[flatheadjr]

I'm working on a 1937 Ford car radio, model F-1442 and my manual for the radio does not seem to have any instructions for alignment. I need to know where to hook up the signal generator to align the radio. I can hear static through the speaker but so far no radio signals at all and I have been working replacing the old wax paper capacitors. I need to know which tube, and what pin I connect to, I am going to guess the number 78 tube at 260 KC but I want to verify that.

[fenbach]

aligning steps: http://www.nostalgiaair.org/pagesbymodel...014000.pdf

[flatheadjr]

That helps quite a bit actually, but which grid connection? The grid is pin 3, 4, and the cap. One is high voltage, one is negative voltage, and I don't see anything on the cap. I did find one other problem with the set, my 6A7 was either bad or has an issue. I replaced it with a known good one and the radio came right on.

[fenbach]

the cap is always the control grid. attach your signal generator to it.

[flatheadjr]

That little tune up helped some, it wasn't out to bad for being over 81 years old. I've replaced all the wax paper capacitors I could, I was wondering about the block capacitor in this thing, should I attempt to by pass it it and install modern caps in its place or is it durable enough to leave it?

[fenbach]

I always do. start with the ones connected to the tube cathodes. especially if it hums or squeals. these old caps can't be as good as new ones. and I sometimes attach a .5 uf cap to the cathode of the output tube, no. 41. start by clipping one on to see if it eliminates any humming. other end to ground.
you probably should replace the tall round filter capacitor also, no. 67 on the schematic, part no. 30-2168. the positive leads of the 2 caps are both connected [internally] to the post with the green marking. the post with the yellow marking is the negative lead for the 8uf cap. connect the negative lead of the replacement 4uf cap to ground. I found them a bit tricky to wire up. let me know if you need more to go on.

[flatheadjr]

It took me a couple minutes to figure out the electrolytic capacitor, but I was able to get that okay. As far as any humming or any other noise there are any really, sound is clean. The only problem I have is finding a suitable antenna for these older sets. They use a twist lock type hook up and I don't know where to get that. A good antenna would probably really help the performance.

[fenbach]

here's a link to a discussion about antennas on the Ford V8 club forum.

https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/viewme...opic=11225

I've mounted modern jacks inside '37 radios. a modern antenna plugs right in. just connect the antenna lead to the center contact.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NTV...TYDH&psc=1

they're also on ebay. all from hong kong or china.

or you can use an antenna extension cord, cut off the male end and connect the wire with the female end inside the radio.

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Vehicle-An...1481668351

[flatheadjr]

I replaced the 6 capacitors in place of the block capacitor and that really seemed to make a big difference in performance. Sensitivity went up a little a sound quality was better as well. It seemed I had some sound cutting in and out some and that went away as well. I also ordered some of the antenna connectors so I should have a couple different options as far as antenna when I get a chance to put that in. This unit should be a good performer with those changes made.