RON'S RADIO REPAIR SERVICE - Frequently Asked Questions

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PHILCO PHORUM

Philcoradio.com < Radio Repair Home

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page

On this page, I attempt to answer the questions I receive the most relating to the restoration of vintage radios.

PLEASE read this ENTIRE page before contacting me; you may very well find the answer to what you're looking for right here. Thanks very much for your cooperation.

Can you recommend someone to restore my antique radio?

Yes - Ron Ramirez.

(Believe it or not, I am asked this question quite often!)

Can you recommend someone in my area to restore my antique radio?

Yes - Ron Ramirez.

I am only a FedEx or UPS shipping outlet away. I will be happy to give you pointers on how to remove the chassis from the cabinet of your set. Just contact me.

I want you to restore my antique radio. Can you work on mine first and have it done next week?

Thank you; but sorry, no.

To be fair to everyone, I restore sets on a strict "first-come-first-served" basis.

Do you only service Philco radios?

No, I service all makes and models of home receivers made before 1950.

Do you repair televisions or transistorized models?

Sorry, no.

Do you repair auto or truck radios?

Sorry, no.

What is your average turnaround time?

Due to a constant heavy workload, giving an accurate estimate of turnaround time is not always possible. Once I start on your set, I can usually have the chassis done in a few days to a week (up to two weeks in the case of 1939-1942 Philcos and others with extensive rubber-covered wiring). Your set will probably have to wait its turn a while, as I repair those that arrived before it; again, repairs are done on a first-come, first-served basis. I appreciate your understanding.

Can you tell me when my set will be finished?

Usually not, simply because there are often many sets ahead of yours. I will notify you when work begins on your set and again when it is finished. Until yours comes up, there is no way I can know exactly when it will be done. It just depends on how much trouble I have with the ones before it. Should you decide you do not wish to wait, just contact me and arrange to have it sent back (see our Terms and Conditions page for more info on this subject).

In the old days of radio repair, it only took the replacement of a component or two to fix a set, thus it was often back in the owner's hands the same day or in a few days.

Now, however, the capacitors in a set are all several decades old and are rapidly deteriorating. Other parts can fail upon initial power-up. It takes TIME to carefully go through a vintage set and, therefore, it cannot be done in a day or two.

In addition, I am now only able to perform these repairs on a part-time basis, so please bear with me.

Again, thanks for your understanding.

How much will it cost to have my set restored?

The price will vary from set to set; depending on how large a set it is, if it has unusual problems, etc. Please feel free to contact me (see the Contact Me page to do so). Tell me the model number (plus manufacturer if not Philco), and whether you need the chassis repaired or the entire set (cabinet and chassis). If you want the entire set done, let me know if it is a console (floor model) or not. I will be happy to give you a FREE estimate of what it will cost to restore your set.

Is any down payment, or payment in advance, required?

No down payment is required for chassis work.

If you need a radio cabinet refinished, I regret that I do not offer cabinet refinishing services. You will need to find someone to do this. I can usually assist you in finding someone.

How do I go about sending my set to you?

First, please read my Terms & Conditions page. Then, please read my Shipping Your Set page. It is important that you read these two pages before sending anything to me. I appreciate it very much!

Where are you located?

In Evansville, Indiana. Contact me for my shipping address.

Please, DO NOT send anything to me without contacting me first. I really appreciate it. Thank you!