The PHILCO Phorum
Philco Model 96 Lowboy - Printable Version

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Philco Model 96 Lowboy - mazzybear - 04-06-2013

My aunt and uncle just gave this radio to me. I've always wanted to restore an old radio-but I really have no knowledge in this area whatsoever.

Anyway-I don't even know if it works yet. I haven't attempted to plug it in. One of the knobs is missing.

Is it safe to plug it in? I feel pretty daft asking...but really, I don't know where to start.

They also gave me a very old and dusty bag that reads, "Old radio tubes." It's got a bunch of stuff in it, tubes, parts...which, I am of course not getting rid of.

I tried searching for this model and I don't find much-I did see a few photos...but not a lot of info or tales of others who've restored them.

Thank you in advance.

RE: Philco Model 96 Lowboy - Art Hoch - 04-06-2013

Unless you want to run a pretty sure risk of ruining possibly hard-to-find components for that radio, DON'T plug it in until the capacitors, resistors, and some other parts have been checked over by a competent technician. Ask here for someone that would help you out. Where do you live? There is probably someone close by that would be glad to help....unless you live in middle Montana! Icon_surprised

RE: Philco Model 96 Lowboy - Bradley Rush - 04-07-2013

Number one: do not plug it in
number two obtain schematics
look at schematics see what parts are what

Number three ask question here everyone will help

RE: Philco Model 96 Lowboy - klondike98 - 04-07-2013

Mazzy - there are two main skill sets to restoring these types of radios; a) the electronics and b) the cabinet. Some people like one aspect more than the other but that's up to you. There is a schematic for the set you are working on here: http://www.philcoradio.com/tech/images/96.jpg . If you are brand new to this I suggest lots of reading before you start doing anything. A place to start is here: http://www.antiqueradio.org/begin.htm . There are books on radio restoration you can buy ( http://astore.amazon.com/philcoradiocom ) and lots of on-line information in this Phorum and others such as the Philco Repair Bench http://www.philcorepairbench.com/ or http://www.antiqueradios.com/. Here's a youtube I like as a summary of electrical restoration steps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8wWw92HNZg and Bob Andersen has some great videos that show a lot (see: http://www.youtube.com/user/bandersentv/videos?view=1 ). I see you live in Michigan so you may want to join the Michigan Antique Radio Club and get to know the folks in your area that can be of help. Go to: http://michiganantiqueradio.org/?q=content/join-marc . Before you start working on a live chassis, learn about the fundamentals of electricity and safety since these radios do have sufficient currents and voltages to be fatal. This phorum has lots of people willing to answer questions as well, so have fun!

RE: Philco Model 96 Lowboy - mazzybear - 04-07-2013

Thanks everyone for your responses! In exploring more of this website I found the DO NOT PLUG IN page. I haven't plugged it in.

I will definietley do lots of prep work and pestering before I begin...I have two little ones at home and my husband and I work full time...so progress will indeed be slow because of that.

Thanks again! I will keep you all posted on anything I find out! Ill also get some "before" photos.