05-22-2012, 09:25 PM
Hi Ron and Arran,
Thanks so much for your quick replies. You obviously sensed how disappointed I was. There is some good news--I now am getting radio signals (AM, etc). I think the problem was the tiny switch that he mounted on the back of the set to go between AM and the FM tuner he installed (it doesn't effect originality at all--it can be disconnected). I actually asked for that since we have so few good AM stations here anymore and I wanted to enjoy better music. My restorer charged 200.00 per chassis, 300.00 for refinishing and 100.00 for wiring in the FM tuner and installing a new replacement tweeter. I DO have the old one and am considering having the coil rewound--but not until I correct this bad hum. I talked to Alex (he sells on ebay under "Anna17608" I believe) and he suggested I try running a wire between the two chassis to ground them. I haven't tried it yet. Alex's specialty is Zenith radios, something I didn't know when I selected him for the job. I should have looked around more and I definitely made a mistake having Alex go get the set for me (six hour drive) from the ebay dealer because he charged me $350.00 whereas all three consoles that were delivered to me last night from far apart states only cost $400.00. By the way, this small family operated shipping service is great. Very careful with handling, they come when they say they will, and are very cordial. Name is AMTTRANS out of Alabama. If anyone needs great service with very good prices, call Marie (she has a strong British accent!) at 1-256-275-4341. Incidentally, Alex refused to re-do the "tubs" or bakelite blocks despite all my coaxing and offering more money. I sent him the excellent info about doing it on the Phorum. I was careful to tell him to avoid the third one that is a coil. I understand there is also a capacitor that is very hard to see that many restorers miss. I guess all I can do at this point is hire someone locally (possibly my friend who posts here--Fred Rice--to help me. Oh yes--one other interesting fact. Alex told me that when he disconnected the woofer the hum goes away. Does that tell you anything? Also, any recommendations as to who can restore the bad original tweeter? Ever onward.....
Thanks so much for your quick replies. You obviously sensed how disappointed I was. There is some good news--I now am getting radio signals (AM, etc). I think the problem was the tiny switch that he mounted on the back of the set to go between AM and the FM tuner he installed (it doesn't effect originality at all--it can be disconnected). I actually asked for that since we have so few good AM stations here anymore and I wanted to enjoy better music. My restorer charged 200.00 per chassis, 300.00 for refinishing and 100.00 for wiring in the FM tuner and installing a new replacement tweeter. I DO have the old one and am considering having the coil rewound--but not until I correct this bad hum. I talked to Alex (he sells on ebay under "Anna17608" I believe) and he suggested I try running a wire between the two chassis to ground them. I haven't tried it yet. Alex's specialty is Zenith radios, something I didn't know when I selected him for the job. I should have looked around more and I definitely made a mistake having Alex go get the set for me (six hour drive) from the ebay dealer because he charged me $350.00 whereas all three consoles that were delivered to me last night from far apart states only cost $400.00. By the way, this small family operated shipping service is great. Very careful with handling, they come when they say they will, and are very cordial. Name is AMTTRANS out of Alabama. If anyone needs great service with very good prices, call Marie (she has a strong British accent!) at 1-256-275-4341. Incidentally, Alex refused to re-do the "tubs" or bakelite blocks despite all my coaxing and offering more money. I sent him the excellent info about doing it on the Phorum. I was careful to tell him to avoid the third one that is a coil. I understand there is also a capacitor that is very hard to see that many restorers miss. I guess all I can do at this point is hire someone locally (possibly my friend who posts here--Fred Rice--to help me. Oh yes--one other interesting fact. Alex told me that when he disconnected the woofer the hum goes away. Does that tell you anything? Also, any recommendations as to who can restore the bad original tweeter? Ever onward.....
