Grundig 3160 tube radio restoration, part 4. The clutch is gone. Time for MacGyver tactics.

[@mostlyoldthings]

Personally I really like your approach and find it informative and entertaining, keep doing everything exactly the way you are doing it.

[@steelcity321pb6]

Thank you for your company my friend - the pleasure of seeing you restore Vintage Radios is ours. In my You Tube channel, I attempt to aim somewhere between repair, and restoration purely because I worked in audio, and television servicing for almost thirty-six years where I had no option but to adhere to time limits - old ways of working die slowly LOL. Sadly, servicing work of that sort no longer exists so I now work in alternative employment. Nonetheless I like your approach, as well as the approach of most other (what I refer as) Vintage Electronics Men, towards achieving a finished objective. Let’s face it, we repair and restore for the love of doing so, and that, to my way of thinking, is mostly what it’s about. Once again, thank you my friend ...continue what you love doing. Regards, Phil.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thank you Phil.

[@preiter20]

Ignore the idiots. Love your channel! Looking forward to the next part.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks

[@willardbelinowicz7786]

Thanks for making this video. I’m wrapping up a restoration on a Grundig 2260U, the big issue was the tuning clutch, thanks to your video I wasn’t afraid to tackle it. I cut a hard rubber plug to size and used that along with some anchor screws. I always learn something from your videos. Regards Bill -Gallatin, Tennessee USA.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Glad it helped you.

[@danielsaturnino5715]

Brilliant! Making your own clutch. Now that is my kind of repair. I love it. I did cringe a bit when you said no cap was replace de but then I recall you use the lamp limiter. Thanks for sharing!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

My pleasure.

[@allunread1358]

Please please ignore that negative comment you mentioned at the end. This is a superb channel, the pace, commentary and procedure are perfect. Those of us that look forward to every new video vastly outnumber that person making the complaint. Like you say it is a hobby and my guess is that is true for your audience as well.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks for that. I didn’t actually take that comment to heart, but just wanted to clarify the purpose of the channel. I’m quite a stubborn character, so a few negative comments don’t really affect me.

[@paulbache3940]

ingenious, great work, such positive attitude is needed in these troubled times

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks

[@markbrownfield437]

This is useful to me - I have a similar one with a cracking clutch disk. That looks like a fine solution. The pace is what it needs to be; not sure why someone would criticize rather than skip over parts like a normal person.

[@chairuser4]

great progress

[@martintelfer3373]

Inspired by this, I repaired the clutch on a 3060a I'm restoring today. It's a little different with the flywheel in the center and two friction wheels. It was slipping, so I dismantled it and cleaned it (didn't have to unwind any dial cords) but to no avail. So I epoxied an annulus of high quality abrasive paper to each side and hey presto - works perfectly. Next up is the intermittent volume pot, and the non-tweeting electrostatic tweeter - those are fun.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Oh boy. The tweeter .... good luck.

[@kennethiman2691]

Two points. First, my background is psychology. You seem much more relaxed and friendly lately. Very nice. Second, I bought a vibrating polisher like gun shell reloaders use. You put in some walnut media, throw in your small parts and let it run a few days. Polishes parts that look like new. Especially small or odd shaped parts that would be difficult to hand polish. Well worth the expense.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’ve seen those polishers. Saves a lot of manual work. Great idea. Well, I’ve just been analysed :) You’re spot on with your evaluation. Considering that this could be construed as a doctor -patient confession, in absolute privacy, I’ll admit that being at home with my wife and daughter for the last week has been unbelievably gratifying. I know that it’s ironic, considering the circumstances, but it’s a fact for me. Having a tube radio to restore at leisure is just the icing on the cake. Thanks doc. Don’t tell anyone :) they’ll call me crazy.

[@saarike]

Just a great work! Everybody makes thing own way to achieve the same goal, witch is in this case working radio or resurrect other electrical/mechanical device to life again. Thanks for sharing information.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

My pleasure

[@andybbeck2043]

Very interesting

[@criageek]

Nice work, as always! I recently did a Grundig SO202US with a chassis that is very, very similar to this one. It too had a broken clutch disk. I was able to 3D print a replacement that works well. I also printed a new mount and cover for the ferrite rod antenna to give it some protection. I've been restoring radios for about 3 years and every single radio I've done has benefited from the3D printer. Most actually have parts in them that I designed and printed, but a few just needed a jig of some sort or a speaker protector or something. My 3D printer has easily paid or itself!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Which printer do you have?

