[btoher]

hi : I have a 42-400 big console that I rebuilt long ago and still works . However a couple of teeth are missing on the inside gears of the volume control wheel. I thought about buying a replacement .But was wondering if anyone has a solution I can use to fix the original ? With just a couple teeth gone the volume pot slip and gets out of sync with the wheel . Right now I set it in one spot and live with it .
Thanks for any suggestions!

Bill

[Ron Ramirez]

This happens sometimes with the 1939-42 Philcos with thumbwheel controls. I don't know why, but occasionally one is found with broken teeth, and it's usually the volume control wheel. Maybe some previous owners tried to turn them too much, and the force broke the teeth?

Sometimes you can disassemble and reposition the thumbwheel so the broken teeth are no longer a concern if only one or two are broken. But if three or more are broken, you'll need a replacement...and the only replacements to be found are on junk/parts chassis, unfortunately.

[btoher]

Ron : That may work because as I recall it is only a couple teeth at the end. I will have to wait a while to check it out though. After I posted the question I fell off my roof about ten feet high and broke my shoulder .I will be ok. But will take a break from fixing things to heal . This was a radio my wife bought 25 years ago before I had any radio interest . Once I got to it and had it running I was very happy with it .It is a big thing and sounds goods .Not the best looking of the bunch but a work horse . Thanks for tip and have a good one!!!

bill

[w4rtc]

Hi Bill
Well we share something, I fell off a shed that I was building, I was lucky I did not break anything but I was really sore. I have a Philco 39-116 It has that knob you have, I put out a call on this forum and it was answered. For five bucks I have a good knob (wheel). So you may give a call and see what happens. Take of the shoulder. Joe

[btoher]

Joe: That is a good suggestion also! I didn't think of that .I will try to do what Ron suggested first and see what happens . Still got a ways to go with the shoulder yet.
I stopped short of looking for an old chasis because I thought 90 percent of the parts would go unused.But fishing for the wheel only is smarter . Thanks for the idea!
Glad you did not break anything ! I guess we can't claim to be good climbers . I always do things safe when it comes to electrical work .And never take any chances .Should have taken my own advice when roofing . But though I was up high enough to get hurt badly .
That might have been true if I landed on my feet ! Thanks again and have a good one!

bill

[Ron Ramirez]

Well, I'm glad both of you are okay!