[Bob Andersen]

I recently picked up a Philco 39-30 and both the push-buttons and dial face have rotted away. I've located some reproduction buttons, but nothing for the dial face. Any thoughts other than rolling my own?

Here's a picture:

[Image: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3246/31556...7961_z.jpg]
Philco 39-30 by bandersen, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/3155656610/

Thanks!

- Bob

[yesterdaysradios]

Here's a link for a repro dial scale.
http://www.radiodaze.com/reproplasticdials-Philco.htm
And make sure the pushbuttons are infact for a 39-30. They are longer than pushbuttons used in 1940 Philco's.
And here's a link for a repro plastic dial cover.
http://www.west-techservices.com/dial.htm
I've purchased two from them. They work great.
And for pushbuttons go here.
http://www.antiqueradioknobs.com
I've purchased several sets from Larry. Including the 39-30, all have looked and worked great.

[Bob Andersen]

Thanks for all the great links!

And here's a link for a repro plastic dial cover.
http://www.west-techservices.com/dial.htm
I've purchased two from them. They work great.

Hmm.. I asked if they have a plastic dial for a 39-30 and received a reply of 'Sorry, do not have this. Gib'

Are you sure you your dial covers were for a 39-30?

[yesterdaysradios]

Are you sure you your dial covers were for a 39-30?

Yes I purchased a dial cover for a Philco 39-30. And even more unusual, a Howard 307.

[yesterdaysradios]

Radiodaze http://www.radiodaze.com/ has one for 17.00.

[gary rabbitt]

Hi Bob,
You have a great looking set, and that's great that stripping was not necessary. Don't worry about every little nick and scratch, that adds to the character.

Larry Bordonardo's products are great, and I recommend those pushbuttons.

The escutcheon looks as though you have polished through the paint to the underlying metal. These are uppposed to be painted.
I have a 40-180 that uses the same part, and I found the closest match to the color is PlastiKote's Odds'n'ends Brass 139S. It is not as bright and gaudy as "gold".

http://www.bicwarehouse.com/odds-n-ends-...-139s.html
Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace or your arts and crafts shop should have the small can.

As far as the plstic cover, I'd look around more online, as there are members here or "the other' form than will make these, or you can buy a sheet of plastic and make your own.
http://www.dialcover.com/dialcovers.html

Randal (Texasrocker) here on the forum has a good tutorial on how to make one:
http://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=748

Good luck on your set,
Gary.

[Bob Andersen]

Hi Gary,

Thanks, I was really happy to find a set in this condition.

The escutcheon looks as though you have polished through the paint to the underlying metal. These are uppposed to be painted.
I have a 40-180 that uses the same part, and I found the closest match to the color is PlastiKote's Odds'n'ends Brass 139S. It is not as bright and gaudy as "gold".

Here's what it looked like as received:

[Image: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3198/31556...7277_z.jpg]
Philco 39-30 by bandersen, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/3155656924/

It sure seemed like just tarnished brass to me, but I agree the "gold" is a bit much. Maybe someone had polished the paint off before I got my hands on it?
Anyway, I like your suggestion and I have another item that really needs a coat of that paint. Too bad I live in Chicago where spray paint is illegal (D**n gangs). I'll have to drive to the 'burbs or mail order it.

I think I will need to make my own plastic cover. Jeremy has a nice page on his 39-30 restoration project (looks like his paint is gone too

http://www.radiorestorer.com/philco39-30.html

He just went with some clear plexiglass, but I'm hoping to get something close to the original "bubble" plastic cover.

[Bob Andersen]

I contacted http://www.west-techservices.com/ again and insisted that someone had purchased a 39-30 dial face in th e past. Gib did a little more checking and, viola, he found some! $15 each.

Thanks again for the link.

[gary rabbitt]

HI Bob,
I will PM you for some added info.
Anyhow, the escutcheon is not supposed to be brass only. I have seen other models similar and their metal is painted.

