I gotta admit, from the thumbnail I thought I was clicking on a Mr. Carlson video. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered it was you working on an old AM radio! I can't wait!
That is a compliment! Thank you as Paul is the master and though I do not trey and imitate him, he has taught me a lot over the years. Just trying to bring new exciting content to the channel and thought AM radio would be a good choice.
Buddy, I loved the history of the radio you shared. You’ve got a gem. Still watching and will edit later. As you noted, it will take time to restore this beauty, but well worth the effort. I know your family will be elated. Best, Don
I have a 1928 Case Radio and that section in front you have with the tuning and knobs is a metal plate with that was painted and a sticker was placed over top of if its the same as mine. Its great that the missing compressed carvings are still inside the radio those would be hard to duplicate otherwise. That will be a great project Buddy thanks for sharing.
That's a major project, and a formidable woodworking challenge, Buddy. But knowing what you're capable of you'll love it. I am very much looking forward to watching you applying your magic. A little early, but a Very Merry Christmas!
WoW what a Restoration project you have Buddy. Going to be fun to watch you bring it back to it's former glory. My mother was born the year this radio was made. 73 Joe
1925 is the proper part number for that 3 amp fuse that it replaces. 😂 That cabinet looks like a beauty and I'm looking forward to see it after you restore it. You don't see that kind of workmanship much anymore.
Buddy, I've always enjoyed and learned from your videos. Your detail in work and patience is to be admired by us rookies with a screwdriver and multimeter. THIS, looks to be a time consumer and challenge. You're undoubtedly the perfect man for the job. Will be following as always. Happy Holidays...TY
Wow that thing is a work of art. I’m so excited for you and really looking forward to the watching your restoration it’s going to be awesome! I bet the valves must be very expensive given the age. I bet it was very expensive new.
Hi Chris, This receiver went for 274 bucks in 1929. Yes very high dollar. I found one of the 281 rectifiers bad. For the globe style I am seeing 80 bucks for one. Thanks for stopping in my friend
Really cool radio. I hope you all the best with the restoration. I do watch a furniture repair guy on youtuble. His name is Thomas Johnson and some of his videos may come in handy for you. Please keep us up with the progress.
Hello Buddy !! Yes thats a Golden Oldie. The term for that compressed wood is "Repwood" I have a GM radio with some of that on the front panels, and yes General Motors did make some console radios!!
WOW - that is gonna be a LOT of cabinet work, even before looking at the radio circuits. But I guess if anybody can fix it up, Buddy can! And talking of history, it's interesting to realise that coming from New York, this radio probably reported on the 1929 Wall Street Crash - while it was happening!
Yes lots of work, but will be fun. You are probably correct on that statement. The way I understand it was purchased early in 29 so no telling what passed through that voice coil.
Well Buddy that is a beautiful radio and would have been very expensive in 1929. I really like this kind of set as it is a real piece of radio history and very sentimental. All the best on the restoration project and when you have time take a look at David Tiptons Antique Radio Restoration channel here on UA-cam. He is from Queensland Australia and is one of the best on restoration and keeping things super original. I have taken on board many great tips from David he is very helpful and shares his knowledge freely. Best Regards for whats left of 2020 looking toward 2021 from Sydney Australia.
Nice video Buddy… You have a lot of work ahead… regarding the panel needed for the back of the radio I would use a piece of cabinet grade ply that is veneered with oak on one side. Don’t waste your time trying to find a solid piece of oak like that. Besides, the cabinet grade ply is far more stable than a solid piece of wood. There’s a place by me on Long Island called Roberts Plywood…. It’s the size of a Home Depot but all they sell is wood. I’m certain there’s a place like that near you. And the electronic restore looks to be just as involved… Keep us posted… 73
Thanks Mark. I did find out the cabinet is now walnut, just stained to look that way. so about anything I can find can be stained to imitate. We do not have any just wood stores here anymore. Just Lowes and Home Builders. Not even a cabinet shop left here. I do not think the electronics will be too bad but still a lot of work.
That's a Beautiful Radio, I hope its restored, Now 3 years later, To bad you Didn't live close I would have made the Back, I was a High carpenter for 45 years, in Ny city, If you Have a sawmill they could cut you a piece of walnut, Or 2 Pieces clued together, I would do it for nothing. Built lots of cabinets, Well good luck and God Bless
TRF sets can be good performers. Lorenz made one for the German Kriegsmarine during WWII which was extraordinarily sensitive. It was decided to use a TRF receiver to help prevent submarines from detecting the ships on which they were installed.
