[Groundhog74]

Got a line on a 39-17 tabletop. The wife found it in a local antique shop. They're asking $39.00 (why not just ask 40???) She offered them $20.00 and of course they had to call the owner first. Couldn't get a reply so maybe today. She said it looked pretty good and "made static noise" when turned on. I figure if you get static without an antenna, you're well on your way. Any background on this set? She says it needs dial cover glass (plastic) which I have already located. I have heard this is kind of a scarce model??? Looks different with the pushbuttons on top and the knobs on the side. This would be my 4th Philco if I buy so it looks like I'm becoming a Philco collector.

[rghines1]

Not familiar with this particular model. However 1939 was the first year Philco began using rubber insulated wire. So will likely be dealing with a lot of wiring whose insulation is flaking off. You are looking a lot work if it comes down to replacing wires or using heat shrink over the old wires.

[TA Forbes]

Forty dollars is not bad if the set is in nice shape. If they bite at twenty I'd grab it!

[Ron Ramirez]

Or maybe split the difference and see if they'll accept $30?

As rghines said, you have to watch out for the rubber-covered wiring. And that includes the leads from the power transformer. You must, repeat, must label each power transformer lead as to its function, and then remove and disassemble the power transformer. Then, one lead at a time, remove the old rotten rubber insulation and then shove the color-coded heat shrink tubing over the lead, as far up in between the layers of paper as you can get it. Repeat this for every power transformer lead. Shoot some hot glue (NEVER, EVER use silicone, no matter what anyone may say) in the paper insulation if necessary, then reassemble.

If you do not do this, just wait and see how long it is before your power transformer goes BOOM and you trip a breaker or blow a fuse. Then you will be searching for a replacement power transformer.

You have been warned.

Once you deal with the rubber insulation, the rest of the radio is easy to service

Those pushbuttons are mechanical, and it is not always possible to get them properly aligned to a station. This must have been an issue when these sets were new as well, since Philco switched from mechanical to electric pushbuttons at mid-season. The 39-17 then became the 39-117.

[Groundhog74]

Well the wife said they would accept $30. She only wanted to go $25. SO it's still there. I get down that way fairly often so I'll look in on it next time. I'da went for the 30 bucks if it's not too hideous looking and all the parts were there. Good info on the wiring. Something to keep in mind as it appears I'm drifting into the Philco universe more and nore.

[TA Forbes]

Thirty dollars is a good deal if the set is in decent shape. Good luck!!

[Ron Ramirez]

Only the 1939 Philco models have power transformers with rubber-covered leads. For the 1940 season Philco switched back to cloth-covered leads on its power transformers. The rubber leads of the power transformers probably didn't hold up well when the sets were new, if the transformers generated any heat.

That was really a dumb idea on Philco's part. That ranks right up there with David Grimes' bright idea of "Unit Construction" in the 1937 and most 1938 models.

[Groundhog74]

Went with the wife to this antique shop Saturday. The radio was still there. It's was actually a 39-117, code 121. Didn't look real bad. Knobs and buttons were there and in good shape. The finish was a little rough (I wish I could go back in time and tell folks not to paint around their old radios...those petrified paint droplets everywhere are a pain) with the only real issue being the dial cover was very yellowed and stained. I plugged it in (figured the wife and her friend had already done this so any damage was done) and it worked. Gave them the 30 bucks, got it home and, it didn't work??? Found a cap the had broken free from a solder joint. Replaced it and it works pretty well now. Listened to it for several hours while I worked on the cabinet. Someone has been into it before as one of the electrolytics has been replaced. A real crappy job too. Cleaned up the case as best I could with some old english and furniture wax. Polished the brass. Used some Harley windshield polish on the dial cover and it cleaned up pretty decent. Don't look half bad now. It could use a full re-finish, but it appears to have the photo finish on it and I'm not ready to tackle that yet, so I'll leave it as it for now. That rubber wiring cover is a freaking mess. Everytime I move the thing little chunks come falling out. Total re-wire in the future. I will definitely do the wiring on the power transformer. Don't need any meltdowns.

[Groundhog74]

Had yesterday off so I took the 39-117 out to the garage and started replacing the rubber covering on the wiring. The power transformer was especially scary looking. I chose to break off all the old insulation, unsolder whichever end was easiest to access, and slip some heat shrink over it. It was my first foray into this aspect of the hobby. It went fairly well. Got the transformer done. It wasn't too bad to do. Repainted the cover while I had it apart. Now I shouldn't have to worry about any fires. Some of the original stuff up in the area of the pushbutton tuning set-up still looked in good shape, even tho I know the stuff is petrified. It looked realy difficult to get that stuff apart, and since it was still looking ok, and by then my patience was getting a little thin. I let it go. I have to say I hate that stranded wire they used, and I hate the way they wrapped the ends around the solder lugs two or three times before they soldered it in. What a pain in the butt. I also have a console, a 39-40, that will need the same treatment. I'm saving that one for the long winter afternoons.