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Philco 48-1286 Restoration - Printable Version

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Philco 48-1286 Restoration - daveo91 - 02-14-2011

I got a Philco 48-1286 from my Grandpa after he died a few years ago and have not really looked at until now. I was using it as just decoration but now I am interested and getting it to work.

It powers on and the AM radio works great. FM is working on some stations but it is in the basement so maybe reception isn't that great for other stations. Record player spins?

Any help would be appreciated...such as what I would need to do first, do I need to replace anything, how do I get a new needle for the record player etc..

Thanks!
Dave

Note from site admin: Sorry, but the photo which was attached to this post is no longer available.

Re: Philco 48-1286 Restoration - FStephenMasek - 02-15-2011

Where are you physically located? There may be someone nearby who could help, or even an old radio club.

Replacing the filter capacitors would be a good first step. You will need more than a needle - the crystal cartridge will need to be rebuilt. WestTech is one cartridge rebuilder I have used several times.

Re: Philco 48-1286 Restoration - daveo91 - 02-16-2011

Thanks for the reply. I am in the detroit area.

How much would you expect it to cost to take it somewhere and get it in safe working order? My grandpa was the original owner and this unit has spent it's time indoors and well cared for.

Also I am new to antique radios. Are there any rare parts on this unit that I should make sure stay on the unit?

Note from site admin: Sorry, but the photos which were attached to this post are no longer available.

Re: Philco 48-1286 Restoration - FStephenMasek - 02-16-2011

There are old radio clubs all over the country. You may wish to contact the Michigan Antique Radio Club:

Contact MARC Membership
Membership Secretary:
Don Colbert
Donsradio@aol.com
(313) 274 1948

Michigan Antique Radio Club
22400 Nowlin
Dearborn, MI 48124


CONTACT MARC:
Donsradio@aol.com
CLUB INFORMATION
marcwebmaster@antiqueradios.com
WEBMASTER

Re: Philco 48-1286 Restoration - brianclara - 02-17-2011

You might want to call Paul Colossimo at Paul's Radio and TV, 18573 Allen Road in Melvindale. His phone number is 313.928.3322. He's in his 90's and not open every day any more, but does great work at reasonable prices. When I took him my RCA Radiola 18 he told me about one he'd fixed in 1936. His shop makes you think you'd just entered a time warp into 1950.

Brian Rogers

Re: Philco 48-1286 Restoration - daveo91 - 02-24-2011

thanks for the info!

RE: Philco 48-1286 Restoration - audiomagnate - 07-10-2013

Unlike the OP, I am restoring one of these myself (more photos in the "It's Raining Philcos" thread).

I'm restoring this unit for a female friend of mine at my cost for parts. Both the cabinet and the receiver are in great shape. The completely rotted out power cord is the only visibly bad part, and that will be replaced later today. Should I dare plugging it in without a Variac after I replace the cord? My friend says it worked last time she plugged it in.