Saving A Filthy Philco Radio | Vintage Philco Radio Restoration

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Have you seen my Patreon page? I'm excited to announce that I'm posting Patreon exclusive videos and behind the scenes updates on my Patreon page! I'll still be posting videos here on KZbin just as I always have but I will also be posting exclusive videos to Patreon. These exclusive videos and updates are a way for me to say Thank You to the patrons that support me there. If you'd like to help support this channel and become a patron, the link is www.patreon.com/dashnerdesign . Thank you!

[@jimtongas821]

Sounds good I'll have to check it out. I blew up a shot of the Goodwill sticker. Looks like it paid 9.99 for the radio. That's a steal. Also looks like all the cuts are intact if you wanted send it out for restoration as well.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*That discoloration in the veneer (**24:38**) is fine.* It's a bit like Kintsugi - it can't travel from 1937 without a reminder of what it's been through.

[@virgilgrund9355]

You are the Bob Ross of furniture restoration. A calming presence in a hectic world.

[@VioletJoy]

You would probably also enjoy Barry from Mad City Modern if you aren't already following him. I love channels like this.

[@fluffykat1]

You have such an endearing channel, with straight forward, calm narrative and no music, it's really soothing for someone like me with sensory issues. I always look forward to your "Thanks for watching" at the end of your videos.

[@pmichelazzo]

For someone like me that have the radio waves in the veins (I’m an amateur radio and I worked in many different radio stations), this is amazing. You level on details is something crazy, like the spot under the light. I just unhappy that you didn’t restore the radio itself. Please, send the internals to someone to put this jewelry back on line. Will be amazing to listen the shortwaves radios like VOA or Deutsche Welle. Congratulations for your work.

[@jaytitus902]

Mr Radio does a little something extra to his chassis. He is correct that there isn't anything worth listening to on AM so he puts in a Bluetooth adapter so that you can stream music. Just like the good old days.

[@josepcb2882]

Un saludo de un ex -radioaficionado " EC3-BUR. SALUDOS DESDE BARCELONA CATALONIA

[@daleomiller]

I agree. I was hoping to see the radio fully functional again (at least replace all the aging capacitors).

[@rexjolles]

Shortwave is dead. I can't pick up anything besides some religious nut from 100 miles away and some Spanish preacher

[@toowey22]

youtube.com/@MrCarlsonsLab?si=5-ueQnzQQKoelMao

[@131dyana]

We used to go the electronic store and buy those tubes. We were at a loss when they stopped making the tubes. My Brother had to put all new parts inside so we could still have a radio. Miss my Brother. He passed on. Love watching you fix this radio. Thanks for the memories. God bless you.

[@elmerseiscientos]

❤

[@whiterabbit75]

There are sites that seel those old vacuum tubes and other old electronics parts, now.

[@icatz]

That art deco design is killer. We've lost something along the way. Thank you for saving this.

[@gordonadams5891]

Agreed. Also, I wonder why shortwave is no longer an option. We had a Philco console radio. The bass was amazing! One day the transformer (I think that's right) began smoking and it was gone. There was no replacement part available 😢

[@icatz]

@@gordonadams5891 Older radios had 2 settings on the dial to turn to in case of nuclear attack for government info. Not this one, but radios and then transistor radios in the 50s-70s. When I lived in England, most all the radios had a SW band. I have one here but I can't get anything. And then there was the day in the 70s I blew up our stereo playing Zeppelin....

[@phil6506]

was it stairway to heaven? @@icatz

[@icatz]

@@phil6506 Don't remember the song, but it was on Physical Graffiti.

[@stevencoffeen6684]

I restored a Philco console floor model a few years ago, but I not only had to restore the wood, but also the electronics. The wood took about as long to do as the electronics. Fortunately, I was able to get a complete schematic on line and was able to get all new tubes as well. The capacitors were all shot, so they had to be replaced in their entirety. A lot of time, but the end result was worthwhile. I had done this for a friend, because I liked the challenge and it was such a beautiful piece of multiple veneers. It like your radio was a 1937 vintage. My friends mother had remembered it when it was new. So, I had a bit of fun. I added an RCA plug connection in the back of the chassis and plugged a small CD player into it, and with a recording of FDR's WWII, "Day of Infamy" speech played it through the radio while her mother watched and listened. She exclaimed, "How did you do that?" I told her that I had made it a time machine!

