[Danny]

Is it, or is it not a Frankenradio ... The body of a model 21 with the guts of a model 20 ? Label clearly marked on chassis model 20. If you look at Radio Attic Archives http://radioatticarchives.com/radio.php?radio=1935 here is what a model 21 looks like.

Here are the links to my radio in question. Whats the verdict ?

[Image: http://img13.imagevenue.com/loc798/th_99..._798lo.jpg]
http://img13.imagevenue.com/img.php?imag..._798lo.jpg <--- Click to enlarge

[Image: http://img13.imagevenue.com/loc907/th_99..._907lo.jpg]
http://img13.imagevenue.com/img.php?imag..._907lo.jpg <--- Click to enlarge

[Image: http://img37.imagevenue.com/loc872/th_99..._872lo.jpg]
http://img37.imagevenue.com/img.php?imag..._872lo.jpg <--- Click to enlarge

[Image: http://img105.imagevenue.com/loc1009/th_...1009lo.jpg]
http://img105.imagevenue.com/img.php?ima...1009lo.jpg <--- Click to enlarge

[Image: http://img176.imagevenue.com/loc126/th_9..._126lo.JPG]
http://img176.imagevenue.com/img.php?ima..._126lo.JPG <--- Click to enlarge

(edited by site admin to show thumbnails and eliminate scrolling to the side)

[Ron Ramirez]

My vote is that it IS a Frankenradio.

Notice the enlarged, elongated shaft holes in the cabinet. Seems to me this was a 70 cabinet, into which a 20 chassis was shoehorned.

Notice also:

* the extra hole in the front of the chassis between the off-on switch and volume control, which only early production 20 chassis have;

* the model number/patent notice decal in back. Only some early Model 20 chassis have a decal that spells out RADIO in block letters instead of RADIO in the same style font as the old PHILCO trademark. And I have sen several Model 20 chassis that had the older patent notice decal covered up by another, with PHILCO and RADIO in matching font style.

* the dial scale, which appears to be the lighter color - not translucent tan as in later models with a pilot lamp.

And here is what another Model 21 looks like:
http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1931a.htm#h

[Texasrocker]

Frankenradios are cool!! Since someone already drilled out the holes behind the knobs, rebuild that chassis & enjoy your Frankenradio!! If it were me, I would put a piece of masking tape behind that 3rd unused hole inside the cabinet and fill it with stainable woodfiller,carefully removing any excess to be smooth with front of orig cabinet, let dry, restain the filler & place a large repro PHILCO decal over it. Hence, another "saved" great Philco "clone" that looks good, and collectors know the difference anyways!! Lots better to save all those old cabs & chassis than give up unless of course, you can find perfect-matches, and switch cabinets & chassis back to originals. Personally, I try to save-em all if I can. After all, they dont make-em anymore and I enjoy listening to my clones just as much as any after complete electronic restorations! ALL old Philcos sound great!!!! Randal

[Danny]

Thanks for cleaning up my post Ron. There is all kinds of ways to go with this. My first choice is finding a model 20 cabinet and see if I could work out a trade for a model 70 cabinet. Another option is to have Dick Oliver re manufacture a model 70 front panel and drill the holes to fit a model 20 chassis, as you have suggested or I could purchase a complete re manufactured model 20 from Dick. I could trade my model 20 chassis for a model 70....Look in the Philco wanted section to continue this soap opera.
Thanks to all....

[Ron Ramirez]

Danny, you could have Dick Oliver make a Model 21 front panel and use your present cabinet. The chassis mounting holes would have to be redrilled in the bottom to bolt-in a Model 20 chassis, but that would not be visible unless you laid the set on its back.

[Danny]

Ron, someone already drilled holes in the bottom of this cabinet to accommodate the model 20 chassis. I'll see if anyone in my radio club
can help http://www.sarsradio.com/ if not I'll probably go with your suggestion .... Have Dick ship a model 21 grill and go with that. Want some good news...both 71's tested good to very good and only one 24 needed replaced. Cheers !