The PHILCO Phorum

Hello! I recently inherited my grandfather‘s Philco 38.7 console radio. The cabinet is in great condition. However, the plug is scary looking, and has not been plugged in for a very long time. I would like to restore it to working conditions. I am just not sure where to start. Any ideas?

Hi Atlas, and welcome to the Phorum. What is your level of experience with electronics? We are all very happy to help you out in repairing this heirloom and piece of history.

First off, don't even think about powering up this set without doing the following:

Remove the chassis and inspect all wiring. Replace the power cord. It is possible that this chassis is wired with rubber insulated wiring that has deteriorated insulation that is crumbling off the wire. If so, then the deteriorated wiring will have to either be replaced or sleeved. Cross that bridge when we get to it.

At the very least, replace the Power Supply electrolytic filter caps (capacitors) labeled C45, C11A and C11B on the schematic. Don't just "bridge" these caps, replace them. However, it is common (and extremely wise) practice to replace all caps in the radio, as even the non-electrolytic caps fail, either drying out and losing their effect, or shorting which is really bad as a shorted cap can take out expensive, hard to find parts.

The schematic is available here on the Phorum and also from the Nostalgia Air site. I will give you a link to the Nostalgia Air diagram here.

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByModel...013256.pdf

Phorum Experts can guide you to the official Philco schematic on the Phorum better than I can.

Again, keep us all posted; we are glad to help!

Hi and welcome,

You inherited one of the 1938 conecentric Philcos. Only a few models used that tuning system and it was a '38 only thing. Here's the service info for your chassis https://philcoradio.com/library/download...l.%202.pdf  For starters you'll need to replace #3 .05 mf 630v,#11 10mf 450v X2,#14 .1 mf 630v,#24 .01 mf 630v,#28, .015mf 630v #30, .1mf 630v #34, .015mf  630v #37, .033 630v #38, .006 630v #40, .008mf 630v #45 22mf 450v, and #47 and dual .015 mf @ 600v safety caps.

#11,11A and 45 are electrolytic capacitors, the others are mylar or film capacitors. Some of the values I tweak a little as they are not common any more.The issue w/these parts is that they degrade over the years and can internally short. This is bad. It can damage other parts in the set or worst case could cause a fire Most of the time they are electrically leaky. Which means that they cause excessive current flow which taxes parts in the power supply circuit. Here's a link to where a lot of us get are caps. http://www.tuberadios.com/capacitors/

GL w/your new project.

ps Saw John's post and you miss the rubber wire by a year. That's a '39-42 thing.

hello Atlas161,
Welcome aboard and what great gift to remember your grandfather left you.

Sincerely Richard

Obtw here's more than you ever wanted to know about the tuning system. https://www.philcorepairbench.com/cone-c...ning-dial/

Welcome to the Phorum, Atlas! That is a very good looking console and should clean up nicely. Give it a good cleaning with GOJO or GOOP non-abrasive hand cleaner. You'll be amazed at the years of wear that will disappear. Please take pictures of the chassis. Hopefully it will be in as good shape as the console.
Totally agree with Terry and John. Do not plug the chassis in without a full inspection and servicing. Personally, I don't consider leaving old film capacitors in... they all get replaced. Additionally, all resistors get changed out whether they ohm out in spec or not. Caps and carbon are very inexpensive compared to some of the parts they can take out if they fail. Sal Brisindi at the site Terry gave you is a great source for these parts. Good guy and very helpful.
Keep posting your progress and don't hesitate to ask for help. The gents here are gurus with these radios and their quirks, and very happy to help you out.
Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary

Welcome to the Phorum!


You've got a nice radio there. As folks have mentioned you can get you questions answered by continuing to ask them within this thread. Take your time as you learn about the process unless you have some electronics background. There are skills that you will need to develop such as reading the schematic, soldering and desoldering, and taking voltage and resistance measurements. Our library has information that you will find of value as you go along. Read through some of the restorations that people have posted here to get a feel for things.

I have the 38.4 which looks identical. (6 tube vs 8 i believe) i have not restored it yet, just looking for the time. Maybe as yours progresses it will motivate me.

Thanks,

Bill

ps No stooping!! lol

Thanks, all! I have no electrical experience except for changing wall outlets and light fixtures. This is going to be a fun learning experience.

@ poulsbobill No sto0ping because of the slanted dial. Or so says the ad. Of course, that only counts if your eyes are about 30 years old. Otherwise stoop and glue face to dial after donning your strongest reading glasses.

I have to do that now on ALL of them.   

Bill

Tell me about it!!! 70yrs old now....

Simon, I am catching up. Will be 68 in 2 months, just finally retired, just in time to have hip pain. At last, now I have the time to get that looked at. But at least the other stuff is under control and the brain works, so I am grateful and blessed.

Thanks Guys! You made me feel young there for an instant! I'll be 66 in two months. Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary

Hey Gary I'll be 67 in May. And John it only hurts when I move more or less...