[@queenbee3647]

You are reading my mind! I inherited my Dads old floor model Philco Radio/Turntable Player. Its art deco and filthy. Im retired and bored as heck. For a project this summer I was thinking of removing the tube innards, cleaning them, and refinishing the wood cabinet. The wood is curly maple and its gorgeous. Or it was. You do great work. Wish me luck. 🌞👍

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Don’t forget to take it to a repair man to put new caps in it

[@robinbryde3038]

Nicely done...I'm going back 70 years but fairly certain this same radio sat by my grandpa's chair. I remember a distinct smell as the tubes warmed up 😉

[@Flavum]

Stubborn knobs can often be removed by using two spoons placed on opposite sides of the knob to pry it off. A trick I've used to remove knobs from electric guitars during service. 😀

[@awr2217]

A little gem hiding underneath that old finish. Really looks awesome great job. I highly doubt anything mass produced today will even be around in 80+ years for the next generation of refinishers.

[@loisbolton1800]

That was beautiful. What gorgeous art deco lines. I think when doing a restoration it is important to acknowledge the piece’s life to safe, and not try to erase every flaw. I appreciate how you handled the veneer chip; respecting the past of this radio & making ‘good enough’ the damage so it’s beauty is still authentic. It will never be new, and we don’t want it that way.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

I had that same radio as a kid in the 60s'. Listened to shortwave programs while doing homework. It had an auxiliary antennae which went to the ceiling. My grandnephew has that radio now. You did an awesome job in the restoration and thanks for the memories. Happy Easter .

[@jillhoffman4140]

I admire your skill and attention to detail. It is amazing what you are able to bring out from old wooden pieces. Watching your videos is like watching an artist; your calm and patient approach is lovely. Thank you!

[@VioletJoy]

It's so satisfying to see old pieces like this restored to their former glory. What a beauty.

[@noobFab]

Such a gorgeous job, and has been mentioned elsewhere, I would echo how much your mellifluous tones add to the overall feel of your videos - soothing, easy watching, satisfying evening watching. Love this expansion of your output as well - I would watch you restore anything with a lovely wood finish like this!

[@Flecha57]

Who else keeps a box with old radio parts??? The Master Dashner, of course. I'm a big fan of your work. But now this video my favorite. I have a soft spot in my heart for old radios. They bring me back so many good memories of my childhood and teenage years. I guess we do not consider radios as "furniture" now, but in the past they certainly were. They were beautiful pieces. I'm so glad you picked up this radio. It was refreshing to see something different. I enjoyed every second of it. The end result was just a work of art. As always, nicely done! 👏👏👏

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you!

[@gydaanderson332]

Beautiful! I continue to be so appreciative of your calm, pleasant style. No need for crazy electronic music as you showcase your process and finished project. Thanks!

[@evelynhouston236]

Just beautiful.

[@RobWalsh]

I think this might be my favorite, of all the restorations you've done - amazing and beautiful! Thanks!

[@can-cruiser]

This has to be one of the best radio wood cabinet restoration videos I have seen. I restore antique radio and the cabinet is always the hardest part of my restoration. Many thanks for posting and sharing..

[@Wutzibutzi100]

The sheer level of patience is just phenomenal. And there's something soothing, comforting about your voice. I really like watching your videos. Thank you for the care taken in creating it.

[@loveisall5520]

Just like with early television, each one of these does have its own personality. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[@patjohnson3100]

Very good work. I like your restoration philosophy. Restoring old radio cabinets can be dicey. Veneer is thin and fragile, so you've got to be careful and not oversand. Matching the right color to damaged sections is also an art. Nice job.

[@stargazer1359]

It must give quite a sense of satisfaction in bringing this radio back to its former glory. You have so much respect for the history and design of each piece. Just imagine a family huddled around this old Philco listening to the news or a radio show. Magical. ✨

[@leightonwood4066]

Just incredible. I love these more complex restorations, great work as always.

[@rcdoodles6214]

Mesmerizing video to watch. Stunning restoration. I imagined hearing Winston Churchill speak when you turned it on at the end.

[@gbrickcommercialre]

Another truly masterful restoration! You do such meticulous work; it is a pleasure to watch, and always so much to learn! Good afternoon from Indianapolis, IN!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Very nice work on the cabinet!

[@berryconway4296]

An excellent restoration. It looks super. When you were removing the guts at the beginning all I could think was - don't slip on the ice and drop it.

