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Chris - I wonder what the old Zenith radio has for finish. Is it Catalin, Bakelite &/or Plaskon do you know? Those finishes were molded plastic. It has that marbleized finished. Many didn't last too long. It might be veneer. It certainly isn't constructed from a solid hardwood species. It's likely a veneer I suppose. I often wonder what people are going to do with those things. It's just nostalgic right? I mean, so what if the ancient totally outdated radio & turntable work. No one in their right mind would spin platters on that turntable unless they owned some ancient 78rpm or 45rpm they weren't interested in whether the platters were beat to death. Don't get me wrong, I love antique furniture, I own a ton. But, the Zenith is not a highly prized sought after piece.
Let's not leave out the supposed coffee table which looks like a bedroom chest to me. I'd have to say, that's one piece where I don't think the wood top matches the rest of the (I guess) table. I think I'd prefer the top something similar to the rest of the piece. That's just me. I think it's icky.
John - Oh, those type runaways. I get on-line occasionally & watch them. I like the runaways you see during some of the tractor/truck pulls where the engine runs away and the truck/tractor disintegrates - way cool stuff (if you have bottomless pockets).
Chris - I wonder what the old Zenith radio has for finish.
Let's not leave out the supposed coffee table which looks like a bedroom chest to me.
. . .
I think it's icky.
Norm - My wife has several Vintage Radio websites bookmarked. She found the exact Zenith Model online. It's a 1946 model and has a Walnut veneer cabinet. Most of the people who have bought them from her in the past are just looking for a unique accent piece. Previous ones she's done have not had working radios, but have been retrofitted with Bluetooth speakers, and some with neon led lighting.
I'm not a fan of the color scheme on the Coffee Table either, but varying shades of Gray are a trending accent color right now. It wouldn't be my choice for sure, but it's her sweat, and she usually has her finger on the pulse of what will/won't sell.
I have a tube radio I need restored (electronically). I will ask my guys at my solid state gear place in Louisville if they go that far back. Mine has just radio, but does AM (often called standard wave), short, medium, and long wave. As I recall, short wave had some stuff on the band, but no one was on the last two the last time I got anything on it 20 years ago. I did get some Russian and Chinese. It picks up the local AM now. I need to fix it and then, once out at the new place, make a 1 acre antenna. My only beefs with the new place is I have cell towers line of sight 1/3 mile away.
John - It'll be interesting to see how much RF breakthrough you get. Audio equipment near cell towers is notorious for RF breakthrough. If I'm not mistaken I think RF gets into nearly all low level audio circuits. You need to be an Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) engineer to get rid of that stuff. The cell carrier companies put the responsibility on consumers citing FCC's Part 15 rules which say that the owners must accept any interference. Here's a decent enough good read from a guy (Williams) who appears to know his stuff regarding "lack of EMC immunity".
Slow to get going today. It's after 7 and I don't have any wheels. Eh, it's Friday. We'll be here to the end so what does it matter. I hate feeling like that. Eh.
I also have a hi-fi that needs some attention. It's a circa 1970 console AM/FM/record player that when you turn it on it has that dreaded hum. I might have mentioned it before but it's still at Mom's house and I forget about it. I've read two things about the hum. One, you can take the transformer apart and put new cardboard between the layers(?), or two, you can't do anything because there are no parts 50 years later. Who the hell knows. It's a nice looking piece of furniture, though.
Yet another trip to one of Mom's doctors today. I don't mind driving her around, really, but it does get old when you figure she averages 6 appointments a month. That's better than one a week. I don't get it, she isn't sick. Hypochondriac maybe.
No big plans for the weekend. Rain Sunday. Back to normal weeks next week.
Okay gotta do something. Have a great weekend everyone.
I also have a hi-fi that needs some attention. It's a circa 1970 console AM/FM/record player that when you turn it on it has that dreaded hum. I might have mentioned it before but it's still at Mom's house and I forget about it. I've read two things about the hum. One, you can take the transformer apart and put new cardboard between the layers(?), or two, you can't do anything because there are no parts 50 years later. Who the hell knows. It's a nice looking piece of furniture, though.
Mike - I delivered Magnavox stereo home theater consoles back in the late 1960s likely not too dissimilar to your Mom's hi-fi. But, more to your point I've also troubleshot & repaired my fair share of stereo audio equipment - many of which were/are guitar amplifiers which aren't very different from many hi-fi devices.
