[Guest]

Actually, now that I think about it, I am not 100% sure this is a 1950's, that is what I was told by the previous owner.

I am pumped about tinkering with this thing and this may be blasphemous to even say, but I am trying to decide right if it would be better to try to find old parts and restore it to original fashion, or simply keep the integrity of the exterior look, but update the inside with a new radio, speakers, turntable, etc.

What do you guys think? Is it sacrilege to not restore this thing to 100% original?


Here it is: (Sorry for the terrible picture quality, these were taken on my blackberry, and apparently I have a hard time holding it still)

[Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...hilco1.jpg]

[Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...hilco3.jpg]

[Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...hilco4.jpg]

[Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...hilco5.jpg]


If anyone is interested in giving me any additional info on this thing, that would be much appreciated. I dont know anything about working on radios, or wood work, so this is truly going to be a test for me. However, I am very interested in learning, and I want to turn this into something I am proud to put in my music room.


[Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...rockon.gif][Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...rockon.gif][Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...rockon.gif]
[Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...umbsup.gif][Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...umbsup.gif][Image: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/ODE...umbsup.gif]

[Ron Ramirez]

Hello and welcome.

Your Philco is indeed from the 1950s - the year 1950, to be exact. (The 50- prefix in your set's model number indicates the model year of the radio.)

You would be much better off to restore the original chassis. Sure, it will require new paper and electrolytic capacitors. You can do it. We can help. (hmmm, that sounds like the tag line used by a major retailer, doesn't it?)

As for the phonograph, it all depends on how original you want to be...either restore the original unit or install a later model. Phonographs from 1970s-1980s stereos are plentiful at yard sales and flea markets. I once restored a 42-1008 for a client who wanted the original Beam of Light changer removed and a modern phono installed so she could play LPs. I complied. I still have the Beam of Light phono here.

Good luck with your project and feel free to ask as many questions as you wish as you go along.

[Guest]

Thank You, and thanks for the info as well.

I read in another thread that most of these are either Mahogony or Walnut, is there an easy way to tell what type of wood this cabinet is made from?

[Ron Ramirez]

I would say yours is walnut. Mahogany models will have a reddish look to them.