I just bought this 90 and have a question about the two spots on the chassis that are empty on the right side. What goes there? The radio supposedly works without them, but why would someone remove them? Pictures should work now.
From what I see looks like a nice cabinet. Not sure how to resize pics. If no one tells you. You might do a search on the forums here to see if it explains how.
Mike,
I fixed the pictures.
Steve
Well, I did a little sleuthing on the net and it seems that there were two Mershon copper capacitors in those spots. Is that correct?
Those two holes were electrolytic capacitors. They most likely removed the old ones and put the new ones under the chassis. It's too bad they didn't re-stuff the old capacitors and leave them because they were possibly Mershon capacitors that polish up nicely. You can see them in this thread:
http://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=1031
That's a pretty nice looking model 90. I'd replace the line cord with a cloth reproduction and then advertize for a couple of Mershon caps to fill those holes.
There were electrolytic caps there. Likely they have been replaced with either aluminum or if you lucky with polyester tubular caps.
I believe that's where the original electrolytic filter capacitors were:
http://antiqueradio.org/art/Philco90Back.jpg
Since those very likely went bad many many decades ago someone may have removed them and tacked on replacements under the chassis.
Thanks guys. I'll see what I can find to replace the Mershons. Where's the best place to get a new line cord with a correct plug? I know I can buy a cloth covered flat cord at one of the hardware stores locally, but I didn't know if there's a better choice out there. Actually, I'd like to find an original style plug to go on the new cord, if such a thing exists.....