Common audio "Hum" in order of least expensive, easiest to fix to most difficult & costly:
(1) Ground loop hum(s). This type hum can often be addressed by: (a) turning the 117VAC connecting wall plug (power cable) upside down (if it has a non-polarized wall plug power cable) & re-inserting into the wall outlet - most (many) connecting wall plugs back in the early 1970s were not polarized power cables (one prong larger than the other) & the wall plugs weren't polarized duplexes; (b) plug the hi-fi into a different wall outlet (duplex); (c) ground the power cable to the wall outlet (duplex) via the center screw of the wall outlet (duplex) if available. Simplest fix is to try a different wall outlet (duplex). This type hum is the result of one or more 'ground loops' introduced into the building (home) wall outlet(s) duplex(es) from other components (i.e. appliances e.g. refrigerator, washer, dryer, lights, coffee maker, etc.) which all share a common (non-polarized) ground in their wiring. Definitely worth a try. Most buildings didn't use polarized wiring back then (dedicated neutral, dedicated ground) neutral was often tied to ground. Now, all buildings are wired w/ respect to polarity. High quality amplifiers (e.g. guitar amplifiers in particular) have a dedicated ground (lift) toggle switch to assist or eliminate ground loop(s), effectively removing/disconnecting the amplifiers chassis ground (lifting) from the power cable ground. When I rewired my old house I created polarized 'dedicated' wall outlets for select wall outlets e.g. television, audio equipment, refrigerator, etc. - this eliminates the introduction of stray ground loops.
(2) Capacitor(s) hum: This is, by far, the most frequent type of hum in a (any) audio component, in particular a filter capacitor which resides in the DC circuit after the rectifier on the chassis. They basically filter out DC signals to create 'smooth' DC signals. So, yeah you plug in the AC power cord but the chassis audio components create/change AC to DC circuit - so, these electrolytic filter capacitors are by far often the primary cause of hum. Remove old capacitor(s) and install new capacitor(s). A great way to think of electrolytic capacitors is to think of ripples in water. There are/can be numerous riffles. Capacitors remove all the riffles except one - creating one single smooth riffle (wave form).
(3) Transformer hum: Very often not the issue on audio components. I've seen/owned equipment with leaking transformers & they remain fully operational/functional - it was and most often is one of several bad/faulting filter capacitors. Much like you walk by a utility company power line & hear the transformer humming. That's the alternating expansion/contraction of the magnetic iron core lamination plates inside the transformer as the AC (alternating current) flow through the transformer coils. If you get to this point in the troubleshooting, you replace the transformer. EDIT: I should note there's nothing wrong w/ a transformer which hums on a utility pole - it's normal.
Summary: Reverse the wall plug, turn it upside down, plug into a different outlet, install new capacitors then think about a bad transformer.
Last edited by Vintage Chief; Jan 3, 2025 at 06:27 AM.
Thanks Norm that does sound like what my console sounds like. The guy mentioned a 60 cycle hum, so I looked it up on Youtube, and it doesn't sound like that at all. The machine still plays, but the hum is constant. I'll try the plug reversing. Other than that, it goes in somewhere because I'm not gonna fix it.
People are slow as can be today. Fridayandtheleadisn'there-itis. Got lots of nose wheels coming, that should help.
Mike- Cool. At least w/ my write-up you'll gain some knowledge regarding suspect component issue(s). Electrolytic filter capacitors are very inexpensive - most are ~$3 - $5 each, some might approach $10 - $15 each. Like most things the cost (if you're not doing yourself) is labor. Most shops can replace these in no time. A good shop will remove the board (chassis) held in with four to six screws, remove the caps, install new caps (it's a simple solder job) & button it up. Even a transformer isn't too expensive, depending on size. For your application a new transformer might run somewhere between $50 - $100. Note: Nearly every time you remove a board (chassis) it's a good idea to replace & install new/fresh caps.
About 30 years ago, I bought a 27" Zenith tv. It was still a CRT screen. Well, after awhile, the screen kept distorting with rainbow arch's across the screen. The owner of the local place that I bought it from, came over and waved some kind of electronic loop over the screen, and it cleared up. Several weeks later, it did it again. Hmm, what's going on. I gazed about the room and thought, ya know, those Pioneer HPM100's have 12" subwoofers that have large magnets on the back of them, perhaps I should move the speaker closest to the tv farther away. Bingo, problem solved.
Dan - He waved a degausser in front of & about the screen. It will disrupt & eliminate EM fields - I own one, still. Mine is likely smaller than what he used. I use mine on various pieces of audio (mostly) equipment. Naval vessels (the entire ship but primarily the deck) get a good degaussing while underway & when they're in various ports of call.
