Proud new owner of a 37-690
Posts: 803
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
Over the past few years I've seen a few lucky collectors pick up this amazing set - never thought I'd be one of them though.
A little background first. I work from home as a programmer. Mostly developing websites and smart phone apps. Well, a couple weeks ago I found myself committed to a full week of online remote training via skype. So I was pretty much chained to my desk 8 hrs a day. However, while I could see them, they couldn't see what I was doing so I couldn't resist poking around on craigslist. Imagine my surprise when I saw a 37-690 for sale just a few miles away! Just one problem - I can't go get it 
I put the mic on mute and made a quick call to another local collector and good friend. Turns out he has the day off but is elbow deep swapping parts between a couple vintage Coronados with his brother. I finally convinced (bribed) them to drop what they were doing and go get it - if it was even still available. Hours went by and finally I got a call back. They were waiting outside with the radio  I thought they'd use their pickup, but it was out of commission so they had to use an old caddy. They had carefully wrapped it in a blanket and it actually sort fit in the trunk.
Even more amazing, my buddy, whose pretty good at negotiating, got it for half the asking price 
They helped me carry it up two flights of stairs to my back porch and here it finally is!
The finish on the outside is flaking off at the slightest touch, but the veneer is very sound as are all the joints.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/70788...9400_z.jpg]
The insides look like no one has messed with anything 
[Image: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5192/69327...7fcf_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/69327...9388_z.jpg]
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/69327...403a_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/69327...7ac4_z.jpg]
(This post was last modified: 11-24-2014, 03:34 PM by Bob Andersen.)
Posts: 289
Threads: 40
Joined: Oct 2011
City: Las Vegas, NV
OK make us all sick, How much?
John
Las Vegas, NV USA
Posts: 803
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?
Posts: 4,808
Threads: 54
Joined: Sep 2008
City: Sandwick, BC, CA
Well one thing I do know, regardless of what it cost it will be restored to a much higher standard then a 38-690 belonging to another collector on the other forum.
Regards
Arran
Posts: 2,353
Threads: 92
Joined: May 2010
City: Clayton, NC
Man, that is fantastic!!! Great job getting your 37-690 !!!
It looks to be in good, un-molested shape! I will second the belief that you will make it a showpiece!
Posts: 2,353
Threads: 92
Joined: May 2010
City: Clayton, NC
Reckon it might be a candidate for an application of a resto-finish product?
Posts: 717
Threads: 30
Joined: Feb 2008
City: Grand Rapids, MI
Wow, nice find!
(This post was last modified: 09-18-2012, 12:01 PM by Michael Dennis.)
Posts: 803
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
Thanks guys. I feel kinda sad in a way because the only good spot to put it is where my prized 15DX has resided for the last few years. So for now, it's in a corner of the kitchen. Hopefully, I'll move to a bigger place before long and can display these sets more appropriately.
As for the finish, the top was so bad I wanted to protect it ASAP. I was able to just use a scrapper and take all the old finish off very easily. Only downside was the little flakes of old lacquer went everywhere - especially into my hair!
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/71202...1ff9_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/71202...207e_z.jpg]
That revealed some real purdy veneer I can't wait to see what the doors have in store. I recall my friend said the previous owner made of point of highlighting the patterns hidden in the doors.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/69741...9218_z.jpg]
I'll just slap on some lacquer for protection for now. Eventually, I'll tackle the rest of the cabinet.
(This post was last modified: 04-27-2012, 11:24 PM by Bob Andersen.)
Posts: 335
Threads: 50
Joined: Apr 2011
City: Apple Creek
State, Province, Country: Ohio
(04-27-2012, 10:02 PM)bandersen Wrote: I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?
Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it. 
Posts: 4,808
Threads: 54
Joined: Sep 2008
City: Sandwick, BC, CA
(04-28-2012, 12:25 AM)ipwizard Wrote: (04-27-2012, 10:02 PM)bandersen Wrote: I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?
Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it.
Actually they don't unless they are restored or in really good original shape surprisingly, I don't think I've heard of anyone paying $2000 for one. The last time I remember someone buying one on fleabay it was a 38-690, the finish was about average, and I think they had about $850 into total after they had it shipped West from the East coast. Everyone else I know of bought one through a private sale either regionally or locally.
