The PHILCO Phorum
Model 38-116XX - Printable Version

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Model 38-116XX - Ron Ramirez - 11-15-2005

A poor example of what could be a very fine set...with a LOT of work...

[Image: http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/mrphilco/Phorum%20Stuff/38116_front.jpg]

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/ebay/38116_back.jpg]

In "The Latest Philco Save" thread, Frank wrote:

Quote:Ron,
What code is your 38-116? I just finished mine, and it was a code 121; the one with the older style RF deck with trimmers on the bottom. If you's is a code 121, could you see what type 'W' speaker it has? I'm still stumped why mine came with an output transformer that has a primary resistance that does not match the schematic while the code 125 transformer does match resistance wise.

Keep us posted on the progress. I think these are very interesting Philco consoles. A lot of them are around, they are a bit of a challenge to restore, but they are very good performers. Overall, they could be the bargain high end Philco for today's collector.

Frank, mine is a Code 125. I'll try to take a closer look at it later today. "49Stude63" is going to replicate a couple grille bars for me, but the real cabinet work won't take place until next spring since warm weather is ending today in my area.

I guess they could be considered bargains, depending on your definition of bargain...nice examples of 38-116 sets often bring $400 and up, mostly up. Most collectors realize what an excellent performer this model is, with the added benefit of High Fidelity sound.

EDIT: Paid a whopping $35 for the example above. It had no escutcheon, no dial scale, not even its Automatic Tuning mechanism. The original speaker connectors are gone, replaced with Molex connectors (!). Fortunately I have an extra Type W speaker with its original connector, and a junk chassis which will yield a mating connector. The cap that covers the rectifier tube socket is also missing. This will definitely be a major project, both cabinet and electronics.

- 49Stude63 - 11-15-2005

They are beautiful radios when done, mine was redone by a non-radio person and it looks ok but some might pick at it. It falls into the category, too nice looking to mess with or not bad enough to refinish. I replaced the grille cloth and dial and need to restore the chassis. Very stately radio, mine sits in my family room and my wife has claimed it as hers.

- zenith82 - 11-16-2005

Mine is a code 125 as well. Until I got my 38-116XX a month or so ago, I hadn't realized there were two versions.

For such a high end radio, there seems to be quite a few of these and the 37-116 around. I'm not saying they're a common find, just that I've seen more of these compared to other 15-tube models from other manufacturers such as RCA or Zenith and it seems like if someone has a high end console in their collection it's either a 37-116 or 38-116.

I haven't started restoration of mine, but it looks like it won't be easy. I figure I'll probably do my 38-3 as a "workout" before moving on to the 38-116, as I've never restored a magnetic tuning model before.

Ron, you wouldn't happen to have any production figures for each type of 38-116 (the 121 and 125) would you?

Tom

- 49Stude63 - 11-16-2005

Mine is also a code 125, so I guess for the ease of repairs the code 125 is easier from what I have picked up so far but maybe not as sensitive on the SW section as the code 121. Once my 38-2 is done I will swap it for the 38-116 and do the chassis on it, maybe if my wife does abuse me too badly do the cabinet also.