The PHILCO Phorum

I bought a radio/phonograph at a flea market this weekend on a total whim. I would love to restore it myself, but I have no idea where to even get started. Any advice on books, references, tips, tools...anything at all would be a huge help.
After browsing the links, I believe what I have is a Philco
38-6-9 "Armchair." It seems to be in decent condition, especially if it's really from the 30's. The power cord has a few "chunks" missing, so I haven't pluged it in, but as far as I can tell, all of the parts are there.

I have attached a few pics for anyone that's interested. (also new to forums, so sorry if I did that wrong)

But again, any help or advice would be awesome!!


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Hello, and welcome!

That's a nice set. Well, let's say it has a lot of potential. You don't see them for sale very often!

As I do not know where you are in terms of electrical and mechanical aptitude, I offer the following:

1. This site is the best place to go for info, in addition to Chuck's site Philco Repair Bench ( http://www.philcorepairbench.com). Not only is there info here, but there are other Philco collectors who are happy to answer your questions, as long as it is not how to turn an old Philco into an ipod docking station.....

2. Ron's book Philco Radio 1928-1942 is the "bible" for a Philco collector. I have two copies, one that stays at the house and one that goes everywhere with me. There are several books out there about antique radio restoration, both cabinet and electronics. The one's by Al Corbin, Ray Bintliff, and Ed Romney were a help to me. I also liked Practical Radio by Moyer and Wostrel, but nearly everyone else that I have recommended it to did not. Sic transit..... It was one of the first radio books I read and served me well for a basic knowledge, since it was written in the 20s when radios were pretty basic.....

3. I would also recommend Chuck's schematic service, especially for an odd set like yours. For seven dollars Chuck provides you with TOP quality enlarged schematics and all other info, including alignment info, for your set. You will find that most of the schematics you pull from nostalgia air site tend to be difficult to read.

4. Tools can be purchased in most hardware or even department stores. Typically you need both a regular screwdriver set and a jewelers screwdriver set, pliers to include a couple sizes of dyke and needle nose pliers, a 1/4" wrench set, soldering iron. There are others but that will get you started. Equipment for now should just be a good multimeter and a tube tester. A variac or an isolation transformer is also a good idea, but I still use two fused strips like what one runs one's computers off of.

5. Do NOT plug in any radio until it's electrical condition is well known. Replacing electrolytic and wax/paper capacitors in your set is a very good idea. Replacing resistors that are way out of tolerance is also good.

6. Search out old time radio guys and learn from them. This was invaluable for me.

Well, to put it mildly, you have a good project on your hands. To me, the sight of a fine radio cabinet, with paint slobbered over it make me nearly lose my last meal.

Little doubt, you'll be able to strip the cabinet down to the walnut veneer that it is. With some instruction, you can have as beautiful a cabinet as can be seen.

Chairside sets usually have smaller chassis in them, because of the heat they generate, and the poor ventilation in the cabinet. As far as unusual goes, this one is the first one I've seen. You can probably count the number of these sets around on one finger. By all means, do the set up as properly as possible.

The original motor board for the phonograph was probably a manual turntable. The changer that's in it now, is a Webster-Chicago model 56, which was an excellent changer from about 1946-48. You'll probably want to leave it in there.

Take it easy. This project could take some time.

Hi thavens and welcome aboard! You did just fine with the photos, better than I could. I affirm that The Philco Phorum and Chuck's site, The Philco Repair Bench are the best sites on the internet to be for antique radio restoration and appreciation. No finer group of people anywhere, they're the absolute best!

Mike

Welcome to the phorum! I found several articles written for newbies such as myself at www.antiqueradio.org. It's called, "Phils old Radios". Phil is an excellent writer. I learned a lot from him.

There are also some great basic instructional videos on You Tube by Joernone. They were done for the beginner. Good luck with your radio. Tom