The following briefly describes the general restoration process applied to radios offered for sale.

• RADIO INSPECTION AND DISASSEMBLY
  

• We visually inspect the radio and perform voltage checks to determine obvious faults and evaluate it for restoration needs.
• We completely disassemble the radio in order to completely clean and restore individual case items.
• We locate a schematic diagram to assist in the proper testing of the radio and its components.

 

• CASE RESTORATION

• We wash case, knobs, dials, handles, covers, etc., avoiding labels and factory markings.  This process removes years of dirt, grease, smoke residue, etc. accumulation.
• Undamaged speaker grille cloth is removed and cleaned.  Damaged grille cloth is replaced with new material.
• Plastic and Bakelite cases are usually wet sanded with successive fine grit sandpaper and polished to an acceptable and consistent finish.
• Wood cases, with deteriorated finishes, are sanded, filled, and recoated with toned finishes as close to the manufacturers' finish as possible.  Wood cases in reasonable condition are cleaned and waxed.
• Painted Bakelite and metal cases, with deteriorated finishes, are wet sanded and recoated with paint matching as closely as possible original manufacturers' finish. Rust on metal cases is treated with etchant solution as needed.  Painted Bakelite and metal cases in reasonable condition are cleaned and waxed.
• Breaks to Bakelite and plastic cases are first stabilized with polycyanoacrylate and further reinforced with epoxy with a backing material.  As needed, filler is applied to case exterior to fill gouges.
• Matching paint is applied to embossed and engraved dials and control indicators as needed.  Glass and plastic covers are cleaned and polished, as needed.
• Replacement items such as knobs, dial covers, attachment hardware, etc. are located or fabricated to match closely manufacturers design.

 

• CHASSIS RESTORATION

• Components such as speakers, tubes, clocks, etc. are removed from the chassis and the chassis is cleaned and degreased using a water-based or other cleaner.
• Rust is removed with etchant solution and with wire brush/sandpaper as needed.
• Electronic (e.g., capacitors, resistors, coils) and electrical items (e.g., AC power cord, clocks, lamps, and accessory AC outlets) are tested for condition, specified tolerances, and replaced/repaired as needed.
• All paper capacitors are replaced with modern equivalent components.
• Speaker dust and debris is removed with compressed air and cone damage is repaired with cement.
• Tubes are tested for correct performance and marginally acceptable and failed tubes are replaced with good tubes.  Tubes are cleaned with alcohol and tube pins are straightened.  Chemical contact enhancer is applied to tube connectors and tubes are reinserted into tube bases.
• Dial control cord is replaced with new cord if broken or brittle.
• Controls are lubricated and electrical contact surfaces (e.g., switches, potentiometers) are cleaned with liquid contact cleaner.
• Chassis is reassembled and powered circuits are connected to a signal generator for realignment of RF, IF, and antenna circuits using manufacturers' specifications.

 

• RADIO REASSEMBLY AND FINAL INSPECTION

• Once all above listed actions are completed, speaker(s), clock, antenna, and chassis are carefully reinstalled into the case so that all items properly match and fit their individual placement locations.
• Final inspection involves visually inspecting assembled radio for good placement of all components.
• Radios are operated under power at moderate speaker volume for 48 continuous hours to verify correct operation of all functions.

 

• RADIO STORAGE

• Radio Sales' restored radios are maintained in a clean and humidity and temperature controlled environment while awaiting sale.

 

• PACKING FOR SHIPMENT

• Radio Sales' wraps its radios in a new plastic bag and protects it with between two and four inches of new 1/2-inch bubble wrap.  The protected radio is placed in a new heavy-duty shipping box.
  As needed, other items including schematic diagram(s) are placed in the box.  We cover all exposed box seams with clear plastic shipping tape and place FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP labels on the box.
  

Collectible Tube Radios Make Great Gifts!