[Music in a bottle]

I just sold one of my Philco model 70 cathedrals, and noticed while packing it for shipping, that the tuning knob can be grasped and you can lift the whole tuning capacitor up and down about 3/4 of an inch! My other model 70, same thing! You cannot however move it side to side. Is that normal? I tried to see if the tuning capacitor was even attached, and it's hard to tell without tearing it apart a bit. Just curious about this strange finding.

[Ron Ramirez]

No doubt the rubber grommets which serve to cushion the tuning condenser from the chassis are returning to the dust from whence they came. In other words, they are shot and require replacement.

Some sources:

dpatterson002 AT comcast DOT net - Don Patterson sells replacement grommets.
http://www.renovatedradios.com/parts.html - Renovated Radios also carries a selection of replacement grommets including those to fit the Model 70.

[Music in a bottle]

Thanks for the heads up Ron. I would then gather that one shouldn't be operating it until that were fixed?

[Ron Ramirez]

Well, you can operate it, but you may experience unexplainable static or intermittent loss of reception.

More causes of that, plus repairs you should do to any Model 20, 50, 70 or 90 tuning condenser are found here:

http://www.philcoradio.com/tech/tuner.htm

[Music in a bottle]

All these things have I experienced! Okay, That's it! The cathedral is going to be getting worked over after I'm done with the marantz project. Actually I have been so eager to recap this, but was a little intimidated, but were gonna do it next! Thank you for the links. Those are such a huge help!

[Texasrocker]

Also, these type tuning-condensers can be "sturdied-up" again by using careful - installation of neoprene-type faucet-washers avail at Home-Depot, Lowes, etc, found in the rubber faucet-washers section of the Plmg Depts. A little drilling-out the center holes abit, and proper "shimming to proper-height" by adding flat type and tapered-type rubber neoprene washers, can yield yrs of trouble-free service! Just make sure you take into consideration, proper "height" of the tuning condenser once re=positioned properly for cabinet-holes shaft-spacing after repairs. Neoprene rubber lasts forever and wont shrink due to age from heat generated inside the Radio Cabinet. This method of repair has worked many-times for me in the past! Good luck with your restorations!