Glad to be here

[crude4u]

Hello everyone! I just found this website and happy that maybe I won't have to do this alone. My dad recently gave me a Philco Model 41-300X that his aunt purchased new in
Tulsa or Sand Springs Oklahoma back when it was new.
The radio has been in the family all this time. When she passed away, her daughter had no interest in it, so my dad got. Now that he's 84 he's beginning to ask if there is anything that I would like before the vultures begin to circle.
He knew I've always like the Philco and suggested that I bring it back to Austin on one of my recent trips to visit him.
The cabinet is in really great shape but the power cord is NOT and as far as the electronics are concerned, I haven't a clue.
I'd like to begin restoring it by first making it operational and then, at your suggestions, begin to do whatever you think is best.
The wood on the end pedestals appears to be book-matched walnut and still has the original finish in good shape.
I tried to include photos but I don't know how to re-size them yet. I'll shoot the insides when the wife isn't home.
I would appreciate any suggestions or direction to other pages on this site that would help me get started.
thanks.

[Glenn Roberts]

Hello and welcome.
Let me start off by saying that my first project was a 41-300 as well. The cabinet is unusual and very unique. The electronics are not easy and under no circumstances should you "fire it up" because it could literally "fire up", the wiring used was rubber coated and is very likely deteriorated which could be a fire hazard. Below are a couple of links to get you started:
http://www.antiqueradio.org/howfix.htm
http://www.philcoradio.com/tech/wiring.htm

Chuck also has a service for $7.00 you get schematics...etc. I purchased the pack before I started and was very happy I did Here is the link for that:
http://www.philcorepairbench.com/schematics.htm

We are here to help too, so ask anything.

Good Luck and happy soldering!!
Glenn

[Ron Ramirez]

Glad to have you, "crude4u"! Welcome!

The 41-300 has the potential to be a very fine set. Glenn has already given you some fine advice. Take your time, and you too will be pleased with your 41-300.

[Marsupial]

Hi Crude.

Welcome aboard.
This is a good place to be when restoring a Philco radio... I too recently got into this idea of restoring a philco radio, and over the last several months here has been a good source of information.

Nostalgia Air has some schematics for your model, however the quality is less than desirable, if you can get a better quality version you should totally go for it.
In the meanwhile, its better than nothing:
http://www.nostalgiaair.org/resources/423/M0013423.htm

I've seen pictures of a 41-300 and it seems to be a very interesting model. I've been told when I started my radio that 9 tubes isn't a starter project... yours is a 12 tubes!!!

Take this one step at a time, and ask when in doubt. Its not as hard as we think at first, and slow progress is great. There's lots to learn, but its also rewarding.

Beware: you might want to do some work before you plug the radio in. It is tempting to see if the radio still works unrestored, but that could be a mistake. here's some interesting reading that was suggested to me when I started my radio.
http://www.philcoradio.com/tech/plugin.htm
http://www.antiqueradio.org/powerup.htm

[TA Forbes]

When I am in doubt about the electrical condition of a set, I have my ex mother in law turn it on for me, after I take the knobs off. (Have some consideration and have a pair of pliers next to the radio). This is especially gratifying if one is testing an AC/DC set.