PHILCO PHORUM

Dial Cord Replacement for Early Philcos
(made between 1930 and 1935)

The dial cord used in older Philco sets was large in diameter and is no longer being sold. This presents a problem to the restorer of today who wants to get his or her dial drive to work but can only find thin diameter dial cord.

This fix applies to the following Philco models:

1930	1931	1932	1933-34	1935
30, 41, 77, 96, 296, Concert Grand	111, 112, 211, 212	15, 22, 23, 43, 47, 71, 91	14, 17, 18, 19, 89, 503	16 (Codes 125-126-127), 18, 28, 29, 32, 45, 49, 89, 97, 144 (with dual concentric tuning knobs), 200, 201, 506, 507, 509

A cord which is large in diameter is needed in order to make the dial drive mechanism of these Philcos work properly.

I found a quick and inexpensive solution at my local Wal-Mart store: J. & P. Coats Crochet Nylon.

This cord is strong, does not stretch, and is nearly the same diameter as the original dial cord used on the Philco sets listed above. It is available in different colors; I chose black in order to have the authentic look of dial cord. Try it...it works! 

If you encounter any problems with slipping of the cord, coat the cord with violin rosin. Violin rosin is made in a block, built into a wooden holder, and is sold at music stores. Simply drag the cord across the rosin block until it is well coated, then install the cord on the dial drive assembly of the radio.

From Clifford Berthelsen: "I too use that nylon cord for dial cord, but I cover it with Elmer's rubber cement and let it dry. It remains just slightly sticky and have used it where difficulty was encountered."