Ed's Antique Radio Restorations


Restoration Process

Following are the basic procedures I follow when restoring an old radio. Deadly electrical shock is a constant danger when working on old radios. Therefore, it should not be attempted without proper equipment and an understanding of basic principles of safety. I use the following equipment:

  • Simpson Model 260 volt-ohmmeter
  • Radio Shack digital multimeter
  • 40 watt soldering iron
  • RCA isolation transformer
  • Voltac variable AC transformer
  • Triplett Model 2413 tube tester
  • EICO 635 tube tester
  • Heathkit IG-102 RF signal generator
  • Heathkit C-3 condensor checker
  • EICO 145 signal tracer
    Electrical Restoration
  • Disassemble radio by removing knobs, then removing chassis from cabinet
  • Clean chassis with a soft brush, then low pressure air. I use WD-40 or alcohol to remove any gunk on chassis
  • Remove tubes, clean with soft cloth, identify, test, then set aside
  • Using a schematic if available, identify and replace each electrolytic capacitor and wax covered paper capacitor with a modern capacitor
  • Using an ohmmeter, test each resistor and replace any out-of-tolerance resistors
  • Replace power cord
  • Clean the tuning capacitor with contact cleaner, which also provides lubrication
  • Replace the tubes
  • Bench test radio using an isolation transformer and variable power supply to slowly bring radio up to full power









    Clock Restoration

    I like clock radios. I have yet to find an electric clock that won't work after cleaning. Like the Energizer bunny, those old Telechron movements seem to just keep on going. Here's what I do:

  • Remove clock from radio and inspect.
  • Use brushes and low pressure air to gently remove dirt, dust and gunk from the movement
  • If the clock isn't working or is noisy, I disassemble clock and bench test rotor and field
  • Clean clock gears by soaking movement in alcohol, gently blow clean
  • Lubricate clock
  • Gently clean the clock face with a brush and clean the glass clock cover with water and Dawn
  • reassemble clock and bench test clock using an isolation transformer
  • I install a quick disconnect plug between clock and radio chassis to facilitate removal of the clock and chassis for future cleaning or service.


    Cabinet Restoration
  • For plastic cabinets, I remove the plastic dial cover and any other attachments, then wash the cabinet in warm water using dishwashing soap, such as Dawn. I use a toothbrush to get grime out of crevices and corners. If there are labels on the cabinet, I cover those with plastic to prevent water damage. When the cabinet is dry, I polish it with Brasso, and then buff on a protective coat of carnauba automotive wax.

  • For wood cabinets, I first repair the cabinet if needed with carpenter's wood glue and clamps. I replace any missing veneer with strips of new matching veneer. Then I use Minwax Antique Furniture Refinisher, which removes the old finish, but not the original stain. I then apply a very light coat of matching Minwax stain over the old stain to even out the color. I then apply four or five coats of spray lacquer, then apply lacquer toners to further even out the color. I finish up with another six or so coats of lacquer, so that the final finish is about twelve coats. I wet sand with 600 grit sandpaper between each three or four coats.


















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