09-27-2012, 02:59 PM
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.
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.
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Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
