Model 45

 


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Philco Model 45

 

Manufactured in 1934 and sold for $49.95.  In 2009 that would be $773.

 

This is a dual band broadcast AM and short wave.  I must say this is one of the more beautiful radios that I have had the pleasure to get to know. 

IMG_3117.JPG (3631827 bytes) This unit was stripped,  IMG_3119.JPG (3058597 bytes)two different tones were applied,  IMG_3106.JPG (1602610 bytes)a new replica decal  IMG_3099.JPG (1411482 bytes)And many coats of clear Lacquer
IMG_3108.JPG (1175661 bytes) IMG_3109.JPG (1199981 bytes)Three shipping bolts are to be removed before operating. IMG_3100.JPG (1478461 bytes)The rear metal panel was sanded and sprayed black.  There is a metal tab that holds the back of the chassis down when the shipping bolts are removed.  IMG_3114.JPG (192662 bytes)Nice!

I believe that the original finish of a radio cabinet should be conserved and/or maintained.  That way you have a great period piece and it keeps it's vintage cabinet furniture value.  However, that original finish has to be maintained at the start of the ownership.  In this case that would be some time around 1934.  (It is conceivable a prior owner listened to the news cast about the Pear Harbor attack.  And years later the end of the war.)  This cabinet finish was not original (to the best of my observation and opinion).  

For some archived radio shows click here. 

RADIO IN 1934  is a link to what was happening about that time.

Famous Weekly Shows in 1934

Lum and Abner link

I searched my camera and computer memory.  Unfortunately I must not have taken an original picture.  Up close one could see missing, flaking lacquer and exposed wood toner or stain. The condition tugged at my heart.  It needed TLC.   I advised the owner and proceeded with his consent.

 

IMG_2984.JPG (341758 bytes)Nice speaker IMG_2985.JPG (309785 bytes)Protect it to keep it nice. IMG_2973.JPG (358548 bytes)Original chassis. IMG_2977.JPG (246753 bytes)Micamold paper caps.  All Micamolds are to be replaced.   IMG_2981.JPG (386114 bytes)Restored chassis. IMG_2980.JPG (237628 bytes)Lamp holder. 
IMG_2986.JPG (253928 bytes)Nice. IMG_2983.JPG (317552 bytes)The tall can capacitor in the far right rear of the picture was totally dried up and measured 39 pico farads and not 6 micro farads.  

I am quite surprised the radio played at all when I dim bulb tested the pre restoration chassis. 

 IMG_3090.JPG (237459 bytes)Refinished with new grill cloth. IMG_3095.JPG (118200 bytes) Holes for the chassis retaining bolts are not counter sunk.  The bolt will not recess.  They are for shipping only.  100_3079.jpg (109564 bytes) This cabinet has the shoulders or counter sink holes.  But, as indicated, the bolts are to be removed after shipping. So it does not matter that there is no counter sinks.  
IMG_2988a.jpg (324872 bytes) IMG_3131.JPG (141939 bytes)Paper wrapper to protect the brand new lacquer. IMG_3132.JPG (157898 bytes)There is no less than three inches of bubble wrap around the radio.  Ready to ship 30# 25x20x20.      

 

After parts replacement the alignment was quite straight forward.  IF set at 460khz.  

There are two IF transformer capacitors.  One adjusted with a screw and one adjusted as a nut.  The nut looks to be a lock-nut for the screw. But it is NOT. Those "nuts" were way out of adjustment.  The screws were just about right on.  

I surmise some one adjusted the IF "screws" but missed the second capacitor NUT adjustments.  I used a piece of heat shrink tubing to get around the nuts with out shorting the caps to the IF can case.  

 

 

Ever once in a while I measure all the resistor that I replace for a restoration.  I was tempted to leave the good resistors but I do not want to take risk of having a resistor go bad after I ship the radio home.  I hate (and embarrassed) about failures of my oversight.  

 

 

"Dog bone" resistors.  20% tolerance.

1st digit Body color IMG_2988a.jpg (324872 bytes)

Click to enlarge.
2nd digit Paint on end (or lack there of)
Multiplier power of ten Center dot of color (or lack there of)

 

Marked Measured (out of ckt) Percent Watts
32,000 24,000 -25 2
51,000 45,700 -10 2
32,000 51,000 59 1
99,000 99,100 0 1
25,000 40,400 62 1/2
940,000 465,000 -51 1/2
99,000 99,000 0 1/2
2,000,000 2,100,000 5 1/2
1,000,000 1,000,000 0 1/2
70,000 80,000 14 1/2
51,000 49,000 -4 1/4
10,000 8,750 -13 1/4
10,000 7,500 -25 1/4
1,000 1,100 10 1/2
400 388 -3 Flex
400 390 -3 Flex
 

"But Paul", you say, "most of these resistors are in tolerance.  You should have left them in the radio.  That way it is more original."  

Sure, most of these resistors are in tolerance (20%).  The capacitors are not original.  The new heat shrink wire insulation is not original.  My problem is when they go out of tolerance the radio will be back home with the owner.  It will then cost another 100 bucks round trip for a 7 cent resistor!  How irritating is that?  They all get replaced. 

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