Too bad about the spray can ban, you mean no way can you get a spray can, that's crazy. Not even the arts and crafts store has paint? The little can when you do find it, will last a long time. Bright "gold plating" paint it just too bright it will not look right. High polished brass will not look right either.
The Plastikote 139S has sort of a satiny finish and duller, but still metallic looking just right for the dial frame.

BTW, Jeremy's page did not come up.
Take care,
Gary.

[Bob Andersen]

What's even crazier is that you can purchase "clear" sprays (polyurethane, shellac, etc.) in a wide variety. Anything without pigment!

[Bob Andersen]

I ended up using Rust-oleum speciality metallic brass spray paint. It definitely looks better than the raw brass did - especially with the repro. pushbuttons. I've also been experimenting with forming plastic dial covers using wooden molds in the oven. It's working better than I had expected Thanks for all the tips!

[Image: http://www.bobandersen.com/images/Philco...0brass.jpg]

Here's a picture of the raw metal.

[Image: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3155...61.jpg?v=0]

[shaler78]

Something I came across quite by accident. Noting that this is a popular style of Philco dial scale and plastic face, somewhat hard to find in good original shape, but very popular in some fine reproductions. I'm not particularly fond of the somewhat cheap style plastic dial cover on these models. I've discovered that you can use an original glass dial scale from a two band 39-36, which is the exact same two band scale as the plastic 39-35, only reverse printed on glass. I mounted the scale almost the same way as I mounted one in a 40-180 that comes with a glass dial scale, the 40-180 actually has a metal bracket to mount the glass and gasket to, I turned the original faded scale around to use as blank backer for the pointer and then mounted the glass scale and new rubber gasket to metal scutcheon, after very careful alignment positioning, using about a dozen dabs of hot glue on rubber and metal. Missing the original pointer, I cut a piece of red tubing to length from a can of WD-40 and glued it to the stub that was left on the dial string. This pointer actually shows up very nice behind the glass scale and almost matches the color of the wine red buttons, and is very accurate. Thought someone could use this discovery helpful. I find it is easier to keep the dial face clean. You don't have to worry about scratching or cracking plastic. If your original scale is still in good shape, you can use a clear piece of glass cut to size and with a gasket, mount it the same as the glass scale on the back of the escutcheon. Though not staying to original presentation, I've found it a good solution to not having to make and replace the plastic covers that last about 5 years before the get yellow, get scratched or break from being bumped or pushed in.

[Bob Andersen]

Interesting solution.
I still haven't replaced mine. I was able to make some fair reproductions in the oven with a wood mold and plastic stock, but not really good enough to put on display.

[Arran]

HI Bob,
I will PM you for some added info. Wait on your order from West Tech.

You should be able to make one of those yourself for a lot less.
Anyhow, the escutcheon is not supposed to be brass only. I have seen other models similar and their metal is painted.

Too bad about the spray can ban, you mean no way can you get a spray can, that's crazy. Not even the arts and crafts store has paint? The little can when you do find it, will last a long time. Bright "gold plating" paint it just too bright it will not look right. High polished brass will not look right either.
The Plastikote 139S has sort of a satiny finish and duller, but still metallic looking just right for the dial frame.

BTW, Jeremy's page did not come up.
Take care,
Gary.

I agree about the dial covers, you can usually buy the material from a plastics shop and save a bit of money over the pre made ones after some experimentation.
As for the spray paint ban I guess Chicago city hall figured that street gangs and juvenile delinquents don't own any cars? Sounds like Singapore without the good Chinese food, and any common sense.
Best Regards
Arran

[Bob Andersen]

...
I agree about the dial covers, you can usually buy the material from a plastics shop and save a bit of money over the pre made ones after some experimentation.
As for the spray paint ban I guess Chicago city hall figured that street gangs and juvenile delinquents don't own any cars? Sounds like Singapore without the good Chinese food, and any common sense.
Best Regards
Arran

LOL - not only that, but I think kids have learned to load up super-soaker type water cannons with paint. At least that's what it looks like to me judging from the paint patterns on buildings.
Anyway, I've since discovered several stores just outside city limits they have a much better selection of stains, lacquers, etc. at lower prices, and they have loads of spray paint