Boy Howdy - So happy w/ R&R of the GPs. Diesel fires right up after the brief GP wait period (~45") - bam! To counter my failed GPs the last couple months (until I could replace them) I'd been plugging in the block heater each night or for several hours when I needed to use the truck. No longer, baby - I'm golden. I'm heading to Ace Hardware to purchase a new fire extinguisher for the house. I have two - one in the man-cave & one in the house. The one in the house is no longer in the green/charged zone.
--Norm, glad to see the GP issue is fixed. I remember when I first started as a mechanic on night shift at our local utility, the boss gave me a 1990 or so F450 line truck with a 7.3 diesel to check out the glow plugs. Seem like on that truck the plugs would go bad and go open. If one or 2 plugs were bad it would still start cuz other 6 would work. But if 3 or more were open it wouldn't operate any of the plugs. I was new and was terrified cuz I didn't know where to start. as I had never worked on Diesels before. One of the other guys said just unplug the connector and test for continuity to ground. Sure enough about half of them were open- Replaced the open ones and awaay it went. Your story reminded me of that ...
--The AM FM Stereo radio I bought on here has some issues- I bought it from Joesw31- but he told me about it- I have no problem with him. But, the volume control doesn't click when it is turned off, and there may be other issues. I fell into the hole that all us old guys do... Forgetting the radio is 50 years old and technology has advanced and very few knows how to repair/ parts aren't available/ or they would rather just convert over to new electronic "guts". I took the working AM radio and speaker from the Cutlass and am going to set up a test bench to test it out of the car. I don't want to convert it. Ahh well we'll see what happens.
Greg - I had no continuity on any GP; albeit, the reason I had to plug in the block heater when it got cold.
Bench testing the radio. Oh my what fun (not). There are surprisingly a fair number of CO members w/ decent knowledge about these radios. Might be to your advantage to join a classic car radio forum - there are a few out there. Regarding parts for these old radios. You might be surprised what you'll find. Radio Heads, I call them (not the song which I love by Talking Heads) might have several hundred vintage car radios laying about in their workshops. They routinely cannibalize old radios to remove/salvage working (known good) parts. Don't give up faith, many parts are out there.
Is the model number sticker still on the radio you're working with? It's likely a Delco (I believe) - I think Delco (radio) was the only manufacturer/supplier for radios during this era. As a novice (like me) be meticulous when working on these things. Take before/after pictures w/ cell phone so you know how things were removed. Gather up some small containers & label each container for the parts you'll be removing. Store those containers w/ lids on (if possible) at the back of the work bench - especially if they have no lids. It's no phone watching a container of parts get knocked over watching parts fly everywhere.
You'll obviously need power to test functionality at some point. Here's a very basic write-up on a simple bench test connection which may help you. Good Luck!
You might want to play the Talking Heads song Radio Head while bench testing the radio...hell, play the entire album (True Stories). I own all Talking Heads albums & movies. I have an extended history of personnel, venues (live shows) & 1st-hand meetings/discussions with several members.
Greg - And, to add to the quagmire of thoughts/questions running through your cerebrum, there are guys out there who convert these old beasts - using the same chassis and all the same *****, wires, etc. but they convert the radio 'board' to an upgraded modern board w/ modern day technology components - absolutely no one but a true radio head would even know that original Oldsmobile Delco radio had new modern day components (e.g. Blue Tooth, etc.).
A guy is fixing these radios, he advertised on here a few months back. Send it to him.
Big ice storm coming, and the local places are all screaming be prepared for widespread power outages. It's good to be prepared, but the high power bills should have been used to pay for proper tree trimming and hardening of the systems for ice and and wind.
It's good to be prepared, but the high power bills should have been used to pay for proper tree trimming and hardening of the systems for ice and and wind.
Our United States infrastructure has become a national catastrophy just waiting to happen every time a severe weather event happens. Corporate greed, combined with an unwillingness to hold the responsible entities accountable has screwed us all!
John - Indiana ice storms are BRUTAL - absolutely BRUTAL. I've witnessed numerous ice storms around Chicago area growing up. The snow/ice blizzard of 1967 was down-right deadly (60) - two feet of snow in 18 hours followed by three to four days of thick ice covering everything. You could hear a snail fart ten miles away. I don't envy you in the least. Get your galoshes ready.
John - Indiana ice storms are BRUTAL - absolutely BRUTAL. I've witnessed numerous ice storms around Chicago area growing up. The snow/ice blizzard of 1967 was down-right deadly (60) - two feet of snow in 18 hours followed by three to four days of thick ice covering everything. You could hear a snail fart ten miles away. I don't envy you in the least. Get your galoshes ready.
