The PHILCO Phorum

Top O' the Morn' Newbie here. Thought I would introduce myself.

Friend of mine, saved my life when we were in the Navy, asked that I restore his "Philco" that when he was a young boy, the family entertainment center. I know not what I am doing, really, but could not say no.

When I was 16 YO in 1955 I designed and built a "Hi-Fidelity" amp, won NC State Science Fair. Included a scholarship to UNC, opt'd to join the Navy instead. Other than passive involvement in electronics over the years, that is about the sum total of my experience. I do have some really old equipment, sweep generator, O'scope, audio signal generators, VTVM, Precision Aparatus Tube Tester, soldering iron/gun, most given to me, untouched for 20 years or so. I can read a schematic, visualize waveforms, and know something about parts and components, at least as they existed 50 years ago. I aloso have a Sam's Fotofact for the unit. Not sure whether I lack fear or lack common sense? Maybe both.

So off I go into the project. Any tips or restoration methodology anyone can recomment I would appreciate it.

Great site! I have browsed it for several days. Lot of dedicate folk here about.

Thanks for having me. Will keep you informed.

Welcome Wakani, great to have you here!
I would start with a few pictures of everything before you tackle this project, you might need to look back at them. Take your time,and walk away after an hour or so. Start with a good cleaning to get all the dust bunnies out.

Some of that aging test equipment may need an overhaul to be safe and accurate. Namely filter capacitors, wax capacitors and resistors that have gone up beyond tolerance. Then on to the radio, same needs to be done, all before powering up slowly with a variac!

Tore into the monster. Have it all apart save the changer, and I do not know how that comes out

Both 6v6 show Gas, 6SQ7 dead, FM1000 shows bad on tester. All others test super, surprised that coke bottle 5U4 was still very good.

Question on capacitors. I know the difference of electrolytics, however are they any caps that I should aim for or stay away from? Wholesale replacement of all capacitors including the cans? Is their someone on the site that sells capacitors? I would rather support site folk as opposed to say; Parts Express or Radio Shack. (They have improved grately over the last few years IMHO)

Cabinet super condition, save some character marks on the top. Some minior heat damage above the 5U4 heat generator. Impressed with the quality of the build and quality of the wood.

Some of us buy from Dave at Just Radios dot com in Canada. He has a great selection. Another one is Bob from RadioAntiques dot com,he's right outside Chicago. I'm sure some of the other members will chime in also with there suppliers.