Top 10 Vintage CB Radios

[@rickking5138]

I had a courier concorer 2 back in 1968. What a powerhouse it was.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Very nice radio ... If you're trying to track another one down , try looking on Ebay , Mercari , or Etsy . Also sign up for some CB forums like WorldwideDX Radio Forum ( www.worldwidedx.com/) , or Grumpy's Olde Time Radio Forum (grumpy.proboards.com/) and seeing what the other forum members are selling . Good luck , and thanks for watching the video.

[@luke8210]

Thank for the mention in the beginning, very cool! I love the vintage radios. Different sound, and smell haha. Thanks for keeping these videos up. I look forward to them!

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

No problem , it's the least I could do for your support to the channel . I actually have 3 of these radios at the "Radio Doctor" getting fixed so they'll be back to their "Like New" state again . That's why I mentioned making sure everything was good at the end . Electrolytic Capacitors can be a pain when they're in bad shape .

[@luke8210]

I think the super base will be next on my list to find. The front of those radios.....just awesome.!

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

@@luke8210 I agree ... I had one once years ago . But it had been screwdrivered so bad by the locals ... that it was beyond help . I wouldn't mind finding another one though ... in decent shape .

[@donparker8246]

We bought a first generation President Washington base. That was a fantastic radio. Could talk anywhere.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I just recently bought a President Washington base ... it's not a 1st Generation , and it's not a Uniden Washington ... it falls somewhere in the middle .... lol . Hopefully I get a few good years out of it , and make a few good contacts with it . Thanks for hanging out at the Ranch .

[@cedarmountainradio1446]

The 878 PLL version (4-pin mic) was an audio screamer! It sounded a little flat in terms of bass & treble compared with the 8719 version (5-pin mic) but had louder audio. Only issue I didn't like was the receiver would stack images when someone strong was on one channel and someone else nearby was strong on another channel, sometimes they would mix and could both be heard together on a 3rd channel. Probably one of the best DX CB rigs due to the killer AM & SSB audio loudness.

[@chipc4936]

Your videos are very good. They're very well produced. I look forward to more down the line. Please keep up the good work!

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Thank you very much Chip , I'm really glad that you like the videos . I've currently got the next one in production , and it's almost done . But make sure to hit the notification bell , that way you'll always be notified whenever I upload a new video .

[@RadioRich100]

The stupid music has to go.

[@josephvaillancourt9139]

I have the President Washington but I have two buttons on the lower wright not three as seen on the picture. Were do you get cristal ?

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

The "Original" version of the President Washington radios had the 2 buttons on the lower right . One was the NB/Off button , and the other was the CB/PA button ... the newer versions have 3 buttons , the new button added an automatic Ch 9 option . You have one of the original President Washington radios , and I wouldn't do anything to change it Joseph . Thanks for watching the video .

[@keithweiss7899]

If you’re looking for a crystal to get extra channels, eBay is about the only source. All custom crystal makers have shut their doors. If you have the first generation Washington and Madison, you can get over 190 channels with just switches. They are incredible!

[@blazinSpike]

I like the vintage CB radios

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I love the vintage stuff . I just got a few of my old timers back from the radio doctor yesterday , and been talking on them today . Had them gone through to make sure they're in top performance .

[@UDX-21]

Thanks for the video, and your visit the other night. 21 in S.C.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

You're welcome .... and thank you too

[@elliotspencer2648]

Love them old cb's!,i have a stalker 2 and stalker xx base radio's,both 40 channel am,ssb and they are the best cb's i own!!.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I love those old timer radios . In fact , I have quite a few of them around here as well . I have a friend that talks about those T-Berry radios all the time . I don't own any T-Berry's myself , but I've thought about picking one up . I might look into getting one sometime in the near future . Thanks for hanging out here at the Ranch with us Elliot .

[@bobhricko9892]

I had a Stalker IX am/fm/ssb with a super slide clarifier. I loved that radio. The receive dropped out on me. Ended up in a parts bin. Long gone now. 12ny waving.

[@spaceflight1019]

There are so many that you have to divide them up by when they were made. CB radio as we know it began in 1958. Since chrome was big in automotive style the radio manufacturers followed suit. "Chrome Era" radios are distinguished by having either a chrome case or chrome trim. With the exception of the Palomar Skipper 71 -73 series, these radios are all pre-1970. The "Woodgrain Era" began in the late 1960s. Several manufacturers began releasing radios with fake woodgrain covering steel cabinets. Cobra's 135 and Lafayette's SSB-100 had real wood cabinets. Tram redesigned its Titan 2A away from the military style chassis and into a woodgrain cabinet suitable for home and office. Browning joined the crowd in 1972 by woodgraining the new Mark 3. The styling trend ended in the late 1970s as stark, "black box" designs took over. Good video. Stoners and ARFs never had a chance against the modified amateur radios of the era.

[@Ka0145]

Thanks for sharing I always keep my eyes open

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I'm always on the look out for vintage radios too . I have a few at the "Radio Doctors" right now being put back in working condition .

[@bobbydartonhricko4068]

Appreciate the shout out#12 Elmira New York waving. 🤘🎙🇺🇸🎙🤘

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Not a problem .... I appreciate all the support that you give to the channel .

[@hemphead5839]

I seen my radio in there the Cobra 2000gt l

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

The Cobra 2000 gtl's are good radios , I have one too . Thanks for watching the video Hemp Head .

[@davidjason1116]

Brilliant video my friend 73’s from wws1185 western Newfoundland Canada 🇨🇦

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Thank you David ... and 73s . Look for me and my friends on Ch. 12 on the AM side when the skip rolls in ... Raccoon

[@jlyle51]

Just started , hope the Cobra 2000 is here.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

What's a list of the classics without a Cobra 2000 ?