[@mirandamom1346]

I appreciate hearing you discuss the pros and cons of the various restoration options

[@elizabethguerra3132]

Beautiful job sir have a great day with the snow you have there❤️

[@gtucci21]

In case you want to add another skill to your plethora of amazing skills (thank you! I've learned so much from you!) French polishing the shellac after sanding would have filled the grain really fast. You sand the shellac with a high grade like 400 grit and without wiping the dust away, you wipe a heavily diluted shellac across the piece. You essentially use the shellac dust as the filler and the alcohol remelts it enough to bond. I did this with an antique chest of drawers and the finish came out feeling like butter.

[@Paul-de8cv]

I live in Australia and I love your voice and craft passion. Seeing your face for the first time, not what I expected. No matter your content is way cool and very relaxing.

[@andrerogers9961]

Rotten stone and linseed oil is what I use to polish Bakelite. I always repair veneer chips with veneer. I soak old head and footboards in the bathtub and peel the old veneer off to have a source of wood that has the same oxidation/colour level. Your method isn't entirely professional but a great start to it contrary to what Chuckkirshner crassly spewed. Nice little tabletop radio with great Art Deco design. I have restored maybe 200 floor and table radios over the years. I enjoyed your video and restoration production. Cheers from Canada

[@progloriadei]

What a beautiful restoration! I loved watching you sort out all the ins and outs of this piece. And it's nice to see your face.

[@chrisperry7963]

A lovely job, you really brought that back to life. And not for nothing, the art deco lines in the lower left corner are sublime!

[@RestorationVideo]

*_The original is one of my favourite restorations. You guys do top work. Seriously impressive effort and results._*

[@eyeashl]

beautiful restoration as always! i really appreciate your honesty in the process and how much time you put into not only your projects, but the documentation and explanation. i especially love the cross section diagram (and your new logo!) can't wait to see what you do next!

[@joycejenkins0502]

My husband brought home an old Opus Hi Fi, it doesn’t work, but it’s very interesting looking. I was afraid to touch it, but now I think I want to restore the wood cabinet. I love listening to you. Your voice has such a calming affect. I’m happy to see your face now…who knew you had such striking blue eyes?!

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

Those eyes are beautiful. Nice smile too.

[@danielplasse6620]

Soooo impressed with your work and jealous. Beautiful job. Older radios in wood are awesome works of art. I still have a Fried Eisman from the 30s that needs restoration and I'm still building up the courage to dig in. Thanks for showing what you do. You are brilliant!!!

[@homemoviesandotherstuff3419]

That is so cool! I spent many hours in front of one of those radios listening to stories about the old west, and murder mysteries. I never appreciated how artistic the cabinets were. I gained a lot of appreciation for what you did. Thanks.

[@goofe.washington953]

I’ve watched many of these videos, but I’ve never seen something as beautiful as this refinished radio. And the historical aspect of this piece can’t be overlooked. Think of the family - or families - that sat and listened to radio programs for entertainment and, more importantly, for the news of the day. Think of listening to Roosevelt’s fireside chats that dealt with the Depression, the onset of WW II, etc, potentially on this very radio. This video was wonderful.

[@kathleengarness1660]

I agree, thank you for touching on the personal history. Powerful.

[@Life_of_Rita]

Or the most important of all: Orphan Annie while children across the country consulted their club member ring: "Be sure to drink your Ovaltine!"

[@bhgemini]

Loved the explanation of the shellac technique using your desktop whiteboard.

[@caroltanzi29]

This radio restoration was very interesting. I especially enjoyed your explanation and diagram of how the process worked. An excellent tutorial. A very nice accessory for your home. Carol from California

[@franzr.8087]

It's nice that you repair these old objects and that they are preserved for posterity. Good work and many greetings from Germany. 😊👍

[@BabyMissions]

I had one of these i picked up at a goodwill, i love old radios... especially the smell when the tubes get warm... excellent video sir! Would love to see more old radio restos on your channel.

[@lynnlamastres3424]

How lovely! The radio is gorgeous. Thank you for your content. I always enjoy watching you work and hearing your explanations.

[@larryquirk4397]

After all the many videos of yours that I have happily watched it is nice finally to see your face. Thanks for all the great work you do.

