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FRESH OUT OF THE CABINET. |
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CHASSIS BEFORE CLEANUP. |
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SPEAKER WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. |
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ORIGINAL CAPS STILL IN PLACE. |
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CHASSIS AFTER CLEANUP PLAYING AWAY. |
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WITH NEW CAPACITIORS INSTALLED. |
My restoration process includes the following features:
1. Thorough cleaning and inspection of chassis and speaker. This is important and necessary. Due to the age of the set, corrosion on contacts and switches can be severe enough to prevent operation. This dirt and corrosion is cleaned away and all controls and contacts are lubricated.
2. Electronic components in the equipment are over 40 years old. If not replaced, they can literally cause your set to self destruct. A set that is plugged in and discovered to play will not work very long if left in that condition. Power supply components with an average useful life of 5 years when new MUST be replaced as we have far exceeded the expected useful life of the originals. Otherwise, the power transformer will be damaged. This is the most important and expensive part of the set to replace. Modern, electrically identical replacements are used to restore proper operation. These newly manufactured replacements have an almost unlimited useful life as compared to the originals.
A CO-OP brand set, made by Wells-Gardner. Although cleaner than some I've seen, each chassis gets a thorough cleanup.
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3. All circuits are rebuilt using high quality parts. Radios consist of many different sections, each with different functions. If any one section develops a defect, performance will be impaired. Each section gets complete, thorough testing and replacement of all parts that are prone to failure so you can play and enjoy the set just as when it was new.
4. All tubes are thoroughly tested and performance checked not only in a tube tester but in the working set. This is the only way to truly determine it's operating condition. Tubes are stocked and available in the normal course of a restoration. At this time I do not sell tubes on a retail level.
5. Complete alignment of all tuned circuits is performed using factory service instructions to insure best overall performance of the set. This is a step often overlooked but is necessary in order for the set to operate properly.
On occasion
I run into sets which may not be restorable. There a number of reasons for this. Sets which have been under water, severely rusted chassis, rodent/animal damage and sets that have been butchered or greatly altered from the original design or purpose fall into this category. Any concerns you have along this line may be discussed beforehand to determine whether the set is restorable or if a replacement chassis should be sought out.
Also, at this time I am unable to offer auto radio restoration.