Antique Radio Collecting and Restoration
I began a hobby of antique radio restoration in March, 2010.
As an Electrical Engineer, it is fun to get back into electronics in debugging and repairing these old radios.
And with a lot of guidance from my brother Allan and his 40 years of experience in woodworking and refinishing,
I am able to now complete a full restoration of the cabinet which makes for a nice looking radio.
I started with a focus mainly on Crosley radios for my own collection since they were built in Cincinnati, my hometown.
However, I have restored and collected other models including Emerson and Zenith, some as restorations or gifts for others.
Every radio get a full electronic overhaul with all tubes checked and weak ones replaced, all paper
and electrolytic capacitors replaced.
All resistors are checked and those out of tolernace are replaced.
Finally, the radio is aligned with instruments to insure best reception.
Unless the original finish can be kept, all cabinets are stripped, sanded, stained, and finished with 6 coats of shellac.
(Click on a photo to see larger version and optionally to see an entire group)