The PHILCO Phorum

I recall that Ron posted recommendations for packing and shipping radios. I would be grateful if someone could provide the link to that post. My searches were unsuccessful.

Thanks!

Just out of curiosity how big of a set are you thinking of shipping??
Terry

I'm purchasing a Philco Model 66B from a gentleman in the mid-west. I live in California. The radio measures approximately 16" high, 13" wide and 10" deep. Its approximate weight is 13 pounds.

Thanks!

Well, I don't know where you read that...so I'll have to recreate it from memory, I guess.

Let me give you two different ways to go.

A lot of people prefer double boxing. For this, you want the radio wrapped in bubble wrap (the large type, not the type with the extra small bubbles) a few thicknesses thick. But first, tune the radio to below 55 on the AM dial (as low as it will go) to make sure the tuning capacitor plates are completely interwoven with none of them sticking up at all. This will protect the tuning condenser plates from damage. Lay some of the large bubble wrap over the speaker, then fill the inner cavity of the radio with packing material (here, wadded newspaper is OK to use). After this is done, then wrap the radio in at least three thicknesses of bubble wrap.

Now place the radio cocoon face down in a box, making sure there is at least two inches of packing material completely surrounding the radio (front, back, top, bottom, all sides).

Place this box inside a larger box, which has at least two inches of packing material completely surrounding the inner box. Make sure there is so much packing material here that the flaps are difficult to close.

Now, here's how you can successfully ship a radio in a single box:

Repeat the directions above for the inner box. If you do not have any bubble wrap, you will have to rely on packing peanuts. Tune the radio to below 55 on the AM dial, lay a sheet of bubble wrap or something thick yet flexible over the speaker to protect the cone, then fill the cavity with wadded newspaper.

If you do not have bubble wrap, put the radio in a trash bag and seal it up. This protects the insides from the peanuts.

Now put this, face down, inside a box. Here, I would use at least three inches of packing material (packing peanuts) completely surrounding the radio (front, back, top, bottom, all sides). Now, the most important thing here is to make sure you use so many peanuts that you have a hard time closing the flaps! You don't want that radio moving around in transit. Remember, the box will not be handled gently!

A good alternative is to use stiff foam sheeting, cut to size, on the inside surfaces of the box you are using. You will still need to fill the voids with peanuts.

A final thought. Do not use the postal service if you care about your valuable packages! They don't care about your valuable Brand Z Walton tombstone! UPS is almost as bad but packages can survive UPS if packed well and carefully. In my experience, FedEx Home Delivery is the best. They move packages the fastest, and I have never had a single radio damaged by FedEx (knocking wood).

It is unfortunate that eBay, over the years, made using USPS the easiest for the clueless dummies out there who think it is OK to just toss a radio into a box with no packing material, and that it will be OK if they write "FRAGILE" in big bold letters on the box. I've got news for you, folks: The USPS gorillas don't read FRAGILE labels! Of course, neither does UPS or FedEx.

It is up to you to make sure your radio is packed well to survive shipment, no matter which company you use.

I should add this, Allen: If you are buying this Philco 66 via eBay, you can send the seller all of the shipping instructions you want, and the seller will gleefully ignore them. And don't even try to ask a seller to use any company other than the post office. Oooooh, it's not cooonnnveeeeeeenient for me to go to FedEx! I gave up after wasting my time with several dummies whose only concern was getting that money in their hot little hands. Buying a radio on eBay is a gamble.

And now, here I sit, waiting for a radio which was shipped Friday, 12/14, and the scan shows acceptance at the originating post office, and has since disappeared into a black hole. It was allegedly supposed to be delivered yesterday, which came and went - and the tracking number still shows only the origin scan, nothing more.

If you have patience and a bit of diplomacy you can get even with paypal and most credit card suppliers. If a seller goes to the UPS store, for example, and they pack and insure it, neither buyer or seller will suffer a loss. And for small claims, say $150 or less, no need to have inspection or return for claims. Never give up if something has gone wrong. Best to leave all the burden on the shipper, be honest, hope for the best.

Ron and Codefox's packaging instructions are the way to go. The only thing I can add is to be sure the chassis and speaker is securely bolted to cabinet.
Paul

Hello Ron:

Thank you for taking time during this busy time to provide such detailed instructions and advice. I suggest that you make these available in a permanent place on the Phorum.

Fortunately, I purchased the radio from a antique radio enthusiast on Craig’s List not Ebay. I’ll forward him your instructions and advice.

I hope your most recent purchase arrives safe and sound.

Happy holidays to you and your family.

Allen

Paul included a very good point that I forgot to mention - making sure chassis and speaker are securely bolted to the cabinet. If they aren't, my packing suggestions won't help much.

I sincerely appreciate the "thank you." You would not believe how many people can't/won't take the time to say "thanks" these days when someone tries to help them.

As for putting this "in a permanent place," I'll give that some thought.

+1 on thanks. It's nice to know that we are not just blabbering in the wind.

This is a topic that is almost as important as the radio sets themselves, so many of us rely on shipping radios and parts back and forth. I have had very bad luck with UPS. Big Brown is hard on claims and hard on packages. I have only had only 2 undamaged shipments with them.

I agree with Ron, FED EX ground seems best. I know one guy who uses them exclusively. Never had an issues with them. I have also had very good experiences with the USPS. Only one damage out of many and got my claim paid on that in 30 days. The only thing we can control is the packing, then it is up to the shipper. Having some experience in the logistics and shipping world I am honestly amazed there are not more problems. Mechanized hubs at the shipping companies combined with the gorillas loading the trucks are our demons.

BTW, I agree with Codefox and Ron, it is nice to acknowledge, even though some post are viewed many times so must have some value there are surprisingly few "thank yous" or acknowledgements sometimes. As my wife's grandma used to say "it's nice to be nice".

My New Years resolution will be to be more supportive whenever possible.

Thanks.

Paul

You need to pack the radio so you feel comfortable rolling it down a flight of stairs and expect it to be not damaged...