Cosmetic Restoration

[Timothy]

I recently inherited a Model 90, 1-47 tube output, S/N 259927 in very good condition. However, I would like to do a cosmetic restoration and replace the following items to make it as original as possible.

Grille cloth: should I use the #1 whiskey or #2 copper hue still available at Radio Daze

Tubes: should all the tubes be globe/balloon or can ST's be used

Power cord: material, gauge, color, length and correct plug

Speaker wire: material, gauge and colors

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi

Grille cloth - #1, whiskey

Tubes - If you want the original look, then look for Philco globe tubes. If you just want the radio to work and are not concerned about 100% original appearance, ST is fine.

Power cord - brown cloth-covered. Length - I would go with at least 7 feet. Up to 8 is okay. Correct plug? Either a brown acorn or brown ribbed button plug, as shown here:
http://www.sundialwire.com/plugs.aspx

Speaker wire - Cloth covered, 20 gauge. I don't recall the original 1931 colors at present, but the 1932-36 colors are as follows for a set with a single ended output tube:
Green - Plate
White - Screen grid, B+, one end of field coil
Green with white tracer - B+, other end of field coil
You probably won't be able to find a green wire with a white tracer in it anymore, so use a different color. I use green, white, and blue.

Good luck.

[Timothy]

Thank you Ron for the information.

For the speaker wires, I found a photo and a Model 90 radio at an antique store that appear to be original. Both had two tan or light yellow wires and one brown wire with tan or light yellow tracers.

Confirmation anyone?