Interesting he was able to find that set. Don't look to bad for sitting in a shed. I've seen so many ate up by termites and hardly anything left. A little cabinet work and electronic work. Be interesting to see this old TRF working again.
I agree, not to bad at all. looks like most will be simple fixes. I spent a little time tonight taking out the electronics and speaker to move them in the shop. Now a full disassembly job ahead.
The two 81/281/381 rectifiers don't need to be matched. 50 tubes are very rare and sought after; definitely treat them with care. There is an adapter to use a 6L6 in its place if it's necessary.
What a nice project radio you got there Buddy. I'm not surprised there was an old penny in the fuse holder! Looks like something Glasslinger would work on. As for the cabinet the best photo I have seen is at radiolaguy.com/images/consoles/Sparton_301.jpg Quick note on the tubes. The two 50 's are worth their weight in gold! Could use 2A3 tubes in their place I think. Don't use 27 tubes because they draw excessive current. Use 56 tubes for the 484/485 tubes. Best to check with all that at Antique Radios Forum.There are people who have posted there that know more than I! Don't let it become just another wine cabinet!🤞
Ah Glasslinger, have not seen many videos from him lately. Thanks for the picture link. And dont worry, this radio will be a working keeper, may even find a way to install a hidden FM converter
That will be an interesting rebuild. If you want a quality speaker recone, I use Nick Dorazio/Speaker Repair. He redid a speaker for me and it looks and sounds better than new.
I think you'll find that the wood isn't actual walnut, but poplar stained and manipulated to resemble walnut. Spartan and Atwater Kent were extremely cost conscious in their choice of materials, and would very rarely use "the real thing" if they could get away with using a good imitation. An excellent case in point being the molded dough imitation carving used on the front of this set in place of actual carved wood. They knew that the average Joe on the street couldn't tell real walnut and expensive and time consuming carving from fake, which is why they used the celluloid imitation burl walnut on the front insert of this radio instead of real walnut veneer. I'm with you, though, I would replace the imitation insert with real walnut burl veneer. It's not that expensive and relatively easy to apply. I am really looking forward to watching you tackle this fine old radio. I know you'll do your usual excellent job!
You are correct on the wood. A friend came over and verified it is poplar. I will say they did an excellent job of making it look like walnut. And yes, a nice piece of walnut veneer behind those knobs will look really nice! Thanks for the comment.
You have to wonder Buddy why somebody would buy something like that and then put into such adverse storage conditions for so long. That's a big project for sure. I hope all the iron is good. You also have to be suspect as to why old Abe was in the fuse holder. Good luck with it. Stay well. ATB Doug.
Agree Doug. Some folks either do not care or do not know what they have. Being the penny was 1925 makes you wonder how long it has been in there. The radio has not been played since the early 70's.
add mechanical vibration to the filter/separator, so that it rattles the filter and cyclone separator unit. probably best in varying speeds VFD drive or old school rheostat ;) that should help keep the blasting ash knocked free, in combination with the cyclone swirl effect. it will still collect up regardless!
There are still a few woodturners still out here, don't give up too soon. That foot should be easy to make. The veneers are likely held on with hide glue you may be able to reactivate that with a heat gun and clamp it back together. You just need to find someone that knows wood like you know radios to help. Just wish I was closer.
Thanks, wish you were closer also!. But I must admit, I been in wood working just about as long as I have been in electronics, just not on this level. I did check the glue to see if it would re-stick but no go. Biggest challenge is finding some small pieces of walnut to finish out the broken off parts. Not many wood working shops around here anymore. Most have passed on years ago.
@@TheRadioShop Too bad about the glue, time has likely dried it beyond hope. Most walnut these days won't match well anyway, you'll have to stain it to match. Sadly I've had too part with most of my tools, still have a lathe and drill press but have sold most. Bad knees and back limit how much I can do. I'm up north in Canada but I do believe there is some walnut still in the basement. If all else fails get in touch. PS I've been at both a long time as well my dad VE1XP also taught wood working so I grew up around both.
I appreciate that. Honestly I have a full time job and just do not have the time to take on more outside work. I have over a dozen ham radios in the log now for repair that I alone own. Will be getting more AR videos out before long.
As stated it was in my wife family. The person that purchased it from my father in law sold it to another family member. After 30 plus years of searching for it my brother in law tracked it down in Raleigh NC. He decided he could not so anything with it and sold it to me.
I appreciate the offer. Honestly I am not in the consumer repair business. Although I take in a few things. My problem is time. Work a full time job and own enough equipment to do a video a week for the next year or two. After I retire (soon) I may open up to more outside jobs.