[@criageek]

I've had a Prusa Mk2S for 3 years. Their latest model in that line is a Mk3S, but last fall they came out with a Mini. It's been very popular so it is taking a while to get the one I ordered in November...the last I saw it was supposed to ship in early April. Obviously it has a smaller bed than the Mk2S or Mk3S, but I estimate that over 95% of what I've printed could have been done on the Mini. It looks like the lead time for a Mk2S kit is 1 - 2 weeks, or if you wanted one pre-assembled it takes about 5 weeks.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Rich Frahm : thanks

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Dont bother about negative comments. This guy is the type of people who expects everybody to help solve their problems fast and expect you to be proud that you helped exactly that person and they dont have to be thankful. They would NEVER help anybody else since they "dont have the time" (dont care actually), unless it is for a lot of money. I have learned to spot them and ignore them and the ones I know of, dont get anything done anymore. Wonderful channel you have, carry on and stay happy, please.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thank you. Keep safe.

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Ingenious repair! I wonder if that old piece could have been repaired with a bit of JB Weld epoxy. Redrilling and tapping the hole should have then been possible but might have required a drill press to keep the metal from breaking. Never would have thought to use a button from my wife's coat. Brilliant! I'll have to remember that.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Whatever works :)

[@waynethompson8416]

While I do sometimes find myself a bit irritated with your "waffling on" and wishing that you did things a bit different, because I exercise patience and continue to watch through to the end, you bless me and others with genuine gems of information...concepts, ideas, methods, creations, etc. that are very helpful, educational, inspiring, encouraging, enlightening, and in some cases absolutely amazing. I enjoy your channel and watch it frequently!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thank you Wayne. Even I get a little irritated with my waffling :) The reason (no excuse) is that most of the observations are done on camera, and I don’t only “report back” as I probably should. I’m working on it :) Thanks.

[@waynethompson8416]

@@electronicsoldandnew , I actually enjoy your "observations", lets me in on your thought process.

[@DerekHerbst747]

Those clutch disks are the Grundig radios' Achilles heel.. I have seen a lot of them failed like this. Good fix! I like the ELL80 circuit. Punchy sounds! Let me know if you need help sourcing a spare.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks Derek.

[@dougmcartin3881]

The long wave beacon that you were hearing was identifying as PST which is in Porto Santo. It's on a frequency of 338 KHZ. You might want to use that as a reference later when you are checking your dial alignment. Coming along nicely. MacGyver would be proud. ATB Doug.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Doug McArtin : now that Info is useful. I hadn’t bothered to check, so now I will use it as it’s less that 50km Away.

[@giovannimai2717]

Hi May you writer medico product use with the brush.? Alcool? Thanks Giovanni

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Using IPA is better because it doesn’t leave a residue. The other alcohol may do so. You’ll need to try it. The idea is using something that evaporates quite quickly to prevent shorts.

[@giovannimai2717]

@@electronicsoldandnew sorry. What is IPA ?

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Isopropyl alcohol

[@watchyMCFCwatchy]

Here's what I do on my sets. I use brake cleaner in a small pump action sprayer together with a similar brush that you use. Then blow it off with the air line. It's especially good for tuning caps. It should save you half the time cleaning. It might be worth investing in a compressor in your workshop, not just for cleaning but for laquering too. I have had bad experiences with Grundig's clutch system in the past. The gear driven system on Graetz sets is much better. Good luck with that one! Michael.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’ve been thinking about getting an airbrush system precisely for that purpose. My idea was use IPA and then use the brush, then IPA again to wash off the grime. Your system sounds better. As for the clutch system, it’s a pain to repair but not too difficult. As I’m sure you’ve found, that which used to scare us because we didn’t know how to tackle, now scares us because we know just how much work it’s going to take to fix it :)

[@watchyMCFCwatchy]

@@electronicsoldandnew This is the type of thing I use if it's any help: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wurth-Pump-Bottle-Brake-Cleaner-Multi-Pack-Offer/192029959754?epid=515519999&hash=item2cb5e0a64a:m:mtZAs3EFD8SjJ1r95sm0OlA Be warned, brake or carb cleaners are a very effective and aggressive solvent, so don't use it on piano keys or anything plastic. I found out this to my cost a couple of years ago. Needless to say I was not best pleased, and yes, I did swear! You can not use brake cleaner in a regular garden type sprayer, it has to be the Wurth item. For less aggressive solvents White Spirit is a good choice for all round general cleaning, including plastics. This is what I tend to use nowadays. Hope this helps. Michael.

