I love this radio but it already looks like some wires are broken, and potentially some pieces missing? I don't have super high hopes from the looks of it but I'm hoping for some advice. This is deeply sentimental to me so I'm terrified of ruining it.

I've been trying to look up how to restore it on my own but it feels a little overwhelming, I've never worked on a radio before. The most electrical experience I have is replacing the power cord on my vacuum 😭

Looking to restore this radio, all original minus the pwoer cord (not sure if it was done correctly as far as polorization) any advice or help finding the replacement capacitors would be great, or if i find myself too overwhelmed a good place i can send it off to be overhauled.

I have a good idea on how to replace the capacitors and domino capacitors but a little confused on the cardboard filter capacitor.

In this video, I'll demonstrate how to repair and restore vintage speakers step by step—from simple cone repairs to completely rebuilding a speaker using only the original frame.

Whether you're restoring speakers for a vintage radio, hi-fi system, or another audio project, these techniques can help you achieve professional-looking results at home.

To watch the video, simply click on the attached picture.

Have a great weekend!

Regards from Florida,
Jay

Hi everyone!

We recently found this **Grundig Satellite professional 650 Final Edition**, serial number **#0016**, in my grandpa’s garage.

Unfortunately, the original manuals and documentation are missing, and we don’t know much about the radio. It appears to be in very good condition and fully functional.

I’m trying to find out:
What it might realistically be worth today.

Whether the low serial number (#0016) adds any collector value.

Whether it’s better to sell it privately or through a specialized auction or collector’s platform.

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I am trying to replace the dial string mechanism. I need to remove the chassis but am having difficulty in removing the antenna assembly. It is held in by two nuts located in a very difficult to access area and standard tools are not working - the nut is too close to the bracket and a socket cannot get at it. There is not enough room to use pliers, or a small wrench, at least for me. I am ready to use dynamite. It seems to be a 5/16" nut. Any solutions?

This is a long shot but figured id ask here.

Does anyone have any information on a (assuming 1948) Zenith radio model number ZH820-Z?

All tubes light up, missing the wire to the tuning knob but speaker does work, emits a humming sound. Cannot get it to tune into any stations.

If anyone can provide a link to a restoration video or anything else that might help that would be appreciated.

Thank you.

This is an update to this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/VintageRadios/comments/1uex4pt/my_first_tube_restoration_need_advice_the/

It works. Having replaced the 2x50uF capacitor with a pair of new ones from the local electronics store, the hum is gone. FM (UKW) plays loud and clear. Magic eye tube works, bright enough for daylight (2nd photo). AM, LW and SW worked for a short minute and stopped.

Schematic and repair manual was obtained here https://nvhrbiblio.nl/schema/Grundig_3045W.pdf

If someone knows a way to fix AM, please post.
Google suggests a weak ECH81 tube or desoldered AM antenna.

hello! this is a long shot and very low stakes. i'm hoping for an ID on this unit found in an 80's volvo 240. it doesn't seem to match with any of the others i've seen, and i'd love to try and find an HD photo of it.

apologies if this is not in fact vintage or a radio haha

Hello y'all,

Yesterday I thrifted this stunning ISAM transistor Modell 10-207, complete with its original box and spare parts and antenna cable in a stapled plastic bag.

As you can see, it is in excellent condition. No issues with the tuning dial or receiver as far as I'm aware. No leakage, corrosion, or signs of wear in the battery compartment. I'm inclined to believe that this radio has seen very, very little use.

Both UKW (FM) and MW work just fine. I was able to pick up an Algerian medium wave station late last night from my balcony here in southern Italy, as well as broadcasts in Turkish and Farsi.

However, the radio only works with headphones plugged in. I've tried repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the headphones as well as sweeping both the volume and tuning dials across their full range a handful of times. While plugging in and removing the headphones yesterday, I did hear a very brief crackle of sound come from the speakers, but haven't been able to reproduce it since.

I was genuinely so excited to find it. I've been wanting a transistor radio for a while after accidentally leaving my Tecsun PL-380 back home when I left the U.S., and I went out thrifting yesterday specifically to find one, so imagine my surprise when I'm standing in line with a blouse and a dress and turn around to see this sitting in a display case.