Maybe you can use an oil base paint in the middle there you can probably have it matches to the same color... WoW... 1925 Weet Penny maybe worth something Buddy, I actually collect those Penny's!! PS.... I beat you can paform brain surgery Buddy how do you know all this stuff....lol
Will be researching those options for the black inlay. Yep have to have that penny checked out, never know what it is worth. As far as how I know all this stuff? I was born in the wrong time frame I guess lol.
I gotta admit, from the thumbnail I thought I was clicking on a Mr. Carlson video. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered it was you working on an old AM radio! I can't wait!
That is a compliment! Thank you as Paul is the master and though I do not trey and imitate him, he has taught me a lot over the years. Just trying to bring new exciting content to the channel and thought AM radio would be a good choice.
lol! both do good work and explain well in my opinion ;)
Buddy, That is going to be some project, I will be looking forward to this one.
Hi Bill, Will be a lot of work but I think this one is worth it.
Buddy, I loved the history of the radio you shared. You’ve got a gem. Still watching and will edit later. As you noted, it will take time to restore this beauty, but well worth the effort. I know your family will be elated. Best, Don
Thanks for stopping in Don. Yes this one is a gem. I think the family will be pleased to see it being enjoyed again.
I have a 1928 Case Radio and that section in front you have with the tuning and knobs is a metal plate with that was painted and a sticker was placed over top of if its the same as mine. Its great that the missing compressed carvings are still inside the radio those would be hard to duplicate otherwise. That will be a great project Buddy thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. I think I am just going to blast the face, paint a matt black an cover with walnut veneer. Like you said, will be a great project.
This is going to be an awesome repair project! Looking forward to it. ~Jack, VEG
Thanks Jack. Will be a long one!
That's a major project, and a formidable woodworking challenge, Buddy. But knowing what you're capable of you'll love it. I am very much looking forward to watching you applying your magic. A little early, but a Very Merry Christmas!
Thanks, this one will put me to the test. And a very merry Christmas to you my friend.
WoW what a Restoration project you have Buddy. Going to be fun to watch you bring it back to it's former glory. My mother was born the year this radio was made. 73 Joe
Thanks, it will be fun for sure bring this old unit back to life. Thanks for sharing your mothers birthday.
That is going to be quite a project. I'll be watching for the next installment!
1925 is the proper part number for that 3 amp fuse that it replaces. 😂
That cabinet looks like a beauty and I'm looking forward to see it after you restore it. You don't see that kind of workmanship much anymore.
Loved the part number quote! Agreed, that kind of craftsmanship is long gone.
Buddy, that is quite a project. It will be fascinating to watch you go through it. Thanks for sharing with us. 73 de K7RMJ Frank
Thanks Frank. Going to take a while on this one.
This project will be a great one to follow along with...good luck! 73 - Dino KLØS
Thanks Dino, Will be a lot of work. More than just a repair but a lot of detailing to do.
Buddy, I've always enjoyed and learned from your videos. Your detail in work and patience is to be admired by us rookies with a screwdriver and multimeter. THIS, looks to be a time consumer and challenge. You're undoubtedly the perfect man for the job. Will be following as always. Happy Holidays...TY
Been learning so much from your video's that I went and joined up on Pateron. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks Scott and appreciate your support!
Hey Buddy. What a beast of a set! I’ve re-casted those mouldings with plaster and faux finish them off. Works pretty good.
Thanks for that tip Mike
Wow that thing is a work of art. I’m so excited for you and really looking forward to the watching your restoration it’s going to be awesome! I bet the valves must be very expensive given the age. I bet it was very expensive new.
Hi Chris, This receiver went for 274 bucks in 1929. Yes very high dollar. I found one of the 281 rectifiers bad. For the globe style I am seeing 80 bucks for one. Thanks for stopping in my friend
Really cool radio. I hope you all the best with the restoration. I do watch a furniture repair guy on youtuble. His name is Thomas Johnson and some of his videos may come in handy for you. Please keep us up with the progress.
Thanks , will check it out
Hello Buddy !! Yes thats a Golden Oldie. The term for that compressed wood is "Repwood" I have a GM radio with some of that on the front panels, and yes General Motors did make some console radios!!
Yes that is the name of the wood" Repwood". Memory not as good as it used to be. Oh yes, like the GMC Model 253-A from 1931.
WOW - that is gonna be a LOT of cabinet work, even before looking at the radio circuits. But I guess if anybody can fix it up, Buddy can!
And talking of history, it's interesting to realise that coming from New York, this radio probably reported on the 1929 Wall Street Crash - while it was happening!