Norm, I have food and my work laptop. If the power stays on, I am more than happy to not go anywhere for a week. If the power goes out, I can deal with the loss for a day or so until I run out of propane and firewood. I have a propane space heater rated for inside, a grill, about 50 lbs propane, and enough firewood for a couple days. Where I am now has underground power, so, if the power goes out, it's at least the whole subdivision; I'll let the women bitch people out over it if it happens; they're better at it than me. In my new place, I will need fireplaces and to stack wood.
John - Sounds like you'll be fine there in Evil. I guess it'll start rolling in for both you & Chris sometime tomorrow. I hope yourselves & everyone is ready. I guess New York has already received two feet of snow? It's going to be bad here but it's not going to be anything like y'all are going to experience. Airports are going to struggle. Really makes me want to go flying. Stay safe everyone.
I live though the very bad ice storm of '88 in upstate NY. Most lost power for 6 days. Folks where lined up at the fire house. For ice for their fridges and kerosene heaters. Had my generator for work, but it could only run the fridge, fan for the wood stove, two light, TV and VCR. You really do not know how dark it can be at night. Driving home, the roads were so dark. But as I drove up my dark road. My home was the only one with an outside light on. It was reassuring to know I had power. That with having friend come over to watch TV.
Chris - Have you been reading your snowblower manual?
Yep, sure have. I think I've refamliarized myself just enough with the starting procedure and operating controls to be dangerous. I've only used it once, my neighbor 3 times. It only has 3 operating hours on it since purchased in the late fall of 2022. It is a 2 stage Toro, 5 fwd speeds, 2 reverse, and the best feature, electric start.
John - Sounds like you'll be fine there in Evil. I guess it'll start rolling in for both you & Chris sometime tomorrow. I hope yourselves & everyone is ready. I guess New York has already received two feet of snow? It's going to be bad here but it's not going to be anything like y'all are going to experience. Airports are going to struggle. Really makes me want to go flying. Stay safe everyone.
Picture that roof as your lawn. The rest underground at a constant 40-50deg. Solar tubes for daylight lumens and heat during the day. Power lines in sub line rail way systems utilized for travel as well as power distribution... Imagine
Picture that roof as your lawn. The rest underground at a constant 40-50deg. Solar tubes for daylight lumens and heat during the day. Power lines in sub line rail way systems utilized for travel as well as power distribution... Imagine
Keith - My GAWD...what are you smoking (I want some)? John calls it the Devil's Cabbage.
Chris - I recall your posts when you & the neighbor purchased the snow blower - you were excited. Our family had one (or several). No electric start for sure. I think they worked half the time. Tom (brother) & I made some sweet $$ walking the neighborhoods w/ our shovels after snow fell. Of course, that was after our own place was wickedly shoveled well.
I used to see Cannabis sativa growing on fence lines in many fields throughout Wisconsin & Iowa. Sometimes a decent plant but often somewhat scraggly. Wisconsin was one of the largest producers of hemp in the United States at one time. Hell, they grew Cannabis sativa everywhere in the United States at one time - all over the world for that matter. It was used to make ships water tight and most likely every boat/ship made had ropes made solely from hemp (Cannabis sativa).
I recall frigid weather and ice build up and snow and wind. Not with fondness. I moved south at age 29, in late January, and as winter was setting in I thought, geez I can't go through this another time. Funny, that was the only year(1997) that it was warm starting in February. I thought I had made some brilliant decision. Every other year since it's been cold in February.
Got the upstairs closet finished up and some clothes moved up there. Also unpacked a couple boxes that were hanging out in the living room. This after hanging with my friends at the Awful house.
Tomorrow is Walmart and then if it doesn't rain I'll work on the tree a little. If it does rain I'm going to Horrible Freight to get a scanner for the car. Hm, I've wanted to get to HF for awhile, and I also want to finish up the tree. I don't know what to wish for.
It would be neat to have your house underground, and avoid snow/rain/weather, but I wonder if my claustrophobia would kick in. Sure I could have large rooms, but just thinking about it, ug, makes me twitch. It would be good in a tornado.
Yes that kind of scanner. The kind of scanner you plug into your car and clear all the codes, then quickly sell the car to some unsuspecting joe who has trouble down the line.
I've only used it once, my neighbor 3 times. It only has 3 operating hours on it since purchased in the late fall of 2022. It is a 2 stage Toro, 5 fwd speeds, 2 reverse, and the best feature, electric start.
