[Ron Ramirez]

You can see my method of rebuilding electrolytic cans here:

http://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=14922

You will note that I drill a small hole in the bottom for the negative lead. The negative lead gets soldered to the solder tab that is used as the negative terminal, and which just rests against the electrolytic condenser can, held in place by the paper/cardboard insulator. Other than the drilled hole, once reassembled with the paper/cardboard insulators, the cans still look original.

I agree that everything that was originally inside the can should be discarded. The plastic mesh screen was used to insulate the positive terminal of the original electrolytic from the negative. The can itself was the negative side. Now, I have to disagree with Morzh about discarding the paper/cardboard insulator as it holds the solder tab against the can. Reusing this as I did in my 38-14 rebuild as shown in the link above preserves original appearance.