Thank you for making this video. I am in the process of redoing my office/craft room into a more vintage feel and would love to have an old style radio in a corner. I'd been wondering if this was doable and now that I've watched this, I'm feeling more comfortable with attempting it myself. Thanks again!
As an antique radio collector, I hate being called a purist because my only goal is to preserve those things, who played a critical role in our history and will never be obsolete. Depending on what you're looking for, there will always be a model of radio who will satisfy you in style and sound, working on its original and repairable circuitry. You can listen to whatever you want on a radio with an iPhone plugged or linked by bluetooth in a cheap little AM or FM broadcaster that your radio will receive on the frequency you chose. Of course, all of this may seem complicated for some of you, but it's perfectly accessible. There are thousands of people who will be glad to help and guide you through internet forums, Facebook groups and antique radio collectors clubs to realize your project in a cheap, environment-friendly and history respectful way. This being said, I'm glad you are satisfied with your work.
i to collect and restore old radios i would have loved to have seen this one put back to original shape but if it was beyond his capabilities or desires to do so then this is the next best thing to do at least the cabinet was saved and the appearance is there and maybe some day he will pull that old radio out and show his kids what a new approach and ambition can produce.bravo i say bravo! a very good job! well done.
I really hate to see people do this. If it was as complete as he said it was, he could have had it running in a couple of hours and with much less effort that it took to totally ruin it like this. And in the end, he _still_ could have played his music through it _and_ had a working piece of American history that he could have passed to his children. But this? No. When this breaks, it can't be fixed and will be thrown away. What a shame.
Arthur Hollingsworth Art i see your point but in this case i don't think it was within his abilities to do a restoration job. i have ruined many a radio and tv just trying to understand how they worked. i did not understand all the work and ingenuity that it took to bring that piece of equipment to my bench so i learned. instead of tossing the radio out this young man took the approach of utilizing it differently.if the wright brothers didn't change and rearrange the kite and an engine they would never have developed powered flight.the day is coming when there will be no radio signals to receive no public broadcast ,like we have today Then where we be? sitting in the dark with our glowing sets listing to white noise now this may be a crude abortion of a radio but who knows maybe this approach will inspire him or someone else to create newer and better things.
I've picked up an old radiogram that has a semi-working radio and turntable. In my case I am going to get the original radio and gramophone refurbished and will refit them into the cabinet that I am going to fix up myself. However I am also going to look into adding bluetooth capability like this in the ample spare space of the radiogram so that I can run internet radio and a digitised music collection into it. I see this as an answer to the question of whether we should preserve the old or use it as a carcass for the new - I'm going to do both so that my grandchildren will see a working example of an antique from 1957 which has been upgraded by their grandad in 2015. History is not just about things, it is about what we do with those things, the story behind them. In this case the maker's grandkids might indeed inherit a non-working carcass because one or more of the components, the bluetooth puck or the amp probably, will no longer be working. I would like to think that they will in their turn use the carcass into something that they will use on a daily basis by replacing the non-working junk with a holographic projector perhaps? Maker: you've made your creative statement by using this as something that will be a part of your life. The real crime would be for this piece to end up in landfill. Good video, I'll take your input on board!
Thanks for the tutorial. I'm going to try this on a few old radios i have that have bit the dust. I see that there are a few who are purists and have gotten upset over this. I'd like to point out that most people would throw these non-working radios in the trash (i've pulled a few out myself) and that most new generation people don't have the skills, patience, know how or appreciation for antiques to bring these back to life or find someone to. Functionality meets Antique and breathes new life.
Looks good I just did one it's a floor standing 1935 Stewart Warner radio, I used a Bluetooth speaker that I tore Apart so I didn't need the amplifier and I left all original parts except the speaker in it I kept the speaker though so it can be reversed only thing replaced was speakers and speaker cloth also added RgB LEDs behind dial with a music controller. I also have another Emerson 1930's radio I'm going to do differently.
Hey man - don't mind the people complaining about this project, I think this is great. Everyone has their own interests and not everyone has to be a "purist." Thanks for sharing the build!