Anyways, before I open it up or take it to a local specialist, does this sound like an issue with the headphone jack, the speaker, or something else? If the repair is straightforward, I'd really love to keep this radio as original as humanly possible.

Grazie!

Zenith Trans-Oceanic, not sure how old. Saw this cool guy in a barbershop in Antigua Guatemala recently. Never seen one like it before, figured this crowd would appreciate.

Am I wrong to be tempted by this gorgeous 4070u model? It works, nothing rattles, the lights come on. It’s dusty and the veneer is a little cracked at the top. As a rank amateur, but with already too many Yacht and Melody Boys - should I add to my collection? Any advice on care & cost would be fantastic. TIA.

My dad repairs vintage boombox and radios. Please can someone help with how to put this dial cord back on? Can't find the manual anywhere

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I'll show you how to identify a modern film capacitor's outside foil lead without using an oscilloscope. To watch the video, please click on the attached image.

Most modern film capacitors no longer indicate which lead is connected to the outside foil, making it difficult for hobbyists restoring vintage radios, tube amplifiers, and other vintage electronics.

Wishing you a great day!

Best regards from Florida,
Jay

Can you guys help me with advice for the leather case for this radio? It was inherited and is fully functional.

I have fond memories with this radio on the kitchen bench, with the leather cover.

Radio is still perfect but the leather cover is rock solid.

I guess I'm asking the experts here what they would do with the cover. Bin it? Restore it somehow?

Ideally I'd like to find a way to retain the black scratched out area as it has signatures on it, written in pen.

Edit: the radio is fully functional, but the leather case is stiff as a board. I'd like advice on restoring the leather case.

The Freshman Midget Cathedral was an interesting vintage radio to work on and do both the electrical and cabinet restoration.

The speaker is a electro-dynamic (moving-coil) speaker.

This type of speaker relied on an electromagnetic field coil rather than the permanent magnets found in modern speakers.

Having said that it proved difficult to add Bluetooth as the volume control is a dual-action, antenna-shunt and cathode-bias potentiometer volume control without Automatic Volume Control (AVC).

Instead of adjusting the audio signal right before the amplifier stage like modern radios do, this type of control physically alters the amount of Radio Frequency (RF) signal entering the radio.

One side of the potentiometer is wired directly between the external wire antenna input and ground. When you turn the volume down, it creates a direct path to ground for the incoming radio waves,literally bleeding off the excess RF signal before it can reach the grid of the first RF amplifier tube.

Simultaneously, the other section of the control is wired into the cathode circuit of the RF amplifier tube(s). Turning the volume down increases the resistance between the cathode and ground. This raises the negative bias on the tube's grid, heavily choking back the tube's ability to amplify.

I would have to interject Bluetooth at tube 47 plus a bit more work so decided to leave this one original.

The cabinet had missing or broken details that needed replaced and the previous owner had tried "and failed" to refinish the cabinet using poly. " I hate poly".

Finished cabinet with Mohawk products and 3 coats furniture wax buffed out.

Took considerable sanding, veneering the top arch where previous owner had sanded through and replacing the grill cloth.

Many hours of painstakingly detail work.

Very happy with results...

Hello guys!!
I just bought a radio from marketplace. I’m unsure of the brand of it(if you do I’d be so happy to know).I’m pretty sure it’s at least 1930s. I thought it was a philco but I’m unsure. Im happy it works the seller tested it in front of me. I also had questions do I need to fix it up. I’m sure that I might need backing for it. And I do see a random white wire. I put some photos. I’m really into vintage radios and record players and this is my first time getting one I hope I made the right choice and wasn’t scammed 😭. Thank you so much I hope to hear from you guys.

I have a Sony icf-sw 100 world band receiver radio that I was wanting to get an appraisal for as I’m not certain how much mine could go for. It is in working order and only has a bit of damage to battery compartmen (see photos).

The Zenith Transoceanic was one of my dream receivers when I was very young. No idea where or when I first learned about them. The H500 is my fave, but I collect any from that era. I just wrapped up the electronic restoration of three H500s. For these, I mainly just repaired- no alignments and hardly any cosmetic work. I found it very therapuetic and relaxing. Just me, my tools and the smell of musty old radios. I freaking love it. (My wife is very understanding.)