Services
Original Radio Repair
I repair/restore all tube-type car radios from the 1930's onward.
Due to the high failure rate of original electrolytic and paper capacitors, these must be replaced to get a tube radio working and keep it working!
The following is the work I perform as part of my basic restoration package:
- Clean chassis as necessary.
- Replace all electrolytic capacitors.
- Replace all paper capacitors including buffer capacitor.
- Test vibrator, rejuvenate if necessary.
- Replace up to 2 dial lamps.
- Clean/lubricate volume and tone controls.
- Lubricate tuning/push button mechanisms.
- Tube set basic restorations: $120.
Services that may be needed above a basic restoration to get your radio working:
- Any burned out resistors or resistors that have changed in value so much that the set won't work properly: $5 per resistor (very few sets need any resistor replacement).
- Vibrators (note that vibrators have the highest failure rate after paper/electrolytic caps):
- NOS (if one can be located): cost plus 10%.
- Solid state replacement: cost plus 10% (these typically cost ~$30).
- Repair (opening up if rejuvenation doesn't work): $20 (no guarantees!).
- Used, from my inventory if I have one: $10 (no guarantees!).
- Output transformer: cost plus 10% (fairly easy to obtain).
- Power transformer: $25 (NOS difficult to find, usually taken from a parts set).
- IF transformers suffering from "silver migration disease": $25 to rebuild (remove old silver/mica wafers and install new ceramic caps).
Note: silver migration causes static bursts across the dial as well as other sound effects similar to the static lightning tends to generate with AM radios.
- Tubes (Note: tubes are rarely bad!):
- NOS: cost plus 10% (I use tubesandmore.com as a reference).
- Used (from my inventory): 1/2 NOS cost.
- 0Z4 rectifier solid state replacement: $10.
- Potentiometers/switches/controls:
- Repair with parts on hand: $10.
- Replace with NOS (if it can be found): cost plus 10%.
Services that are completely optional (i.e. not needed to get the radio operating):
- Metal case sandblasting/etch priming/painting: $25.
- Cosmetic cleaning (knobs, push buttons, bezels, dials, etc): $20.
- Cosmetic repairs (plastic dial inlay painting, etc.): $20.
- Dial re-stringing: $10.
- Mechanical repairs to push button mechanisms: determined based on magnitude of problem.
- Knobs/push buttons:
- I have the capability of making molds to duplicate certain knobs and push buttons (see the "Advanced restoration techniques" page).
- These knobs will be unfinished...you can paint them as required or until you procure an original.
- If I have to make a knob/push button from scratch (I need a pattern first): $25.
- If I already have a mold: $10.
Audio input jack installation:
- I offer the installation of an audio input cable in your original radio.
- You simply connect your portable audio player's headphone or line-out jack to the 16" audio input cable using the provided 3' extension cable. You even use your radio's volume and tone controls!
- When you want to listen to local programming, simply unplug the extension cable from the input cable and tuck the input cable out of the way.
- The cost of this installation is $50.
Conversions
I offer the installation of quality conversion boards by Antique Automobile Radios, Inc. to upgrade your original radio with modern-day electronics and features:
- I perform conversions on ANY radio up to ~1970.
- Use your original radio and controls!
- A conversion board provides for AM, FM, audio input, stereo sound, and front/rear speaker capability (45 watts per speaker).
- Original electronics are removed. Case cleaning/painting is extra.
- Conversions start at $375. Signal seeking radios start at $400.
- Voltage boosters and inverters are also available to run your conversion radio with 6 volt systems (positive and negative ground).
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding my restoration services, please do not hesitate to contact me! Also, if you have a special restoration need, let me know and maybe I'll be able to work something out.
