42-327 finished -
bridkarl - 09-23-2025
This is done and working fine. Just need to replace the dial glass.
I did figure out that the dial light fits into a small clip on the underside of the case. I put a small led light in there which will use much less power and have no heat. The light socket comes with this cardboard/asbestos(?) shield around it.
Before and after.
RE: 42-327 finished -
Paul Philco322 - 09-23-2025
Very nice job, I have always liked the style of that model, and not big so you can put in any room.
Paul
RE: 42-327 finished -
bridkarl - 09-23-2025
Thanks. I’m still not happy with the lacquer touchup which looks like I used a crayon on it. I’m not sure if I should use 0000 steel wool on that to smooth it down. Giving it a few weeks to dry. Otherwise all the electronics like caps have been checked and replaced, new led lamp, new power cord, case cleaned up.
RE: 42-327 finished -
Paul Philco322 - 09-23-2025
Way better than when you got it. As I have aged I am far more forgiving to a case that may not be Factory 110%. As long as it plays well. Have fun with it. Paul
RE: 42-327 finished -
radiorich - 09-24-2025
hello Paul,
I agree with you about what you said about "Way better than when you got it. As I have aged I am far more forgiving to a case that may not be Factory 110%. As long as it plays well."
Sincerely Richard
RE: 42-327 finished -
bridkarl - 09-24-2025
Thanks. The original description said "gets power and static but no stations" so that's fixed. It sounds really OK. I'm ordering a new dial today since this one is really bad.
For my next project -- I have three - yes three - 40-155 - to fix. I really shouldn't go to charity auctions, but I think Boy Scouts are a good group.
RE: 42-327 finished -
bridkarl - 11-04-2025
New dial glass installed. One or two minor things like a knob, but all done
RE: 42-327 finished -
RodB - 11-04-2025
Karl, in your area, do you get much reception on SW? I don't get a lot here in Minnesota. I should try more at night.
RE: 42-327 finished -
bridkarl - 11-04-2025
Not really. I hear Asia. I hear Radio Cuba. The big religious shortwave stations. Nighttime seems better.
RE: 42-327 finished -
Paul Philco322 - 11-04-2025
On somery e Philcos the dial glass really tends to flake, I had to replace one in my 42- 322. Yours looks very fine.
Paul
RE: 42-327 finished -
bridkarl - 11-04-2025
It was about $40 from Radio Daze. I now have a spare - useable but flaky (see earlier picture) I am willing to dispose of. Still need a knob and some chassis screws.
RE: 42-327 finished -
Paul Philco322 - 11-04-2025
I may have a knob, I'll check they have the triangle on it if I am seeing good. Paul
RE: 42-327 finished -
RodB - 11-04-2025
Yes, I have a restored 42-340 on my workroom shelf that has a badly flaked dial and I can't see paying $45 for a new one. It appears to have a decal that was defective or improperly applied. I've seen other dials of the same year in the same condition.
RE: 42-327 finished -
bridkarl - 11-04-2025
I normally would not spend $40 either, but the case came out really nicer than I expected.
My thought is if this was 1942 - maybe they had inexperienced factory workers who did the application wrong - given start of the war or they were using up old stock of decals which, as you say, were defective
RE: 42-327 finished -
Arran - 11-04-2025
The dial on my 42-327 was really bad, it was flakey when I first got the set, and when I finally got around to restoring the chassis the numbers in the center were all but gone, but the gold border was still there. I have a new dial but I will stay in a safe place until I refinish the cabinet. From the pictures I have seen some of these 42-322, 42-323 and 42-327 sets have good dials, and others are flaking, Philco must have got a bad batch of dials that some sets got but some did not?
Regards
Arran