The PHILCO Phorum

Full Version: I'm not sure if this is a gain or loss.
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Philco 511. Very rusty and with peeling paint. Not sure if it's salvageable or even worth trying. Got it for free though.
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Free is good!
 Keep it for parts, one thing it has in it's favor is it still has the shield with the data plate on it as well as the knobs as escutcheon. The cabinet looks dent free as well, but unlike the chassis it doesn't look rusty. 
Regards
Arran
It's not a rare model nor is it tops on collectors most desired lists.  Rust that bad would put it in my "don't bother" pile and I'd search for any way possible to dump it after saving the tubes.
Contrary to humans, radios can unconditionally be restored, it's just a matter of time and money. It's gonna have to be taken apart completely. If the iron and coils are still good, and you can restore the tuning capacitor, the rest is cake, but probably won't be finished until next spring. Up to you.
Having thought it over for 24 hours and going out in the garage and staring at it every so often. I think what I'll do is see if the coils and transformers managed to survive whatever caused all the rust ( since the outside is not rusty, just dirty with peeling paint...I'm guessing some mice were using it for a double wide trailer). If they're ok, I'll probably give it a go knowing that when I get done it will not look 100% original. I'll try to get it as close as I can without spending 5 times what it will be worth. If the coils and transformers are toast, I'll part it out and look for another. I have several others ahead of this thing on the priority list, so it may take a while. When I was told about this radio a year ago, the lady said "it looks like new as far as I can tell".  I believe a visit to the optometrist is in order.