Regards
Arran
Posts: 4,808
Threads: 54
Joined: Sep 2008
City: Sandwick, BC, CA
(04-27-2012, 11:18 PM)bandersen Wrote: Thanks guys. I feel kinda sad in a way because the only good spot to put it is where my prized 15DX has resided for the last few years. So for now, it's in a corner of the kitchen. Hopefully, I'll move to a bigger place before long and can display these sets more appropriately.
As for the finish, the top was so bad I wanted to protect it ASAP. I was able to just use a scrapper and take all the old finish off very easily. Only downside was the little flakes of old lacquer went everywhere - especially into my hair!
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/71202...1ff9_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/71202...207e_z.jpg]
That revealed some real purdy veneer I can't wait to see what the doors have in store. I recall my friend said the previous owner made of point of highlighting the patterns hidden in the doors.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/69741...9218_z.jpg]
I'll just slap on some lacquer for protection for now. Eventually, I'll tackle the rest of the cabinet.
It looks like that cabinet spent time in the same sort of environment as the Brunswick and the 1930 G.E console. I wonder if it's moist air or the temperature that causes the finish to flake off?
Regards
Arran
Posts: 803
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
(04-28-2012, 12:25 AM)ipwizard Wrote: Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it.
That's what I figured. This one seems to have sold for $1,275 very recently. http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopi...1&t=186877
And this for $,1000: http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/view...1&t=190740
PM sent.
Posts: 803
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
(04-28-2012, 12:39 AM)Arran Wrote: It looks like that cabinet spent time in the same sort of environment as the Brunswick and the 1930 G.E console. I wonder if it's moist air or the temperature that causes the finish to flake off?
Regards
Arran
Good question. My Brunswick definitely spent time in a humid environment as evidenced by the rust and veneer separation. This set however has little if any rust and no veneer damage. It's my understanding it did spend a lot of time out in the garage though so I suspect it's a victim of the big temperature variations we experience in the Midwest.
Posts: 594
Threads: 41
Joined: Aug 2010
City: Shepherdsville, KY
Hi Bob
That is a nice radio, glad you got it. Put it on YouTube as you restore it, I enjoy your shows on YouTube.  congrats. Joe
Joe Bratcher near Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,031
Threads: 367
Joined: Jun 2010
City: Dover, OH
Very nice find. Just shows that the Philcos are still out there and even the top of the line models are still being found in the 'wild'.
No matter where you go, there you are.
Users browsing this thread: 9 Guest(s)
|
|
Recent Posts
|
|
New member
|
| Hello jeff,
Welcome aboard !
Sincerely Riochardradiorich — 06:53 PM |
|
New member
|
| Good picture,
When was it taken? You don't look in it like a guy who has a teenage son :)morzh — 06:13 PM |
|
New member
|
| Love the pic! I'm southern IL, so wouldn't be much help and Bob Anderson is very good on those, but lives in Chicago are...TV MAN — 05:25 PM |
|
Philco 40-120C Filament Wiring
|
| :thumbup:klondike98 — 04:56 PM |
|
Philco 40-120C Filament Wiring
|
| With these values I think you are OK; the Cmax for this tube is 40uF.
Your Vbb could rise a bit, but probably not too mu...morzh — 04:53 PM |
|
Philco 40-120C Filament Wiring
|
| BTW, someone had replaced the original 20uF/20uF filter cap with a 47uF/33uF cap. Do you think these values are safe on ...bluecap — 04:33 PM |
|
Philco 40-120C Filament Wiring
|
| You're correct. I was misinterpreting the key position. I now know where it is, and things are making sense. I appreciat...bluecap — 04:29 PM |
|
Philco 40-120C Filament Wiring
|
| I think Morzh has a good thought. Check the key position. The under chassis diagram in the Philco info shows an “H” for ...klondike98 — 04:25 PM |
|
Philco 630csx power cord
|
| Yes, the third wire goes to the stud on the side and is separate from the other two.
I've usually used cloth covered ...Tynwald — 03:09 PM |
|
New member
|
| Have you tried Alabama Historical Radio Society?
They possibly could recommend someone.
I remember a name of Dee Hanes...morzh — 03:08 PM |
|
Who's Online
|
There are currently 4809 online users. [Complete List]
» 2 Member(s) | 4807 Guest(s)
|
|
|
|
 
|
![[-]](https://philcoradio.com/phorum/images/bootbb/collapse.png "[-]")