[@geofham8332]

Hi,many thanks love the way you do things. Ignore the moaners. Look forward to future videos. Again many thanks. From Nr Liverpool uk.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Geof HAM : thanks

[@orange70383]

I've had a dozen or so of these German radios, and although the switching mechanisms seem strange and complicated, they actually function pretty reliably.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

They do

[@ssks1979]

To those who rant and have nothing good to say -- just move on and let the rest of us who enjoy restoration projects continue watching this channel as is.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Exactly what I do. Thanks.

[@alastairchestnutt6416]

Good fix of the clutch. Should be a fine radio at the end of the restoration.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’m sure it will be.

[@ricardoruchguimaraes3403]

Yours videos are very good, keep doing this. About the clutch, it is made of antimony (an alloy of aluminium and others metals that I don´t know). This parts are injected in a die like a plastic. However if the compound are not mixed in the correct proportions, have this problem. After long period the material fragment like an old cookie. Good work but I would try to do a pulley of aluminum with rings of felt glued in each side (as in reel to reel tape records in the clutch mecanism). I am looking foward the calibration.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’ll probably revisit this project in the future to replace the clutch, but I TA going to work for now (and it’s cost me a coat for my wife :)

[@magomat6756]

Your channel is great. I like your work. Let de videos come.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks

[@ianide2480]

I actually just wanted a 3D printer to have one, not because of it's usefulness. I purchased the cheapest crap I could find, decided what I didn't like about it, then I built my own with improvements to the old in mind. Now I make changes to it all the time, different extruder, motors, improved electronics, minor and major changes to different parts; hell tinkering with it has been more of a hobby to me than actual printing. I have found many useful things to print though: a pen holder for work, a new handle for a 50 foot tape measure, a bracket for a auto light, any number of small spacers for many different things, completely new case for a broken flashlight, and the list goes on... Now when I create an electronics project (like the capacitor tester that you made and I duplicated) I printed an enclosure for it with perfect spaced and sized holes, standoffs built in, and a back cover. I own a small 3D router as well so I make my own PCBs for many different projects. I enjoy tinkering more than the final creation. Don't worry about whatever anyone has to say, I've learned a TON from guys like you, Mr Carlson, and xraytonyb here on youtube. There are so many little tid bits in almost all these videos and I'll keep enjoying and learning as long you keep posting. Thank you for sharing your hobby my friend.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks Ian.

[@50of50]

Ignore the idiots. I love your channel and I am inspired. I have the same hobby and similar set up in my garage. I don’t film myself doing it though , respect for who does it. And, totally correct, not for money making. In fact I don’t think one can make a living of restoring radios. Not here in NZ at least.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Not anywhere, I believe. Too many hours.

[@fibberscloset498]

You're right. Nobody should.

[@chairuser4]

The clutch disk is sintered metal. (Pressed metal powder)

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Clutch seems to be made of aluminium or zinc compound.

[@dl7majstefan753]

When using alcohol or any other solvent, i pour a little bit it into a small cup or dish and avoid by this way that the bottle is polluted by the brush. PS: Love your videos - don´t let you be bothered by some idiots out there

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I usually do that as well. This particular bottle is now my “dirty” one for this type of use.

[@schorse1000]

That broken part of the clutch is made of zinc die-cast. And a lot of these old parts are suffer from zinc cancer. It just breaks into pieces, there's no chance to stop it, only replacement.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Yep. Coat buttons! :)

[@schraubnix1583]

Hello I think the clutch is made of zinc metal, in Germany the change in the metal over time is called "zinc pitting"

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I think the same thing happened to the buttons on Napoleon’s army when they went into Russia :)

[@GilbertBeckner-i1p]

I love your program albeit I know nothing about radios. As a kid I had a Grundig radio similar to the 3160 you are currently working on. I don't know what happened to it and finding a replacement is on my bucket list. Since I am 77, time is running short to fulfill that wish. Is there any chance you would sell this one after it has been repaired? Gil

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Hi Gil. I have had this radio working for some time now. Selling these radios is not a priority of mine, but as long as it’s going to be used by someone who would appreciate it (and not just leave it as a showpiece), I would be open to parting with it. Email me and let me know what you would consider a fair offer, and I’ll consider it. Also, tell me where you live. I’ll need to calculate shipping to give you an estimate.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Let me have your email address. I’ll reply via email, rather than here.

