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| REPAIR
versus RESTORE....
Generally, we attempt to repair a radio with the fewest parts replacements as possible to produce a well playing radio. In fact 95% of the radios that we work on are in fact classic "repair" jobs. However, there is a certain class of radio that requires that we undertake a restoration. Where repair might require us to replace the Electrolytics, a few capacitors, and a few tubes, a restoration of a radio may be required. WHAT IS A RESTORATION? Instead of troubleshooting the radio to identify problem parts or items (then replacing), we replace ALL the capacitors, and ALL of the out of range resistors in the radio and the under chassis wiring if required. All tubes are tested - marginal ones replaced. Controls are treated with DEOXIT, tuning dials are checked and the radio is aligned to factory specifications, and subjected to a 3 hour burn in Test. COMPLETE RESTORATION DEFINITION NEW!!! IS IT WORTH IT TO REPAIR OR RESTORE? Some sample values of recent radio sales can be found HERE.
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 Who determines whether to do a restore or repair? In a word, we do. After our examination of your radio when it first comes in, we have to decide whether because of age, condition, or extreme use, it just makes no sense to try a "repair" in the normal sense. It is actually cheaper in the long run, for us to accurately make the call that the radio is in such bad shape that a restoration is required - as opposed to - trying to piecemeal identify each and every marginal component (lots of labor). How does a radio qualify for restoration? Most radios manufactured between 1929 to 1948, which have not been serviced on a regular basis will qualify for a restoration. Also, some Amateur receivers that have logged many hours use, regardless of age. Further, radios that normally we would not repair (see Bad Radios) are optionally restorable as opposed to no repair.
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RESTORATION COSTS The cost of restoration is highly variable depending on the radio and its complexity. As a guideline only: 5 tube table radio (1945 - 1960) $155.00 to $425.00* 6 tube console radio (1934 - 1946) $375.00 to $550.00* 7-8 tube console radio (1934 - 1946) $475.00 to $700.00* 9+ tube console radio (1934 - 1946) $575.00 to $900.00* 8+ tube Amateur receiver $425.00 to $675.00* 6-8 tube Telefunken Radio $425.00 to $825.00* 1940 or earlier table radio $425.00 to $700.00* *Could be subject to an additional "Hack Charge" in order to continue with the repair/restore. ALL FULL RESTORATIONS COME WITH A ONE YEAR WARRANTY! We will notify you by email if a radio you have sent us for "repair" in fact requires restoration. You then have the option of continuing with the restoration, or we will return the receiver to you after you have paid accrued repair charges and return shipping. Our goal is to inform you of this required restoration "up front" before repair attempts have been made. We expect that this "restore - not repair" situation will be very infrequent. |
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