Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Latest project - 1942 Zenith model 7S633
#1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUSa77QDhgc

Once again, this is a radio that's been in the family since new. I have two such radios, and both were purchased new by my great-grandparents. The 1940 Coronado was my mom's grandparents' on her mother's side of the family, and this 1942 Zenith was bought new by my dad's grandparents on his dad's side of the family. I never knew my dad's great-grandparents, as they both passed away between 10 and 20 years before I came along. Great-grandpa, who more than likely went to the local Zenith dealer one day in late 1941 to purchase this, died when my dad was only 6 years old, so he only has vague memories of him too.

Philcos are always my first love, but I don't think restoring any one of them has given me as much pride and personal satisfaction in bringing them back to life as these two radios have. To hear them play again is like having a piece of my dearly departed grandparents (who passed these radios on to me from their parents) with me again, and it's a good feeling! I hope they are smiling down from above, knowing that these radios that they listened to as youngsters are once again being enjoyed and will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Greg V.
West Bend, WI
Member WARCI.org
#2

Got it back together again:
   

Here's the top view of the cabinet... had to refinish this because Grandpa kept the radio in the garage and used it to store anything and everything on top of it. It had deep stain rings through (what was left of) the finish from a quart of oil, weed 'n feed, you name it!
   

Close up of the dial. The glare of the flash shows the age cracking of the paint on the dial face. Not really that noticeable under normal lighting:
   

Normally I would replace the old hand written station ID tags, but not in this case. The tags are in my great-grandpa's handwriting. I never knew him... he passed away in 1953 when my dad was only 6 years old.
   

So now I have a 1942 Philco table model, and a 1942 Zenith table model. Still partial to the Philco, even though this one has far more sentimental value attached to it! Icon_smile

Greg V.
West Bend, WI
Member WARCI.org
#3

Looks nice! I always kinda liked that style of Zenith table radio from the 1941 and 1942 seasons.

No matter where you go, there you are.
#4

One think I don't like about brand Z radios from 1942 and 42 seasons is the proliferation of faux wood grain decals they used on many of their cabinets. This one isn't too bad, only a small strip bellow the dial and on top of the molding near the speaker grille, but some have half the cabinet covered with it. On the Philcos from that period they reserved the faux finish, they called it Philcoat, mostly for the cheaper sets.
Regards
Arran
#5

Very nice keeper you got there!!!
Terry
#6

Very good.
Have been keeping this one in mind for myself too. But the prices for it are somewhat insane.
This same thing comes sometimes as a floor radio.
#7

Swell looking set!!Icon_thumbup




Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)
[-]
Recent Posts
Hickok AC51 tube tester
Note that no power cord, power switch, or power transformer switch are shown. That (along with my experience with full s...DaleHCook — 07:09 AM
IF can wire size and Rubber mounts?
A pair of wire strippers can give you an idea of what the existing gauge of the wire leads are in the IF can, I think it...Arran — 06:07 AM
My last cabinet for this year
Hello Dan, That is really beautiful what great looking radio you have ! I have friends who live in Calgary and the wea...radiorich — 01:51 AM
Philco Predicta Siesta picture over time getting dimmer
I found that the wire insulation was burnt.  The fly back needs corona dope! Why would someone put that there?Platinumblonde36 — 01:09 AM
Philco Predicta Siesta picture over time getting dimmer
This is what it looked like beforePlatinumblonde36 — 01:01 AM
Philco Predicta Siesta picture over time getting dimmer
Platinumblonde36 — 12:58 AM
Philco Predicta Siesta picture over time getting dimmer
Platinumblonde36 — 12:57 AM
Philco Predicta Siesta picture over time getting dimmer
I'm finding some strange things in my set and for the most part it's also original, so I need to start going over everyt...Platinumblonde36 — 12:55 AM
12' Philco
Not anymore Mike. Andre The Giant Born: May 19, 1946, Coulommiers, France Died: Jan 28, 1993 (46 years), Paris, Fran...RodB — 11:53 PM
IF can wire size and Rubber mounts?
Renovated Radios do carry what you need. As for the voltage, a wire should be at least 300V-rated.morzh — 11:13 PM

[-]
Who's Online
There are currently 3621 online users. [Complete List]
» 2 Member(s) | 3619 Guest(s)
AvatarAvatar

>