Yes lots of work, but will be fun. You are probably correct on that statement. The way I understand it was purchased early in 29 so no telling what passed through that voice coil.
a tip: watch movies on Flixzone. Been using them for watching lots of of movies lately.
@Archer Chance Definitely, been using flixzone for months myself :D
Well Buddy that is a beautiful radio and would have been very expensive in 1929.
I really like this kind of set as it is a real piece of radio history and very sentimental.
All the best on the restoration project and when you have time take a look at David
Tiptons Antique Radio Restoration channel here on UA-cam.
He is from Queensland Australia and is one of the best on restoration and keeping
things super original.
I have taken on board many great tips from David he is very helpful and shares his
knowledge freely.
Best Regards for whats left of 2020 looking toward 2021 from Sydney Australia.
I thoroughly enjoy David Tipton's videos. He is very talented and frightfully clever. I've gotten an idea or two from him.
Thanks Gregory. I have watched many of his videos and find them very useful. More to come on this old gem. Probably a lot of short videos on it.
Nice video Buddy… You have a lot of work ahead… regarding the panel needed for the back of the radio I would use a piece of cabinet grade ply that is veneered with oak on one side. Don’t waste your time trying to find a solid piece of oak like that. Besides, the cabinet grade ply is far more stable than a solid piece of wood. There’s a place by me on Long Island called Roberts Plywood…. It’s the size of a Home Depot but all they sell is wood. I’m certain there’s a place like that near you. And the electronic restore looks to be just as involved… Keep us posted… 73
Thanks Mark. I did find out the cabinet is now walnut, just stained to look that way. so about anything I can find can be stained to imitate. We do not have any just wood stores here anymore. Just Lowes and Home Builders. Not even a cabinet shop left here. I do not think the electronics will be too bad but still a lot of work.
Hope to the restauration!
Presente: Cordial Saludo; Desde Zapopan Jalisco Mx.
I'll be looking forward to seeing this old girl back up and running!
That's a Beautiful Radio, I hope its restored, Now 3 years later, To bad you Didn't live close I would have made the Back, I was a High carpenter for 45 years, in Ny city, If you Have a sawmill they could cut you a piece of walnut, Or 2 Pieces clued together, I would do it for nothing. Built lots of cabinets, Well good luck and God Bless
TRF sets can be good performers. Lorenz made one for the German Kriegsmarine during WWII which was extraordinarily sensitive. It was decided to use a TRF receiver to help prevent submarines from detecting the ships on which they were installed.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Interesting he was able to find that set. Don't look to bad for sitting in a shed. I've seen so many ate up by termites and hardly anything left. A little cabinet work and electronic work. Be interesting to see this old TRF working again.
I agree, not to bad at all. looks like most will be simple fixes. I spent a little time tonight taking out the electronics and speaker to move them in the shop. Now a full disassembly job ahead.
This is going to be good!! Cant wait
The two 81/281/381 rectifiers don't need to be matched. 50 tubes are very rare and sought after; definitely treat them with care. There is an adapter to use a 6L6 in its place if it's necessary.
Thanks again for your knowledge. I here they are worth there weight in gold.
the old penny fuse fix trick LOL. been there done that, BUT it was same size fuse upstream, and just eliminated the very aged fuse.
I have that model too, in working condition!
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Buddy, TRX Bench is back.
Wow, I must check that out. Been so busy this week end I have not had time to look at any videos. Thanks
Your like me Buddy. More busy retired than when u were working :)
What a nice project radio you got there Buddy. I'm not surprised there was an old penny in the fuse holder! Looks like something Glasslinger would work on.
As for the cabinet the best photo I have seen is at radiolaguy.com/images/consoles/Sparton_301.jpg Quick note on the tubes. The two 50 's are worth their weight
in gold! Could use 2A3 tubes in their place I think. Don't use 27 tubes because they draw excessive current. Use 56 tubes for the 484/485 tubes.
Best to check with all that at Antique Radios Forum.There are people who have posted there that know more than I! Don't let it become just another wine cabinet!🤞
Ah Glasslinger, have not seen many videos from him lately. Thanks for the picture link. And dont worry, this radio will be a working keeper, may even find a way to install a hidden FM converter
That will be an interesting rebuild.
If you want a quality speaker recone, I use Nick Dorazio/Speaker Repair. He redid a speaker for me and it looks and sounds better than new.
