[dal61]

Hello again Philco fans-

I am still in the learning stages of this hobby (to say the least).  I have friends that have a fondness for and experience with the 'Z' brand of radios....so my first console project was/is a 10s464.  Nothing fancy...a low cost, average example to work on to gains some knowledge.  But I have a little more of an open mind than does my friend....my grandparents had a 40-190 (which I'd love to have an example of)...and an uncle that had a 37-630 or 650 ...or something that looked like those models.  So I have a growing fondness for Philcos...

While looking for my next project, and still want something to gain experience and learn from, I ran across a 37-630 with a nice, original cabinet...although the grill cloth has a hole....but it plays (seller says) and looks, generally nice from the pics....they are asking $50.  I've read about the troubles with 'unit construction', and all, but am really tempted to offer $35 and see what they say.  Should I consider this model the middle of the road for 1937, as far as sound/performance?  Anything else I should consider?....if the cabinet didn't look so clean, I'd probably move on past this one....just based on the negative comments I've read about working on these things....should I take this project on?...

I will try and post some pics a little later...don't have the time right now....thanks!

[Radioroslyn]

That's probably good way to judge the 37-630 middle of the road. It does have a few of the features of the bigger sets like a rf amplifier and shadow meter but falls short on several areas. Single ended audio output nicer sets will have a push/pull output stage. These will develop higher output levels with low distortion. A single 6F6/42 will make about 3.5w in p/p about 10w sez RCA.

Pentigrid mixer, nicer sets will use two separate tubes a mixer tube and an oscillator tube. Using two tubes allows the mixer circuit depending on the tubes that are used more gain and operate more quietly. Can also operate without oscillator pulling at higher frequencies. See the diagrams for the 116X, 37- 675, 116, and 690.

Single IF amplifier. Better sensitivity and selectivity can be had use two IF stages.

With saying all that is it a horrible set?? No not at all. It is a fairly simple set to service from an electronic standpoint but the rf subchassis does add a bit of difficulty.

[dal61]

Thanks for your thoughts and the info, Terry.....I like to think of these middle of the road sets as radios that working class families had.  And probably served it's purpose faithfully....

Here are a few pics of the 37-630...

[Radioroslyn]

Hmmmm. Looks like your 6F6 has gone to air and how!!
I think Ron mentioned a while back about an arcing bandswitch issue on the 37-650's.

[dal61]

Holy mackerel!...I erroneously called it a 37-650 in my last post....but, wow, I  didn't even notice that.  The seller said it played, so I didn't pay attention to the chassis pics....going to try and find the thread you mentioned...

[Radioroslyn]

Don't feel bad I didn't notice that it only had one 6F6 at the back ('650 would have two). Cabinet in good shape a little of the treatment it should look swell. Pretty sure the chevron grille cloth is available.

Even though seller sez it works I'd pull the chassis out and give it the hairyeyeball just to see whats been done or not. If your a bit unsure what you are looking at just post a few pics of the chassis underside. There's plenty of folks here that can tell you whats what.

[dal61]

So,if I decide I want it... $35 wouldn't be too bad?....even though it's 'middle of the road'?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Ron Ramirez]

Given the (apparent) condition of the cabinet - that is, if it looks as good as it appears to in the photos, I wouldn't have a problem paying the full $50 for it if I really wanted it.

And that chassis looks too small and cramped to be a 37-650 - it appears to be a 37-630.

[dal61]

Yeah Ron, I mistakenly referred it to a 37-650 in a post...but is a 37-630.   The biggest reason I would want it is the condition of the cabinet......haven't made up my mind, yet, though.

[WallaceRoger]

$35 seems like a good price to me. It's an attractive set.

[jerryhawthorne]

Let's face it, $35 would provide a cheap dinner for two and be gone the next day!

[dal61]

You guys are right, $35 is less than decent dinner out....the 37-630 is about an hour away.

I nosed around a little more tonight and found what i think is a 37-116....in nice shape, but am waiting on more pictures....they are asking 62.50 (half of original asking price)...but it's almost 3 hrs out....not thrilled with the 3 hour drive...and not sure I'm ready for a recap of that size....Any thoughts or suggestions?

[morzh]

3 hrs is nothing if this is the radio you wan, plus 37-116 non-delux version is more rare than the delux, and the price ain't bad either especially if the speaker is good.

[dal61]

3 hrs is nothing if this is the radio you wan, plus 37-116 non-delux version is more rare than the delux, and the price ain't bad either especially if the speaker is good.

I'm not sure I feel ready for what seems like an awful complicated rebuild on that 37-116 chassis....only have done one console, and it is a big, roomy chassis, Zenith....and actually, I think I'd rather find a nice 40-190 that is 3 hrs away.  My grandparents had one...and a '190 would seem like a more realistic project for my skill level.   The little 37-630, is cheap enough, only 50 minutes away and might be a good entry level project for a 'unit construction' set...I guess I just about have myself talked out of the '116.

[SteveG]

A 37-116 for $62.50???? You’d have to chain me to the house to keep me from going after that one!! You may not be ready for that skill level yet, but when you are, you’ll have that beauty there waiting for you and you got it cheap!!