Wow. I've wanted to find an old shell of a vintage radio, preferably an Atwater Kent tombstone like the 447, and set it up either with bluetooth or an iPod jack so I can have huge playlists of music and Old Time Radio shows playing through it. Didn't have the slightest idea it could upset so many people.
Great video. I restore old telephones for a living. Although I don't think rare and collectors models should be done this way I do believe its great to have something that would have remained in a dusty cupboard or landfill up cycled to be used and enjoyed. The externals remain original and look fantastic and now sounds brilliant. Well done. Technology changes but the design and style remain the same and will live on.
AM and Shortwave are obsolete to the 'average' technology savvy person today. We want FM, MP3, Bluetooth and AUX to play new modes of music. Sorry, I've been "saving old radios from landfills" and adding this same NEW technology to give them 'new purpose' as pieces of USA workmanship from the 1930s-1940s (wood). If the radio is not working, I cut the cord to reduce risk of starting a fire in someone's home. You NEVER leave these old radios plugged in like we do to everything today. This young man has a FANTASTIC idea here and he too is giving old (plastic) radios a 2nd life in homes today.
I want to do this also, but I'd like to use the original tube amp and speaker that are in there and just disconnect the am receiver in a reversible way.
@coolbluelights Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm not going to respond to any of your specific points because I think I've already shared my views. But this is the internet where there is room enough for all of us, and that's what makes it great.
That's ok, I did read the comments. just felt the need to voice my opinion as an antique radio restorer. I will add though, the very least you could do is sell the old chassis on Ebay. there are a lot of vintage radio enthusiasts who are seeking a new chassis for their cabinets or vice versa.
I could have kept the tube amplifier, made it work, and added Bluetooth so you could pair and listen with your phone. If you find another you want that way hit me up.It's not expensive and it sounds awesome. Mike
Very cool. I like the fact that you reworked the dial to make it appear to be functional and made the volume control operational. I collect and restore radios and other equipment, mostly pre WW-II, and would say that I'm a "purist". Yes, I cringe a bit that you tossed the original chassis, but you added those touches to maintain the "user interface", so, nice work! You obviously put some thought in to the project and appreciated the radio enough to not just toss it out. The Glenn Miller was a nice touch. I've actually done a couple of Bluetooth conversions on vintage sets that I've restored and use frequently. It's very easy to interface a receiver board with the original chassis with 2-4 minor, EASILY REVEASIBLE wiring changes. I can listen to any music that I desire, hear it through the original tube chassis and my "purist" conscience is clear. I unplug one small cable and they work like God, Zenith and Philco intended. :)
lsrx101 Thanks for your comments! I really like your utilizing both the old and new with just one small wiring adjustment. That's really cool. You can never go wrong with Glenn Miller! ;)
***** Glenn Miller rocks! So does Rob Zombie! :) I added the info about my conversions mainly for those that were bashing your particular conversion. Glad you appreciate it. though. Some folks feel that old and new can't coexist. Your old radio is sitting there making music, just like it was made to do back in about 1939, and looking exactly the same as it did back then. Mine do the same. Two different means to the same end via Bluetooth..
Sad to say old radios are not worth much except sentimental value. I have a old GE tube type from the 1940's that still works but I simply want it to transmit Bluetooth to remote speakers. Will the old tubes interfere with the Bluetooth signal?
Seeing all the people complaining about you using this antique radio made me go out and buy one from Craigslist so I can convert it too. I like that you use bluetooth on this that is what I am going to do also.
You could have gotten the radio repaired (or done it yourself) and make a bluetooth AM transmitter. The transmitter receives the bluetooth signal and rebroadcasts it to the radio over AM. Much more nostalgic and true to the original radio. That's what I do anyway.
A very interesting project i think i got most of the gist the only issue is - you mention removing the old radio's volume control knob and welding it to the new replacement unit, using JB WELD? Is this a US variant method of attaching a metal component to what would be a fairly delicate/sensitive electronic unit?
it would have probably been easier to repair the original circuit and add a bluetoth module to it connected to the amplifier section of the radio...most old radios die due to the paper-wax capacitors failing, sometimes its just the mains dropper resistor etc.even replacement tubes can be found cheap...there are schematics online for most models...they use no ICs or whatsoever so anybody with patience can rewire them no matter how messed up they are..its a shame to gut that beautifull radio it is a piece of art outside and inside something that will never be built again...now its a beautifull radio filled with crap
Michael Esbensen Sorry for the delay replying. I never thought of doing a battery. That is not my forte, so I hesitate to make a suggestion. I would look at salvaging parts from an old boombox or something maybe? Anyone else out there with a suggestion?
