Typical Restoration and Conversion Radiomobile 400T (1959)
Typical condition before restoration
Typically this is how radios come in to our workshop either from a customer or from one of our own suppliers. Note broken right hand button. The tuning mechanism is also seized – tuning needle has no movement.
Dial and Face Plate Components
The dial and face plate components are removed for ultrasound cleaning and resurfacing. The two top knobs should be black on top but rust has now replaced the enamel.
Internal Components
The outer sleeved case has been removed exposing the old 1950’s valve electronics. All the original electronics will be removed but we still use the five button mechanical tuner and the volume and tone potentiometer controls. On / Off control is also an integral part of the potentiometer. Using the old controls keeps the look and feel of the radio. Our one year warranty also covers these parts. Both are stripped down cleaned, tested and adjusted to give another 50 years of service. Where spares are not available we often end up making parts on our mini lathe or milling machine.
Mechanical Tuner
This is the mechanical tuner which has seized. The problem is with the clutch. We will replace the rubber plates. The rest of the assembly is in good shape just requiring lubrication and adjustment.
Clutch and Potentiometer
Clutch left and Potentiometer right. Both will re-used so a full strip down will be required.
Case Restoration
The outer case is down to bare metal ready for new paint. We always finish outer cases with the same colour which was removed. Any stickers or serial number plates are also remounted on the case.
Resurfaced Dial and Face Plate
Dial and face plate components cleaned and resurfaced.
Partially Re-assembled
It is now starting to come together. Potentiometer and mechanical tuner assemblies are back into the component tray. The dial needle now glides across with minimal effort using the right hand rotary stalk. The broken button has been replaced using one of our spares. The potentiometer post strip down now gives the correct values with no “resistance holes” as it is turned. Our new electronics will be programmed to the old controls inductance and resistance values.
Finished Product