To start with, I know absolutely nothing about radio restoration. I just picked up a great looking Philco 41-315 and am looking to do just a few simple things.
(1) Power cord needs replacing. Yes, it powers up and works... but dangerously powered, brittle and exposed wires. How do I remove the chassis? I've removed the 4 underside screws... but afraid to move forward w/o direction.
(2) The jewel is missing... I've read the post on replacement. Is the jewel lighted from the internal glow of the radio?
(3) Missing 2 radio station call letters and plastic covers... Replace while chassis is removed?
(3) Dial area is very dim, is there a way to brighten this up?
** I have 2 original sheets of station call letters... if someone can walk me through the simple repairs needed, I'd be happy to send the sheets to them **
If this set is anything like my model 39-40, you'll need to remove the bezel around the dial scale (it appears there are 8 screws). Behind it there will be at least two larger screws that are screwed into the dial face surround itself. If those screws are left in the chassis will never come out. Not sure if this set has a toggle off/on switch mounted under the wood to the left of the spindles in front of the grille cloth like my 39-40 or if it uses one of the pushbuttons for off/on. If it uses the toggle switch, the nut around the switch will have to be removed and the switch pushed back up through the hole to get the chassis out.
I would strongly recommend you don't continue to try it out until the power cord and capacitors have been replaced at minimum and even then using a variac and monitoring current draw. There's a ton of brittle, cracking wire under that chassis with a lot of potential for shorts. A lot of the wiring will need to be replaced or re-sleeved.
The radio station call letters and plastic covers are attached to the dial bezel which you'll be removing anyhow to get the chassis out.
The dial light bulbs themselves may need to be replaced and glass dial scale probably needs cleaning (CAREFULLY as you don't want the numbers to chip off of the back side) which should brighten up the dial area for you.
Hi Rick and welcome,
#1 Remove the screws holding the chassis to the cabinet from the bottom.
Loosen the screws hold the wires on to the back of the chassis, unhook wire and mark them so you can return them to the same places when you put it back together.
Unplug the wires that go to the speaker. Remove pilot light from cabinet. It may be mounted to the chassis in that case it will come out with the chassis
Remove dial bezel. 8 small screws.
I think that's it, Chassis should slide out from the back.
#3 Greg all ready touched on. The station tabs can be printed from the Phorum. I think there are under Files.
After you get it apart snap a few pics so we can help you figure out what has been serviced on your set. Wouldn't just stick a cord on it and let her rip without giving it a good visual inspection.
GL
When my pals were reading comic books
I was down in the basement in my dad's
workshop. Perusing his Sam's Photofoacts
Vol 1-50 admiring the old set and trying to
figure out what all those squiggly meant.
Circa 1966
Now I think I've got!
Terry
(This post was last modified: 10-09-2016, 02:30 PM by Radioroslyn.)
Yes your right it does need a cord! The two orange thingies that say Atom Lytic are replacements from the 60's or 70's The littler orange thingies are replacements too from abt the same time. Would probably replace the Atom Lytics and the rest of the wax/paper caps.
The name ofyour town looks familiar we may have a member out your way that could lend a hand. Maybe one of the moderators could have a look.
Oh the other thing to keep an eye out for is the rubber coating on the wire disintegration generally 1939-42 set have this issue. I've got your sets sister she's curvy. http://philcoradio.com/gallery2/1941a/#Model_41-300X
It too is suppose to be playing but I want to have a look before I use it.
When my pals were reading comic books
I was down in the basement in my dad's
workshop. Perusing his Sam's Photofoacts
Vol 1-50 admiring the old set and trying to
figure out what all those squiggly meant.
Circa 1966
Now I think I've got!
Terry
(This post was last modified: 06-17-2018, 01:58 PM by Radioroslyn.)
Hi Rick. Welcome. It has had some work done on it. The two large orange looking electrolytic caps on left and the two orange smaller caps in center are newer. Over all it doesn't look too bad except you do have some rubber covered wire that is rotted. The other older paper caps should be replaced also.
I see Terry answered while I was slowly responding
(This post was last modified: 10-09-2016, 05:53 PM by KCMike.)
First, welcome! You've got a beauty of a set there.
I have nothing to add upon the others' advice, except to say that I recommend Chuck Schwark's information service. He has the full dossier of Philco-issued info on your set available to you at a VERY reasonable price.
Also, as you already know, there's a wealth of information here among the members.
Last, some words of encouragement--the underside of that set looks relatively unmolested. Go at a comfortable pace when replacing components, and you should be fine. I usually unhooked a minimum of components so I didn't lose my place, and I went ahead and replaced pretty much all of the capacitors and resistors under the hood of mine (I had to unsolder 90% of them anyway to get to another component), but others have done differently, so your mileage may vary.
So Rick if you want to take the bull by the horns the service info can be found here: http://www.nostalgiaair.org/Resources/423/M0013423.htm
You don't need to worry about all the funny drawing w/squiggly lines, just the last page with the component layout. You can use it the reference each parts value and placement. A few hand tools and some soldering skilsl and your all set. Can help guide you as you go along. Or if you happen to be in the hood swing by!
+1 Ape Long time no post, good to hear from WA.
When my pals were reading comic books
I was down in the basement in my dad's
workshop. Perusing his Sam's Photofoacts
Vol 1-50 admiring the old set and trying to
figure out what all those squiggly meant.
Circa 1966
Now I think I've got!
Terry
(This post was last modified: 10-09-2016, 06:16 PM by Radioroslyn.)
I think at this point, I know heads will be shaking... But I'm going to be looking for a local repair guy.
Time nor patience are on my side.
As Radioroslyn mentioned... If anyone can direct me to a repair facility in the N. Cal area (Sacramento) I would surely appreciate the contact.
Hi Rick.. I got an email that you sent me a message but I can't seem to get to it (been a while since I was here)
I do not know where to get that jewel anymore. I had bought a bunch and gave them away thinking I'd just order more. I can find the same size but only in green.
they also sold those in lots of 100 at the time. I'd thought maybe it'd be a good idea to buy a hundred in case they stopped selling them. hindsight..