12-29-2016, 10:24 PM
Hello all! I am getting ready to restore the Mechanical portion of a Philco 118X Console. The overall condition of the chassis is intact, but evidence leads me to believe this radio was stored in an attic for a number of years. The capacitors all have leaked, and the wires are all pretty fragile. it also looks like some repairs were made far in the past, as evidenced by some spliced wires.
I have restored about a dozen AA5 style radios to good working order, but this is my first Pre-War radio. I think I have more in store for me than just changing out a few wax capacitors, and I would appreciate any advice more knowledgeable people could offer.
To start I do have the 4 page Service Bulletin #194 with the schematics and parts list. It states the model as 118, but it appears to be accurate to the 118X.
So for starters, there are a number of Philco Bakelite capacitors. I have read that they can be re stuffed, but they are fragile. Is this something I should undertake, or should I just replace the cap with modern? I have no spares, or donors.
Next there are square capacitors that I believe are Mica, In the past I have not replaced them, as mica are generally not failure prone. Is that true in these radios?
There is a shadow meter on this unit, is there anything special I need to do to make sure this works?
There is a part called a "wave trap" that looks like it has clear epoxy on it, What is a wave trap? Is the clear stuff normal?
Lastly, what do I need to look out for on this particular chassis? Is there anything in particular I need to watch for?
Thank you for your help!, I look forward to sharing the results of this work!
I have restored about a dozen AA5 style radios to good working order, but this is my first Pre-War radio. I think I have more in store for me than just changing out a few wax capacitors, and I would appreciate any advice more knowledgeable people could offer.
To start I do have the 4 page Service Bulletin #194 with the schematics and parts list. It states the model as 118, but it appears to be accurate to the 118X.
So for starters, there are a number of Philco Bakelite capacitors. I have read that they can be re stuffed, but they are fragile. Is this something I should undertake, or should I just replace the cap with modern? I have no spares, or donors.
Next there are square capacitors that I believe are Mica, In the past I have not replaced them, as mica are generally not failure prone. Is that true in these radios?
There is a shadow meter on this unit, is there anything special I need to do to make sure this works?
There is a part called a "wave trap" that looks like it has clear epoxy on it, What is a wave trap? Is the clear stuff normal?
Lastly, what do I need to look out for on this particular chassis? Is there anything in particular I need to watch for?
Thank you for your help!, I look forward to sharing the results of this work!