"Howdy" from Texas

[Texasrocker]

...just wanted to drop by and say hello to everyone at the B&G!! My vintage tube-repair workbench has been idle lately as my day-gig takes most of my time these days. However, I have a couple vintage amplifiers awaiting repairs. I also recently restocked with capacitors so Im good to go on several projects when I get time. Hope all you techs are stayin-busy over here!! This is the BEST bar in Cyberspace indeed!! Randal (TxRockr)

[Ron Ramirez]

Good to hear from you, Randal.

I've been dealing with Old Man Income Tax the past few days, but that is now done for another year. I also have a particularly cantankerous 40-201 that is almost done, but it seems as if it wants to remain ill for some reason...an audio output transformer transplant is definitely in its future.

[Texasrocker]

Hello Ron, always great to hear from you also. I have a old 32 model Philco lowboy model 91-L that plays ( filter caps replaced back in the 60s), that I need to do a full recap on. It also needs a set of orig knobs. I think they are the same set as the model 90s cathedral, both 9 tube sets? The cab is in good shape could use a refin, and bottom front pc on the stand by legs is missing orig veener. Otherwise, this set is in overall good shape. This set has 2 spkrs, 1 facing front, and the other faces towards the floor. I figure this set deserves me retaining and rebuilding all the old bakelight condenser blocks? Any ideas of where I could get a good replacement pc of correct veneer for the front bottom base pc that is missing? Was it originally "burlwood type"? I bought this old radio several yrs ago, and bring it to life occasionally in my workshop w a fused 1 amp installed/variac to about 110 volts ac and it sounds awesome! My wife is after me to finish full electronic & cosmetic restorations so we can use it as a daily listener. This old Philco 91-L will be my next restoration project. I have restored several model 90 cathedral chassis for customers in the past with no probs. This is a very-attractive lowboy Philco, and seems only approx 15000 were produced originally. The grillcloth will need replacement also, which pattern should I use from suppliers? I prefer to keep this old Philco close to orig as possible. Any tips are always appreciated!! Randal

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi Randal

The Philco Model 91 uses the same knobs as all but the earliest Model 90; i.e. large rosette for tuning, medium rosette for volume and tone, small rosette for off-on.

If the missing venner on your cabinet is on the bottom front (just under the speaker grille opening), it does not appear to be burl...looks like plain walnut to me. Constantine's and/or Van Dyke Restorers are the first two companies that come to mind for veneer, there are probably other suppliers - a Google search on "veneer" should turn up many sources.

The 70/90 whiskey grillecloth (pattern #1) from http://www.grillecloth.com/ Radio Grille Cloth Headquarters will be just what you need.

[Texasrocker]

Thanks Ron!! I appreciate your reply!! I made notes of the proper replacement pcs & suppliers! Thanks again Ron!! Randal