Thanks for that information
I think you'll find that the wood isn't actual walnut, but poplar stained and manipulated to resemble walnut. Spartan and Atwater Kent were extremely cost conscious in their choice of materials, and would very rarely use "the real thing" if they could get away with using a good imitation. An excellent case in point being the molded dough imitation carving used on the front of this set in place of actual carved wood. They knew that the average Joe on the street couldn't tell real walnut and expensive and time consuming carving from fake, which is why they used the celluloid imitation burl walnut on the front insert of this radio instead of real walnut veneer. I'm with you, though, I would replace the imitation insert with real walnut burl veneer. It's not that expensive and relatively easy to apply. I am really looking forward to watching you tackle this fine old radio. I know you'll do your usual excellent job!
You are correct on the wood. A friend came over and verified it is poplar. I will say they did an excellent job of making it look like walnut. And yes, a nice piece of walnut veneer behind those knobs will look really nice! Thanks for the comment.
Check out Salvation Army, Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity. Search for old furniture. You may find Walnut there.
Good idea
You have to wonder Buddy why somebody would buy something like that and then put into such adverse storage conditions for so long. That's a big project for sure. I hope all the iron is good. You also have to be suspect as to why old Abe was in the fuse holder. Good luck with it. Stay well. ATB Doug.
Agree Doug. Some folks either do not care or do not know what they have. Being the penny was 1925 makes you wonder how long it has been in there. The radio has not been played since the early 70's.
add mechanical vibration to the filter/separator, so that it rattles the filter and cyclone separator unit. probably best in varying speeds VFD drive or old school rheostat ;)
that should help keep the blasting ash knocked free, in combination with the cyclone swirl effect. it will still collect up regardless!
There are still a few woodturners still out here, don't give up too soon. That foot should be easy to make. The veneers are likely held on with hide glue you may be able to reactivate that with a heat gun and clamp it back together. You just need to find someone that knows wood like you know radios to help. Just wish I was closer.
Thanks, wish you were closer also!. But I must admit, I been in wood working just about as long as I have been in electronics, just not on this level. I did check the glue to see if it would re-stick but no go. Biggest challenge is finding some small pieces of walnut to finish out the broken off parts. Not many wood working shops around here anymore. Most have passed on years ago.
@@TheRadioShop Too bad about the glue, time has likely dried it beyond hope. Most walnut these days won't match well anyway, you'll have to stain it to match. Sadly I've had too part with most of my tools, still have a lathe and drill press but have sold most. Bad knees and back limit how much I can do. I'm up north in Canada but I do believe there is some walnut still in the basement. If all else fails get in touch. PS I've been at both a long time as well my dad VE1XP also taught wood working so I grew up around both.
Your plan is excellent except for keeping the paint spots !!
Thanks and good news, the paint spots wiped right off.
@@TheRadioShop Lol,,, perfect !!
When restoring vintage radios do modern resistors stand up to the higher chassis voltages of these radios?
I find most resistors today are much better than the old ones used back then.
I like ur vids, but my favorite is when you repair ham radios. If you are out of hf rigs to work on, I could send you about ten.
I appreciate that. Honestly I have a full time job and just do not have the time to take on more outside work. I have over a dozen ham radios in the log now for repair that I alone own. Will be getting more AR videos out before long.
I collect wheat pennies. That one is a keeper.
I like to see what it is worth.
@@TheRadioShop
According to coin tracker, anywhere from $0.55 to $75.00.
Hello, I have the same radio and my radio guys, has it working except the speaker. It’s the transformer that is overheating. Any suggestions?
Device looks like a confessional. You have to kneel down in front of it and talk about your sins.
LOL, you are right!
Where did you find this?
As stated it was in my wife family. The person that purchased it from my father in law sold it to another family member. After 30 plus years of searching for it my brother in law tracked it down in Raleigh NC. He decided he could not so anything with it and sold it to me.
Buddy, are you looking for any radio work. I have alot of people approach me about work. I have more than I can handle. Would you like the work?
I appreciate the offer. Honestly I am not in the consumer repair business. Although I take in a few things. My problem is time. Work a full time job and own enough equipment to do a video a week for the next year or two. After I retire (soon) I may open up to more outside jobs.
1st? well hi
Hi, It's good to be first!
Out of my league
Maybe you can use an oil base paint in the middle there you can probably have it matches to the same color... WoW... 1925 Weet Penny maybe worth something Buddy, I actually collect those Penny's!!
PS.... I beat you can paform brain surgery Buddy how do you know all this stuff....lol
Will be researching those options for the black inlay. Yep have to have that penny checked out, never know what it is worth. As far as how I know all this stuff? I was born in the wrong time frame I guess lol.
@@TheRadioShop it's a good thing Buddy , I definitely would want someone like you to do brain surgery on me....😁
That'll be a WHALE of a job.