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

I was so excited when you found the replacement logo! I used to use similar decals on model cars back in the day. I appreciate the whiteboard explanation of the process of filling the pores in the veneer. It didn’t make sense to me before the illustration. The completed project is absolutely gorgeous. If you didn’t keep it, I hope it found a good home.

[@justkiddin84]

This radio was beautifully designed the first time-the deco details on the dial ❤❤Thank Heaven you found it, and not some doofus who would have tossed it in the trash or painted it with graffiti. 😢 Great job, as always!

[@jennlizzy2019]

One of the most unique restorations I've watched on KZbin. Great job and I really enjoyed the process. Thank you.

[@farmerconnie8172]

Such beauty… I love that period. you made my day, Dashner ❤❤

[@lorelynleisure4048]

Beautiful! To think this was the center of some family's life during the depression and WWII. Thank you for sharing! The Negative Nancy Chuck needs prayer, he must have a really sad life.

[@DougKeeling]

Great project as usual! And I think this is the first time I've seen your face, which was great. If you ever need vintage graphics or decals reproduced, I'd be happy to work on a project like this, free of charge.

[@JqlGirl]

It looks so nice. :) I know it's not the purpose of the channel, but I would have loved to see even a couple of minutes about the electric components, like just showing what you do to clean them/test them, etc. They looked in good shape, but even a brief overview would have been nice.

[@pou618]

It's absolutely beautiful. First time I've seen you. We always just heard your voice.

[@wandrinyew]

BTW, I like the way you talk us through the process, and how you work with simple, hand tools.

[@michaelcesa5026]

I especially like the way that you think out loud. I often try my own projects and do exactly as you did. You keep the whole thing in perspective and know when to stop and know when to continue ………a lot of great advice during the video . Keep up the good work.

[@jbart5260]

You do such great work. I really enjoy your thorough and clear explanations and analysis of products and procedures. Thanks for taking the extra moments to educate your viewers.

[@wgoconnor33]

I’m amazed you found a working radio! Your restoration of an old piece was amazing, even the new decal . Good job , I would be very proud to have that radio .

[@Hall102]

You've really outdone yourself on this one. I love old radios and have one a dear aunt left to me. That's just beautiful.

[@colleenmccarthy-evans3149]

Beautiful. And love your staticky voice-overs. 😊

[@franklindjservices9844]

I really appreciate your craftsmanship attention to detail and clear step by step processes. I have several vintage radios that I will be refinishing this year. Your video gives me hope of my doing to decent job. Thank you

[@Atitagain-zm5nz]

This radio is a testament to a bygone age of quality american craftsmanship. Thank you for doing such a great job on restoring this beauty.

[@sw6188]

The veneer repair looks fine. Old radios are going to have some blemishes and defects - it goes with the territory. You will never make it look like it just rolled off the showroom floor. I restore old radios and I'm fussier than most, and if I was doing this repair and it came out looking as good as you have got it I'd be very happy. Will you be going over the chassis and restoring that to working condition as well? Be good to see it running.

[@abdullahali5039]

Hi Congratulations, I watched the whole work, it's really very, very cool my regards Have a good day Abdullah from the State of Kuwait

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@jamiechandley7369]

It looks great. You did a fine job. Thanks for sharing.

[@powerWithinUs4055]

Exquisite. Especially the very end, the placement on the table with other lovely pieces…beautiful scale.

[@chappy675]

Was in the only one blowing on my screen when he was scraping the old finish off and creating the dust?😅. I absolutely love this. Something different and so fun to watch it come back to life!!

[@TheTygerslair]

Excellent work, as always! I love how you explain what you're doing in such detail. It really helps me when I'm refinishing furniture. Keep those videos coming!!

[@alves02]

hey man just a tip about the spray can that was "spitting", its probably because of the low temperature, try to let the cans in a warm water before you use it and shake it well also, but be carefull because hot temperatures could explode the can, just warm enough to improve the mixture inside the can and you shoundt get the spitting problem.

[@stevehill4615]

Was going to say the same myself, I was curious of what the temperature was in that garage.

[@paulhendershott667]

I think another way to handle the restoration on the front (and sides) that you might look into would be to use a Mohawk aerosol product spray (toner?) that melts the original varnish finish and reforms it with the pigmented toner spray. That way you can keep the the original Logos on the radio. You go very slowly in multiple applications so you don't get any runs. It's an amazing product and I used it on hundreds of radio restorations over the years. They have dozens of hue of colors that you can put on lightly or build up in layers. Nice video! 😊😊

[@A_125_Voltios]

I really liked your restoration, which is undoubtedly simply brilliant and very elaborate. Your explanation at 17:33 is very illustrative for someone who is new to this, although believe me... there are those who take time and still learn something new like me. Thank you!

