04-09-2017, 09:32 AM
I figured since the last half dozen or so radios I've purchased have been Philcos, I should sign up here! I just picked up this Philco 39-40 from an estate sale. Was the end of the sale, and everything was half price- it was marked $50, and I got it for $25. Didn't have the space for it, but I fell in the love with the design- really nice veneer on this radio, and there was the fact that if I didn't pick it up, it would probably end up going to the dump. Figuring since it's a late 30's model, and looked relatively complete, I thought it would be easy to get going even for someone with limited skills/knowledge like me!
Couple things I noticed: I assumed the volume control would have a power switch built in, but found that there's a hole under the overhang above the speaker with a toggle switch in it. I thought someone added it, but the hole is very clean and the wiring doesn't look hacked. Is that likely to be original? Kind of a clever way to hide a switch.
I also noticed nothing's been touched under the chassis, but... lots of rubber wires everywhere, in varying condition. Most of them seem ok (it was stored inside), but what worries me are the ones from the power transformer which are cracking. I've never dealt with power transformers before, and it's a bit intimidating... so many wires. So, am not really sure how to tackle that. I figure if I leave it the way it is, my house is likely to burn down...
One of the 42's has a rattle when you move it... replace it? Also the rectifier tube has a dark/burnt looking spot in the glass near the base, didn't look quite right to me- replace that too?
I've already ordered reproduction pushbuttons for it. The photos were before I cleaned the cabinet- it really is in nice shape, and the grille cloth looks almost new.
Couple things I noticed: I assumed the volume control would have a power switch built in, but found that there's a hole under the overhang above the speaker with a toggle switch in it. I thought someone added it, but the hole is very clean and the wiring doesn't look hacked. Is that likely to be original? Kind of a clever way to hide a switch.
I also noticed nothing's been touched under the chassis, but... lots of rubber wires everywhere, in varying condition. Most of them seem ok (it was stored inside), but what worries me are the ones from the power transformer which are cracking. I've never dealt with power transformers before, and it's a bit intimidating... so many wires. So, am not really sure how to tackle that. I figure if I leave it the way it is, my house is likely to burn down...
One of the 42's has a rattle when you move it... replace it? Also the rectifier tube has a dark/burnt looking spot in the glass near the base, didn't look quite right to me- replace that too?
I've already ordered reproduction pushbuttons for it. The photos were before I cleaned the cabinet- it really is in nice shape, and the grille cloth looks almost new.