A radio that has survived for 70 years is converted into something that no one will care about 20 years from now. It most likely will end up in the trash. It would not have been that hard to fix. There is tons of information on the internet on fixing up old radios and adding an iPod jack or using an AM transmitter so the radio can remain intact yet still play modern music.
Well done man. I like doing hacks like this too. I like how you made the amp gain control work as the original vol. knob. Pretty cool how that worked out. I've done a similar hack to a small portable 1957 transistor radio. Took it from useless to funky cool useful.
You know, repairing these tube radios isn't too hard. Parts are still available. I restored a Zenith 10 tube console and have it hooked up to my computer.
+Joshua's Recordings On back of my console there is a "TV/RADIO" 2- pin-hole connection. I purchased a connection cable that connects to my speaker computer connection. The other end, I cut and stripped the wire. At this point, you will see a red, black wire and a shield. I stripped the red and black wire insulation, twisted the ends together and placed a Radio Shack pin connection on them. I twisted the shield end and placed a pin connection. I connected these two pins into the Zenith console, red/black wire on top hole and the shield connection on the bottom hole. I switched the console connection on the "TV" mode. I went back to my computer, selected any song from itunes and music came from my console. I've had this connection for several years now with-out any problems. If you don't have this "TV/Radio" connection I suggest purchasing a Ramsey AM transmitter which cost $35.00 and works well. This is a kit and soldering is required and the instructions is pretty straight forward. I may have a cheapy AM Ramsey transmitter laying around here and it worked fine.
I wrote in the description that it cost me around $50. This was a few years ago so it might be a bit more. Also it depends on if you use a generic Bluetooth receiver or a smart device like an Amazon echo. That also excludes the cost of the radio.
How did you connect the wire to the speakers with clips? Im new to this stuff trying to do one for myself, I bought a mini amp just trying out to figure out speakers. Thanks!!
don't quite see how you are changing stations with the original knob and the new receiver... btw, it us relatively easy to add an input jack to an old radio, if it's working okay
Joe Cardella I don't remember the specific LED. I had it leftover from another project. If you go into Radio Shack, they can help you figure out which LCDs and which resistors to use with 5v USB power.
@thegreenworkbench unfortunately, haters gonna hate. If you arent doing what they want then you are wrong. Ignore their comments you own the radio you didnt break into their house and do this to their radio so no concerns. I am Contemplating doing a modernization of a 80 year old Stromberg-Carlson 63. Was thinking AM/FM USB and bluetooth. I have owned the radio for over 50 years and it has sat unused all that time. Would rather see it gutted and used daily. Repurposing these old gems is part of the fun of finding them. Hell I have a 1920 radio cabinet that my wife's grandfather turned into a small curio cabinet. It is a prized family heirloom with a waitlist of family wanting it when it is time to pass it along. Love your stuff I subscribed and will watch more of your stuff any day!
Perhaps someone already asked this, but is there a reason you did not create Bluetooth capability with the original tubes intact?? I love the warm sound of the tube speakers that warmed up and played on my grand parents radio. Is that a dumb question? I only listen to oldies anyways. Thanks. Great video!!
I have a working tube radio from 1936. I am restoring the cabinet and want to add bluetooth. Anyone have suggestions on the best way to add the bluetooth?
+Melissa Dessent I just got another radio and am going to do the same so I don't have an answer for you yet. There are some online tutorials, and I will post a video when I finish. Good luck!
OMG you killed it...that radio (was) an excellent perfumer in 1937-8,now it looks nice buttt has only slightly more appeal than a Thomas reproduction .....and the repro would have been cheaper!
