Phuilco 41-280 / The Chassis is worse than I had expected
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I have just begun the process of restoring a Philco 41-280, and now that I have it in the workshop, I see that the cabinet is actually better than I expected, but the chassis is worse.
Actually, I am not competent to judge these things (I've seen internet photos of once-rusty old junker chassis transformed by superbly skilled hands to beautiful - and operable - condition). Even so, this chassis looks awful, a bit corroded, wires "cut" here and there, and a boatload of really nasty-looking parts underneath.
Restoring the cabinet is easily within my abilities, and I'm sure that the finished cabinet will be quite nice; but the chassis is - as they say - above my pay grade!
What are my options? Does it make sense to seek out a professional restorer to overhaul the chassis, or should I look for a "replacement" chassis (I understand that quite a few radios of that year used chassis that would fit and work in my cabinet.
I'm looking for good counsel from the experienced!
Many thanks!
Rob
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Depends on what you want.
1. If you just want to look at it, you are in good shape. Put it back togeather in a refinished cabnet. Cut the line cord off.
2. You could find a better chassis, maybe cheap. Try and restore it yourself. But, a better chassis is still not good enough to use without restoration, maybe even dangerous to leave plugged in but not turned on. Line filter caps can short even when the radio is off.
3. Pay someone to restore your chassis, or at least make it safe to play. Rust is often not as bad as it looks at first. A better looking chassis may cost more to fix - or less, depends on what is wrong with each.
"I just might turn into smoke, but I feel fine"
http://www.russoldradios.com/
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Thank you, Phlogiston for your reply! Please see my comments/questions below...
Phlogiston Wrote:Depends on what you want.
1. If you just want to look at it, you are in good shape. Put it back togeather in a refinished cabnet. Cut the line cord off.
I would really like for the thing to work. Actually, my fondest wish would be that an input could be added so that I could connect an FM tuner, computer (for Pandora), or even my iPod.
Phlogiston Wrote:2. You could find a better chassis, maybe cheap. Try and restore it yourself. But, a better chassis is still not good enough to use without restoration, maybe even dangerous to leave plugged in but not turned on. Line filter caps can short even when the radio is off.
This sounds like a "doable" option... where would I look... eBay? As you can see, I'm such a novice, I don't even know where to look for "stuff."
Phlogiston Wrote:3. Pay someone to restore your chassis, or at least make it safe to play. Rust is often not as bad as it looks at first. A better looking chassis may cost more to fix - or less, depends on what is wrong with each.
Where would I find a competent restorer? This may be my best bet.
Thanks again!
I will post a photo of the chassis tomorrow... perhaps that may "narrow down" the list of options that would be suggested.
Rob
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Let me start with the easiest answer first. If you want parts such as a chassis, post here in the want ads. If you are looking for a repairman, you can post that here also, but it would help to know where you are. Most of us hate U-Pay (can you tell?) but find it to be a good choice when everything else fails.
An old radio can be modified to play almost any source of audio, like an MP3 player or FM tuner. I have not looked at the schematic for your radio, but many of that vintage have an input for TV already. That might work. A phono input might need to be modified to use a low impedance audio input.
Post your pictures. It sounds like you are going to need to find some help with your radio. What city are you in/near?
"I just might turn into smoke, but I feel fine"
http://www.russoldradios.com/
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It would help a great deal if everyone would post their location in their profile, so it shows under your user name in every post!
Please, go to the User Control Panel.
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Enter a location in the "Location" box. Don't put your street address, just a city and state. Or for the paranoid, how about just a state? Anything would help.
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Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
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It's not really as bad looking as you think. Many of the radios of this age are in as bad or worse condition. I wouldn't replace the chassis, a good radio tech would have no problem repairing yours. A little cleaning & and a coat of paint will have it shining like new.
Dave
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I agree its actually in decent condition. The rust will clean up pretty easy, and little scraping, and soke in navel jelly then some paint it will shine like it just came off the assembly line.
All the caps will need to be replaced along with the rubber coated wiring (typical of the late 30's and 40's radios).
If you dont want to tackle the restore yourself, look up a local radio club in your area. I bet there are a few in the Ft. Worth area. If you decide to go for it yourself there are plenty of people on the forums that will help you out with your questions.
Here are a couple of links of some restorations that are a really good read. (Sorry there on the "other" site)
http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/view...6&t=152169
http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/view...6&t=104101 (This one was really rough)
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Yes, I've seen worse. I've owned worse. I've restored worse sets than that!
