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GE model J-805 radio - Printable Version

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GE model J-805 radio - Bill Cahill - 04-06-2011

Actually, I started this project last year, but, it didn't get very far.. Now, I'm on it whole hog. Here are some pictures of progress...

In the first photo you see how it was when I first started...
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/GERadioRebuildbegins-1.jpg]

In the second photo, you can see where it stands now. I have replaced all paper capacitors, electrolytics, a broken tone switch, and, a number of rotted wires, including antenna wires, speaker wires, power cord, and, other rotted wiring under the chassis...
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/GE_J-805_radio_chassis003.jpg]

And, now, see the chassis from the top. Note the spkr. nest to it. I cleaned all the dust, and, dirt out of that...
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/GE_J-805_radio_chassis002.jpg]

In a couple of days, I'll show some pics. of the cabinet..
I still have to check resistors, and, figure out antenna wiring..
Hope to have this playing very soon, now...
Bill Cahill Icon_smile

Re: GE model J-805 radio - Bill Cahill - 04-06-2011

And, now, the moment you've been waiting for. Radio is back together, and, playing. I still have work to do, but, it's together, and, playing....
Here are some photos. By the way, it sounds Amazingly good!
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0331GEJ-805plays0001.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0331GEJ-805plays0002.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0331GEJ-805plays0007.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0331GEJ-805plays0006.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0331GEJ-805plays0004.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0331GEJ-805plays0002.jpg]
What do you think????
Bill Cahill

Re: GE model J-805 radio - Bill Cahill - 04-06-2011

And, here are pictures after final cleaning, and, polishing.......
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0404GEJ-805Finnished0001.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0404GEJ-805Finnished0007.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0404GEJ-805Finnished0002.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0404GEJ-805Finnished0003.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0404GEJ-805Finnished0004.jpg]
[Image: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/55Bill51/2011_0404GEJ-805Finnished0005.jpg]
Bill Cahill :yes:

Re: GE model J-805 radio - Ron Ramirez - 04-06-2011

Very good, Bill. Icon_clap

Re: GE model J-805 radio - w4rtc - 04-06-2011

Hi bill
Great job, it looks nice, Icon_clap
Joe

Re: GE model J-805 radio - w4rtc - 04-06-2011

Hi bill
It looks good, you did a great job. Icon_clap
Joe

Re: GE model J-805 radio - TA Forbes - 04-06-2011

Good lookin' GE !!!

Re: GE model J-805 radio - Bill Cahill - 04-07-2011

Thanks, guys. But, for the record, most of the finnish on this is original. I simply cleaned it. I cleaned some of the black oil off top yesterday, and, added some lacquer, so, it's better than it was.
Other than that, I cleaned, polished, and, rebuilt chassis.
Radio plays well with a deep, resonant bass.

I know it's a sacriledge, but, I've had my RCA 45 deck plugged into it, groving to old records....
The radio had it's problems, but, has turned into a nice set....
I had parts that I bought off ebay from this model that was scrapped. It made it possible to replace broken on-off switch, chassis screws, and, frozen spkr. with original replacements...
It's turned into a very nice radio. I love the art deco case on it, and, I'm on a major nostalgia trip.
It's the same model as the one my Polish Grandfather in Toledo, Ohio used to have....
I am surrounded by the following reminders of better days.
GE radio
RCA Victor 16" "family" tv
Bakelite console 10" Admiral tv
VM model 200 record player
Exact replacement record rack for one my mother gave me when I was young. It is filled with children's records, including a number of which I used to have when a boy.
My 1963 Symphonic stereo is exactly the same model as one we worked on for a customer at the tv shop when I was a teen-ager.
The same model cheapie Columbia Masterworks port. rp my mother had in 1963.
And, tons of records. 78's, lp's, and, 45's from my past....
Also, the 45 deck I use is exact same model as one my father had.
In my old age, I love it all......
Bill Cahill Icon_biggrin

Re: GE model J-805 radio - Bill Cahill - 04-07-2011

I forgot... My Newcomb model TR-16, and, several R-12 classroom phonographs are same models my grade school had.
Bill Cahill

Re: GE model J-805 radio - w4rtc - 04-07-2011

Hi bill what ever you did it looks very good. It is good to have spare "original" parts. There is a philco on eBay I need for spare parts but will have to pass. Like you I have two radios from my young years I have a philco 42-1006 that we had when I was around five and a Arvin we had when I was around ten. Once again you did a good job Joe

Re: GE model J-805 radio - radiofanky - 06-03-2011

Hi looks like a great radio! I found this exact model in an antique shop in a small town near me. Cabinet in nice shape, needs antenna inside but plugs in and turns on. I may get it! Never really knew that GE made radios, with all the Zeniths and Philcos and RCAs but this is a lovely model indeed. Icon_smile

Re: GE model J-805 radio - Bill Cahill - 06-03-2011

Thanks, all. I love this radio. It actually plays very well, with a nice, deep, rich bass.
I love the style of the cabinet, as well.
Bill Cahill

Re: GE model J-805 radio - radiofanky - 06-04-2011

Yep definitely a beautiful radio. I purchased this exact model in a little antique store today for a bargain $55! Looks in great shape, is my first old radio and very happy with it. I think it is from 1941? What would you recommend a newbie like me use to clean up the cabinet and get that nice finish you got? I of course don't want to damage the wood. Now just gotta get my friend to get me an antenna for it Icon_smile

Re: GE model J-805 radio - Bill Cahill - 06-04-2011

Your antenna is gone?

If so, you have a problem.The am antenna is special.
It's a special 4 wire loop antenna in a barrel.
One SW antenna is under top.
Other SW antenna would be a wire you connect of any legnth.
My finnish, except on top, is original to factory.
I touched up top.
Original finnish is done in light brown Walnut, with grain filler, then, several coats of gloss lacquer.
Watch out for rubber wiring, cloth wires tend to rot, on-off switch is easy to break.
Length of antenna wires, plus, placement of same is critical.
Mannual makes clear ALL alignment MUST be done fully installed in cabinet.
This is extremely critical.
The push button tunning will be the hardest to do in cabinet.
It is done from the front, and, as said, radio must be fully installed.
When finnished, it is a great playing radio.
Bill Cahill

Re: GE model J-805 radio - radiofanky - 06-04-2011

Yep the antenna is missing from mine. However a friend who owns an antique radio shop and repairs and refinishes them said if he could fabricate or get me one for not too much money. The set itself is quite nice on the eyes, few minor scrapes nothing major. I love the look of it. The knobs have been replaced but don't detract from it much but I will probably get the more authentic looking wooden knobs for it from my friend. I believe the finish on mine is also original. It's my first antique radio purchase and the repairs don't seem too major according to my radio expert friend. For now I'm happy just looking at it. I will upload some pics soon so you can see.