It would have taken half an hour to replace the bad electrolytics and solder an aux cable to the volume control, this would allow you to plug your phone in and also still use it as a vintage radio, this would have been fully reversible and wouldn't have ruined 70 years of history.
late to the party here, but if this a "Gilligan's Island" Packard Bell (and Packard Bells aren't that common to begin with) you just blew a $300-$400 paycheck for one in good condition. Why do you try selling these before gutting them. You'd be better off.
Laurens Mollemans Yes, although it depends on your speaker set up. I have a rear facing speaker as well, soif I were to cover it, I would use cloth. If you only do a front facing speaker, you could cover the back with an 1/8 inch ply.
As a historian myself, I think this is a good idea. Sure, restore that old AM radio, why? AM radio only broadcasts mexican music and news and sounds like crap. I like this idea because no one listens to the radio anymore. However, I have an old Grundig Majestic that has FM and a record player and sounds like nothing else you can buy today. Totally worth saving. Nothing like that old tube sound.
what he hell ?Excuse me but their are all kinds of wonderful AM stations where I am and they even play old radio shows.....and tubes make AM sound wonderful even in mono
Very creative, but I don't buy it. You keep saying you are not an electrician and that you didn't know how to fix that old radio. Not true you are way smarter than that. Would that old radio have sounded the same as your new amp and stereo speakers? No, I restore old radios and I can tell you the two are very distinct sounds. Some like the one sound, some the other. And hey, if you like what you did that's all that counts. There are lots of those old radios around and if you want to do that with your old radio, have at it. I think it's a novel use of an old box. Thanks for sharing with us.
This is sort of like taking a 1959 Fender Stratocaster and gutting it out and putting in the Guitar Hero interface so it plays on your game console. . It would have been better to order a new replica of an old radio from Amazon. Oh well...
Das ist einfach nur traurig! Solcher Mist zeugt nur davon, dass man nicht fähig ist, eigene Gehäuse zu bauen. Schäm Dich! Historische Geräte muss man erhalten, nicht zerstören.
There are many instances where people have added bluetooth respectfully to these old radios. I can be done. You can have the best of both worlds, and still keep the original functionality I don't agree with you about adding bluetooth being stupid. I like the concept of retrofitting bluetooth to vintage radios if it is done correctly.
this is not converting an antique radio to use bluetooth. This is gutting unreplaceable electronics that are no longer made and replacing the guts with modern crap.
Sorry I am a purist. Rather than destroy what's there from original chassis with this conversion, change a few bad electrolytics to get her going again and buy an AM transmitter and broadcast into the set anything you'd like.
AS an antique radio restorer myself (and a young one I might add) I find this video appalling. it just makes me sick to my stomach... the better option would have been to have the radio restored and use an AM transmitter with it if you want to play your own music on it. even if they do discontinue AM radio broadcasting in the future you still wasted a perfectly fixable chassis. an AM transmitter can still be used with the original chassis of a vintage radio. I sincerely hope no one else follows your advice and destroys another classic radio. 20 years from now that bluetooth crap you put in will be unfixable trash while if the original chassis was spared it would still be working. my advice to you: learn woodworking skills to design and build your own cabinets rather than destroying history.
You can buy these old cabinets at the auctions in PA for $10 all day. At least he's getting use out of it, rather then throwing it out. They're a dime a dozen..
Mmmm, I didn't know they made AM transmitters. I have an old table radio from around 1940 or so, it still works but we live in the middle of nowhere, AM radio is crappy here. I'd like to keep the radio as - is but play my music on it.
And by the way, you can call us "purists" but that's not really what we antique radio restorers are. we're historians. people who work very hard to keep the spirit of the golden age of radio alive, people who think tube audio is really freaking cool and you don't have to be over 50 to think that. no, a true purist would be someone who takes every individual under-chassis capacitor and resistor and re-stuff's it with modern components. there are people out there that do that and I respect what they do but I just cannot respect someone who throws away a restorable chassis in the name of "making it more relevant to the modern world" I'm sorry. it's just despicable in my opinion.
I know you thought you were doing and ingenious inconvenient thing but you totally destroyed a beautiful working radio that could been restored. If you want to do this again please learn a little more electronics so you can add your Bluetooth to the existing radio and get it working somehow without destroying it