The "gizmo" that was attached to the back is the Philco longwire antenna coupler, made for use on 1941 and 1942 Philco models. It allows the use of a longwire antenna in most Philcos made during those particular model years, in case the built-in loop did not get the job done.
There are two Phorum threads about the antenna coupler. The first shows the unit; the second gives a schematic and parts values.
http://www.philcoradio.com/phorum/showth...p?tid=1472
http://www.philcoradio.com/phorum/showth...p?tid=2599
The first link Keith (ipwizard) posted shows a very detailed, step-by-step restoration of a 41-255, which is very similar to the 41-280. Now after reading all of the links above, if you still do not feel comfortable tackling this chassis, maybe you should contact Texasrocker? I do not know how close he is to you, but he is in the same state... 
http://www.texasvintageaudio.com/
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Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
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ipwizard Wrote:<<< snip >>> Here are a couple of links of some restorations that are a really good read. (Sorry there on the "other" site)
http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/view...6&t=152169
http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/view...6&t=104101 (This one was really rough)
WOW! THanks to each of you who have taken your time to "counsel" a genuine newbie... I am very grateful!
OK... I read every page of these links (and that's a boatload of reading!), and after some fifty Forum pages, my crummy old chassis doesn't look so bad!
But still, even though I have considerable hands on "electronics" experience, and can throw down a gorgeous solder joint, I would never take on the restoration of this 41-280 as a "first" restoration... no sireeee!
So, I will heed the advice I've been given here and seek out a competent restorer... I appreciate the "lead" that has been provided (I believe that he is in San Angelo, Texas... it's a haul from Hurst, but I'm sure UPS knows the way).
Also, if anyone could recommend other potential restorers to me, I would be very appreciative... post, e-mail, or PM me.
Thanks again...
Rob
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Only one more point of advice:
Be sure to indicate just how you want it "restored" when communicating with a tech. Do you want it repaired and cleaned up or do you want it to look period correct - only period parts and re-stuffed caps. There will be a difference in cost.
"I just might turn into smoke, but I feel fine"
http://www.russoldradios.com/
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Phlogiston Wrote:Only one more point of advice:
Be sure to indicate just how you want it "restored" when communicating with a tech. Do you want it repaired and cleaned up or do you want it to look period correct - only period parts and re-stuffed caps. There will be a difference in cost.
Excellent point... I'll give that some thought. Thanks again!
Rob
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Tain't the ugliest one I've done business with, and can be set right. Will be a good performer for sure.
You could find a simpler model and try your hand at replacing the capacitors and resistors. If you enjoy it, and have some success, then you would have the confidence to do the 41-280. It can wait. This isn't rocket science, but you have to be resourceful, patient, methodical,and of course respect electricity. As you see from reading some of these sets take months to get right what with finding parts, day job, family, etc... To most of us including me it is a hobby, maybe self liquidating from an occasional sale or fee from time to time, but there are also folks who do restorations in a for profit mode. And most of them will help you here for free.
If you stay here and ask questions or contribute you are always welcome.
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To me it looks like there is more dirt then rust, a good cleaning will take care of most of it. The first thing I would do is take the dial off, sandwich it between two pieces of corrogated cardboard, and put it in a safe place. Then I would remove the tubes and try blowing off that filth with an air nozzle, outdoors of course. Some would differ with me over this but I would then give the chassis a was with some TSP or good soap to get rid of whatever dirt is left, since it will be a while before you power up the set the chassis will have lots of time to dry. With any luck there will only be a few spots to treat with some phosphoric acid or navel jelly and you can decide then whether it is worth dismantling the chassis any further to paint it..
Regards
Arran
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Hello Guys! Thanks Ron for directing the owner looking for Philco repairs in Texas to my website. I just replied to a email from Rob in regards to restoring his 41-280. I am about 200 miles west of the DFW area, but will be happy to handle the full electronic restoration of this radio if Rob decides to proceed. I lived in the Dallas for many years, but relocated out of the traffic many yrs ago. UPS, Fedex, USPS is indeed a good link to me these days. For any repairs needed down here in Texas, on any of these old tube sets, I appreciate the references! Will get em' all electronically restored ( one at a time) as new, and stand behind my work 100%. Local Dallas stations KRLD 1080 kc, KLIF,etc. daytime, and many other Stations at night will sound Great through a fully restored Philco 41-280 indeed!
Ol' Texasrocker at: http://www.texasvintageaudio.com
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