Putting the finishing touches on the Philco 39-45 radio. This time, I’m building a wooden structure to support an antenna. This way, the owners won’t have to string up an antenna along the wall.
The original version (first pic) came from a duplicate 39-45 that I’ve been using as a parts chassis and reference for my restoration.
First I traced the upright structure onto some plywood, then cut it out using my bandsaw and scroll saw. Then I glued some ‘feet’ to the uprights to enable me to screw them into some base boards (5th pic) which I got from my local hardware store’s bargain bin. :D
Next I screwed them in place at the correct distance, and cut some dowels to support the top. This whole structure was wrapped with wire (7th pic).
Last 2 pictures show me gluing some labels back into the cabinet. This includes the tube chart, and the Philco label. Used some gel medium which is something my wife recommended (she uses it in her art). Seemed to work quite well, and now the labels are back in the cabinet.
Last pic shows me soldering a fuse into the line cord. Some people mount the fuse under the chassis, but I wanted the new owners to be able to change it out easily if something happens. I split the line cord with a knife, then cut the positive wire back somewhat and mounted the fuse holder there.
One cool thing to note is the “helping hands” alligator clips. These were a gift from my folks for Christmas, and came on a heavy steel plate, but they use strong magnets, so I was able to just stick them to the radio chassis to help me hold the wires as I soldered them. Made the job SO much easier. :)
Next post should be the great before and after, so stay tuned for that!