[@vbee3571]

Excellent job! These old radios are small works of art and will make any room instantly more classy! 🌟 This was well-worth saving.

[@paloma2364]

Brilliant! That last Thanks for watching in a scratchy old radio voice was epic!

[@xlerb2286]

I have what I would guess is that same radio in a different case. In mine the speaker is on top of the knobs and the dial rather than off to the side. But it's the same knobs and dial in the same layout. It was my grandparent's radio. Mom and I used to sit up listening to the shortwave bands on it using an old curtain rod for an antenna. It's been years since I've powered it up. Very happy to see you giving that radio some love and attention.

[@suburbanrancherMD]

Love watching your work and learning your reasoning for your decisions.

[@georgebrown8312]

That restoration job looks much better than before. Excellent work on the refinishing.

[@gmill7911]

I haven't seen your channel for a while. I really like the new format!

[@jonathanstabley309]

I love those old radios. Nice job!

[@j.m.7056]

Wonderful restoration! Thank you so much for explaining the steps you take. Also, the camera work supports the process so well!

[@matambale]

Beautiful radio, outstanding restoration, loved the PHILCO decal - perfect. The internals really deserve electronic restoration, too.

[@jahanas22]

That’s such a beautiful piece. I have an affinity for old radios.

[@geologyjoerocks]

That’s a great radio and great restoration. I love art deco fixtures like that, and to see them look how they did when they were new is like a window into the past!

[@ces1932]

My goodness, it's beautiful, well done!

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you!

[@patriciamoody3137]

This is the first video of yours I’ve watched with your face. Nice to put a face with your voice. Beautiful restoration.

[@Flecha57]

He made a face reveal for the 100th video. Check it out. 🤩

[@petenamlook18]

Would love to see you refinish some speaker cabinets.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Stay tuned. I may actually do that.

[@StevenBuchanan]

Do you restore the inside of the radio also? Might make for a nice 2nd channel. This channel you do the exterior and send people to the other channel for the electronics! I want to see a receiver or turntable next.

[@howardoller443]

SO NICE! You did an excellent job. Thank you for restoring that beautiful old radio.

[@ALayne08]

I think it looks great along with the patter changes in the wood. There are other dark places in the pattern as well. Great job.

[@shirleychavez2758]

Wow! love how it turned out. You did an awesome restoration of this radio.

[@fetchingphotos]

That really turned out nice! Your videos make me want to go scouting thrift stores for projects!

[@TheREALOC1972]

I couple of years ago I got my grandparents console radio with a turn table, the radio and Turn table still work but the cabinet is very rough shape. I'm planning on building my own cabinet but I'm going to build it a little taller than it was originally because I'm going to add a 42" to the cabinet, I live in a tiny house and having it all in 1 is just a space saver.

[@walterappling6230]

These projects are so satisfying to watch.

[@dionmorehouse3643]

Very nice work! I have this same model needing resto, but have been putting off the work because I didn't know how I would restore the "pin striping". Since you proved they were inlays, I now have the confidence and motivation to take this one on. Also: I've been having a lot of problems getting grain filler to work the way I think it should. You did a nice job demonstrating its use, so that's another reason for me to start on the 610T. Thank you!

[@jerrys9226]

Beautiful work! I love old radios. A lot of them had beautiful cabinetry,especially the free standing ones.

[@NorthPole1]

Beautifully well done!

[@gregghernandez2714]

Wow what a great find, and video. This reminds me so much of the novel "All The Light We Cannot See." It takes place during the Nazi occupation of France during the 40s and the story is about a blind girl and a boy who is a prodigy with electronics. He has the ability to actually build a radio from parts from what I remember. Your find is really a beautiful piece. Thanks for keeping it from ending up in a landfill.

[@jill552]

It’s beautiful. Great job. I have my grandmother’s old radio and had the radio repaired. It’s lovely to listen to.

[@lisacaldwell3460]

May I ask what state or where you got yours fixed? Looking for someone to do my grammas!

[@ricjamil3073]

It looks great! Everything you refinish looks great.