[@SereghiAlexandru]

For cleaning, what isopropyl alcohol concentration do you use? 99% or lower or diluted concentrations? And of course, I like your channel, is unique, present your work and hobby like you want!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I use the full concentration.

[@harrystevens3885]

Nothing wrong with the way you restore your radios you do fine work, I wonder if those dremel sanding discs could be used as a grip for each end of the clutch disc.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I think they could. Didn’t think of that.

[@tubeDude48]

At 24:00 that Variable Capacitor needs an *"Ultrasonic Cleaning"* big time!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

It’s pretty filthy.

[@teslakovalaborator]

Wasn't that old clutch made from Zincal ? Zincal requires precise manufacturing techniques, if not done properly it starts flaking and breaking.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

You’re probably right.

[@johnbonham7515]

Hi, that alloy is Zamac (zinc, aluminum, magnesium, copper), and depending on the long term storage conditions (humidity and temperature) it becomes more or less prone to degrade like that.

[@mikeyaudio167]

Now I wodereing what is your dayjob you do for livving?

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Businessman. I know, boring :)

[@someoneoutthere7512]

I take a lot of pictures of disassembles. A picture is worth a thousand words for stuff like that tuning assembly.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Yes, i do the same thing.

[@supyrow]

i have a grundig radio VERY similar to this... the dial string is a nightmare! these radios are THE most difficult to restring in my opinion. needless to say.. its been two years since ive tried last. i cringe just thinking of it. maybe you know a secret that i don't.. i'll be watching!! thanks!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Actually, it was not too bad. I’ll show you in the next video.

[@supyrow]

@@electronicsoldandnew i tried fishing line... so maybe that is the problem. I'll be paying close attention! the original string is 'steel'

[@electronicsoldandnew]

su pyrow : I believe fishing line will stretch. I’ve used steel before (old guitar strings), but in this case only used cotton.

[@cbmsysmobile]

The metal clutch disk was probably Zamak (Mazak in the UK) - or another Zinc aluminium alloy. It's shit.

[@sstorholm]

Send me the measurements of that clutch disc, and I’ll design and 3D print a spare for you!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I really appreciate it, but this set has travelled since it’s restoration. I gave it to a family member who lives abroad, and it’s been shipped already. Thanks again.

[@chairuser4]

i have a working clutch for this radio

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Hold onto it. It will save you having to steal your wife’s coat button :)

[@chairuser4]

@@electronicsoldandnew lol

[@michaelperrin8658]

Sir, I appreciate the patience and effort you employ to make your videos, and the very high visual results! I also note your struggles with the clutch disc: would Sugru (sugru.com/about), a mouldable silicon rubber, be a suitable material to help you with this, or in your future projects? Very best wishes to you!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

It would probably be perfect but is unavailable in Portugal.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Actually, I’ve just discovered that I can order it online. Thanks again.

[@Neraxia]

Nice fix. Good joke. No she won't. :)

[@electronicsoldandnew]

She won’t. I know.

[@markpennington9429]

Another great video. I encountered the same clutch disk problem and found that these split clamp-on shaft collars worked very well. Didn't have to take take the dial strings off and was a solid fix. And, I didn't have to steal a button from my wife (who suffers enough from my radio habit). www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GTC62MH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks for the link. Always useful.

[@stephenbarlin2314]

Get a 3 d printer. You will never regret it.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I think that’s in the cards next.

[@geirendre]

Interesting videos to watch as you progress trough the set. Nice work. May I suggest an alternative to IPA for cleaning? I used to use IPA myself, but switched to something called Super 10 from a company called Golden (or something). kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3yvp31ri5aFhq8 Sorry for the silly promotion video, but this stuff really works. I spray it on in small areas, brush it with a toothbrush, and wipe it of with something lint-free. You can probably do the WD-40 trick after that. Keep up the good work, and stay healthy.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’ll try and find it in Portugal mainland. Not available in Madeira. Thanks for the tip.

[@jdmccorful]

Exploring is how we learn. BTW, "Crafty" fix on clutch assembly. I like the pace.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks