for things like this IMHO.

Is running small wires in place of the track my only option?

Not your only option, but it's the only way I'll ever repair a lifted pad. Make a little circle in one end  and loop it over the lead, then solder it to the lead and the stub of the trace at the same time. Done well, this is a permanent fix.

Could leaking caps have caused the pads to lift?

Probably not. Usually it's mechanical or thermal that makes pads lift. If the caps are leaking you have to ask why. If there is ONE leaking cap, I'd replace all of the electros. But that's just me.

Even with these problems, I can't even get a bypassed signal.  Is it possible that the PCB has deteriorated beyond repair and I shouldn't even waste my time trying to fix it?

No way to tell. Sorry. But PCBs don't usually just deteriorate and die. Mostly they get murdered - overheat, contamination, physical abuse. PCBs in the right conditions have lasted for many decades.

[melvin]

thanks for the reply RG.  I bought the unit second hand, I guess it must have been abused by previous owners.   I will make the connections with bits of wire like you suggested.