Holiday Distractions

[Ross]

I usually pick up a few vintage radios every time I go home to my folks place in Denver. My dad likes to go pawn shopping. Mom not so much, so we usually hit some antique stores too. I first started restoring these as a hobby a long time ago.

Here is an early 50's RCA 1X56:

http://www.ampmonster.com/misc/rca1x56a.jpg

Top chassis

http://www.ampmonster.com/misc/rca1x56b.jpg

New coupling cap job plus filters. Paper and wax coupling caps from this era are usually ALL waaaaaaaay out of spec. I replace them all as a matter of form. Filters tend to hold up a bit better, but I usually just swap 'em out. Although, I have a 1954 Philco bakelite radio here still with the original filters working fine, and I use her about 3-hours a day listening to Jim Rome.

http://www.ampmonster.com/misc/rca1x56c.jpg

Not bad for $20 eh? Got this one in Wichita KS. We stayed there overnight after we outran the second Denver blizzard. Add about $8 worth of parts, and she is kicking again. Believe it or not, 9 times out of 10, the tubes are usually still good. Normally the rectifier or output tubes are bad, if any. All tubes here work fantastic.

http://www.ampmonster.com/misc/rca1x56d.jpg

Oh yeah, these were due for changing! #47 bulb was bad too.

I also repaired a 1951 RCA 8X541 yesterday (bought for $25 - now gracing a shelf in my shop) and have also started a 1942 RCA 55X table model. That one I am running into snags, but new tubes have arrived, so I can continue to troubleshoot when I have the time.

But, alas, I gotta get back to them amps!
Happy New Year!

- Ross

[wadenjulie]

Ross!

You are a man after my own heart! Did you follow the link to visit my homepage to see what I do with my spare time? There is a section on my site about AA5s. I have a feeling that you and I would have a great deal to talk about if we were ever to meet. And my opinion is that Mystery Theatre is best listened to over radios like these through a homemade "Part 15" transmitter. Thanks for sharing. I for one appreciate it very much.

Best,

Wade

[Ross]

Yeah, I need to build me one of those transmitters. One of these days . . . I've been saying that for years . . . :tounge_smile:

I fix guitar amps for a living, so this is a bit more challenging in a lot of ways.

- Ross

[Vergergc]

If I did it right, you should see a photo of an old Zenith table top radio I got from my inlaws years ago. I really know little about it.... but it does work, and has pretty good sound. I suppose it was pretty nice when it was new.

Cheers!
Kent

[Ross]

I see the WDAF block letters on the push button. That would be Kansas City, and the home of Mystery Theater there.

- Ross

[Charlie]

Excellent post guys!

Charlie

[Vergergc]

You got it right for WDAF. Also, KMBC is in KC; KFEQ in St Joseph; WREN and WIBW (my CBS station) are both in Topeka.

You can probably tell another of my interests is Dave Brubeck music, since a couple posters are beneath the glass.

Kent

[wadenjulie]

Kent,

I enjoyed the picture of your radio too. It looks to be in pretty good condition for a 1940s set. The autographed Brubeck posters are really great! As for the greats of fifties and sixties jazz, I've seen Lionel Hampton, Barney Kessel and Maynard Ferguson several times but have never had an opportunity to see Brubeck. I do have great respect for him, though. Thanks for sharing.

Wade

[Boo-radley]

You got it right for WDAF. Also, KMBC is in KC; KFEQ in St Joseph; WREN and WIBW (my CBS station) are both in Topeka.

You can probably tell another of my interests is Dave Brubeck music, since a couple posters are beneath the glass.

Kent

I remember there used to be a huge metal wren in front of that station. You could see it from I-470.

[Vergergc]

They moved the bird to a park at 12th & Topeka Blvd. across from Blue Cross Blue Shield and Capitol Federal. The WREN studio is now a Christian radio station - Joy 88.