[philcodave]

I know this is a long shot but does anyone know where I can find the push button section for a Zenith 7s-363 console. I am in the process of restoring it and somehow one of the push button shafts broke. I can try and fix it but it won't be easy. The problem is it is not metal it's some type of plastic or something. Any help would be appriciated.

David

[etech]

Ron, this topic might be best moved to the 'Other Radios' forum.


Hi David,

Those push button shafts are made of fiber board. They were a very flimsy design and are usually broken. Most likely if you find another original push button assembly, it too will have broken shafts and missing buttons. The best thing to do is to buy a new set of shafts and push buttons from Larry Bordonaro and replace all of them. http://www.antiqueradioknobs.com/

It is best to email Larry and let him know what you need. He will provide you with the cost and installation instructions. You might as well order a new set of knobs at the same time.

Best regards,

Ed

[Ron Ramirez]

Ron, this topic might be best moved to the 'Other Radios' forum.

Done.

David, you might also try Alan Jesperson, Great Northern Antiques:

http://www.alanjesperson.com/

I had the same thing happen to me on a Zenith once, and the flat shaft was also made of fiber as Ed mentioned. I was able to glue it back together. You might see if Alan carries reproductions if gluing fails to hold.

[philcodave]

Thanks guys you are all a great help. Sorry about posting in the wrong section. I'm still a new to this site.

[etech]

BTW David,

Here is a similar radio (9S367) I restored including all new knobs, pushbuttons and shafts. Arguably, that 7S363 will probably look even nicer when restored.

[Image: http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q136/...eLower.jpg]

Ed

[philcodave]

Hey, Nice radio. I tried one of the sites that you guys told me about and I received no answer about the pushbutton shafts. I guess I'll try again. Just curious are the reporduction shafts made of the same fiber board material?

[etech]

The shafts that are manufactured by Larry Bordonaro at Antique Radio Knobs are glass epoxy circuit board material. They are much stronger than the old fiber shafts. He will also email an instruction sheet on how to install them. It is a bit tricky.

I'm not sure which ones Alan Jesperson of Great Northern Antiques sells.

Ed

[Michael Dennis]

Sweet looking restoration!

[Jim Berg]

When I have needed to replace the plastic buttons I grind a groove along both sides in line with the arm piece using a Dremel out to the end of the button. I then use wire cutters and break off the old button.

[philcodave]

Thanks Jim, My problem was finding the fiberboard shafts. With a little help I was able to find some replacement shafts and push buttons.