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Philco 91 Code 121 help - Printable Version

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Philco 91 Code 121 help - Colonel Travis - 03-14-2013

Never tried to restore a radio until now so I'm trying to figure out exactly what I've got, which is:

[Image: http://i.imgur.com/pcbhG1A.jpg]

It seems to be the one on this page, but that one has a different code number:
http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/philco_91e91_code_123.html

Also don't know the difference between 91, 91A, 91B, 91E, which are other models listed on that page.
Stamped in metal, centered, near the very bottom is: C52409.
That's all the ID marks can find so far.

RE: Philco 91 Code 121 help - Raleigh - 03-14-2013

If you've never restored a radio before, I'd recommend this site for how to go about it. http://www.antiqueradio.org/welcome.htm. You won't learn everything there, but it's a good start on the basics of what to do and what not to do. Also some interesting features on radio restoration.

Another site to peruse, dedicated to old Philcos, is this one: http://www.philcorepairbench.com/ You can probably buy a very fine original Philco repair package for your radio from Chuck Schwark, who runs the site. I recommend that you do so, because Philco's service packages are better and more thorough than anything you can get for free. Chuck supplies these at a small cost, and they are well worth it.

You can find probably find a free schematic for your radio here: http://www.nostalgiaair.org. Schematics are absolutely necessary for restoring old radios. Most of these free schematics are worth downloading, but some of are of poor quality and are minimally helpful.

First, though, since this is an AC radio, don't even plug it in before you've replaced the electrolytic capacitors in the power supply. You might have already turned it on and gotten away with it, but those types of capacitors have a short life, fail gradually, and will destroy other irreplaceable components when they fail. Because they fail gradually, they can already be causing damage while still appearing to work. On these older Philcos it might not be obvious which parts they are, so thoroughly research your specific radio before you replace anything.

I'd wait until you'd thoroughly read the two web sites above before you do anything to restore yours. Just my 2 cents, but reading this material in advance made restoration easier and more interesting to me, and helped me not create extra work to get the job done.

Ron's site, here, has much information specific to these earlier Philcos, so once you have read these other sites and are familiar with the basics, dive in and refer to Ron's advice as necessary. It's fun, so I hope you enjoy it.

RE: Philco 91 Code 121 help - Colonel Travis - 03-14-2013

Yeah, I have not plugged it in, will not until I go through everything carefully. I did get the service manual after posting this note so I found out what I've got. Didn't know about the Philco repair package, I'll look into that.

Been watching a lot of restoration videos on YouTube and reading. This site and others has been a big help. I build my own computers and have worked on tube amps for guitars so I think I have a basic grasp of what I'm getting into. We'll see.

Thanks much for the advice, will most likely ask more questions down the road.

RE: Philco 91 Code 121 help - TA Forbes - 03-15-2013

Agree with advice offered above, but with respect to schematics, especially for the model 91, I would consider purchasing a set from Chuck's site Philco Repair Bench. You will get the information for your specific code set, and it will be "blown up" and LEGIBLE.

I have found Chuck's info essential for my model 14, 91, and 17 restorations.

Oh yes, and I have no connection with his site.