[@fluffyraeven874]

Hey cousin by marriage. You should have told me you were doing this. I'll help spread the word. Miss my C.B. so much.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Sorry cuz , I've been doing this for a little while now , and I always share a post of the newest video on facebook when they come out . Instead of missing your CB , maybe it's time you get another one , get yourself set up ... and get back on the air . There are plenty of people to talk with , CB isn't dead . And if you hear east coast skip rolling in ... go to channel 12 and listen for me . That's where me and my friends hang out at . Thanks for spreading the word about the channel , I really appreciate it .

[@norman2999]

Raevan Flame: Get y'self a radio, etc and get back on the air!!!! The more the merrier I say!! Don't skimp on anything. Buy the best you can afford (a birthday/Christmas gift to yourself!!). Always get the best co-axial cable you can, it DOES make a difference. Awaiting your return to the air to welcome you back!! Be well & safe, brother!!

[@zukispur5493]

Reaven flame. How's your radio? (Asking from London

[@stuartshaul9601]

Has anyone ever heard of a Globe Star electronics, CB tube rig from the 50's. Had only 3 knobs, volume, squelch & 5 channel A-B-C-D-E with interchangeable crystals?

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I have not heard of Globe Star Electronics before, but I did look it up , and they're a nice radio . www.pinterest.com/pin/835488168341621919/

[@wb2dx717]

i had a trc 450 mobile rig , 40 channel am usb lsb . had a mod in it for 26.200 to 288 mhz it was a great little rig

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Nice ... I've had a few Realistic radios in my collection over the years . I like their radios .

[@Charles-ox3yv]

Your videos are outstanding, but please turn down the volume on the music, thanks.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I noticed the music was loud myself , so the music in my newer videos is lower

[@keithweiss7899]

I would take out the DAK X, because it has problems with heat, and include the original President Adams. It was perhaps the finest mobile CB of its day.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

which radio is more popular ??

[@keithweiss7899]

On eBay the Dak X is more popular. But that means nothing. For instance, there are many radios that are the same as others except for the name on the front. One is popular and the other isn’t. The Cobra 2000 is very popular. But it is the same radio as the new Washington, other than having a $15 frequency readout on the Cobra. The old model Washington beats the crap out of both of those radios. On the old Washington you can get 197 channels with a better overall radio for much less money. I’ve seen people go crazy over the “Buddy Base”. But it has a receiver that is very poor. Only one step above a regenerative receiver. But it is very rare and therefore collectible by some people. In my collection I have a Swan 1011 (not Siltronix). Very collectable radio because it is so rare. But it’s a.m. receiver is a POS and the SSB is typically poor, like most ham receivers. So I guess it comes down to what you want to collect. The DAK X is not a great performing radio, nor is it that uncommon. The old Adams is harder to find and outperforms the DAK X. But people love that vacuum tube on the PC board that causes damage to it. Also they are bad about their channel LEDs burning out. The Browning Eagle III beats the crap out of most base stations and it has real, hand soldered, tube sockets. Excellent transmitter and receiver. The downside is the crystals that are getting old and hard to find now. I’ve failed to understand the attraction to the DAK except that it has those rack handles and a vacuum tube. Certainly everyone has their opinion about collections. Years ago I paid a premium for my Siltronix 1011D. Today they are worth half what I paid. And they’re really not CBs. I have a Yaesu 101EE that people loved back in the 70’s. It has 11 meters right on the band switch, so it is collectable. But compared to modern equipment, it really sucks. If you collect for rarity, how about the Midland 13-778? It one of a very few SSB walkie talkies. It’s performance is just okay. In the old days people were going crazy over Handic radios. They advertised that because Sweden had tighter rules, their radios were better. But they were the same Japanese boards as Midland and many other brands. Oh well, that’s why there are so many brands out there.

[@131Dusty]

@@keithweiss7899 You are a very "WORDY" person.

[@keithweiss7899]

@@131Dusty is that a complaint or a compliment? My decades of experience gives me a really great position to educate others in electronics. Especially since I’m an electronics teacher and started collecting CB radios back in the early 70’s, before most people even thought of such a thing. But education is only good if the student is willing to receive the knowledge.

[@blastofo]

When I was a kid and into the hobby, i thought it was the size of the antenna that was what made it so u could communicate far. Didnt learn about linear amplifiers and how the tweeker truckers were using illegal setups.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

A lot of people were using illegal setups back then . Not everyone , but a lot of them ... and now days , with the Export radios being so popular . Just about everyone is doing it these days .

[@norman2999]

Super video, bro!! Nice radios!! IDEA: whoever leaves a comment should mention which radio and antenna they use. Sound good? I'll go first to kick things off!! I run a 1977 RCA 14T302 SSB Co-Pilot with a K30 antenna. I'm restoring a 1975 Radio Shack mag-mount antenna to be used as my main mobile antenna. OK, who's next? Much appreciation, Norman in Montreal, Canada.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Nor man ... I like the idea , and you're not going to believe it . But I also run an RCA Co-pilot 14T-302 in the mobile , with a Wilson 1000 , and an Astatic Road Devil . I can be heard about 10/15 miles from the base on AM with that setup , and I never use amplifiers on any of my radios . I bought my Co-pilot at a hamfest about 12 years for around $5 in it's box .

[@norman2999]

@@RaccoonsRadioRanch: That is SO cool!! I got my RCA off of Facebook's Marketplace WITH the K30 antenna for about $20(US$)!! Awesome radio & price!! It's gonna absolutely scream with my vintage Radio Shack mag-mount once I finish the restoration!! I found an interesting video here on KZbin I thought you'd enjoy. It's about working on an RCA 14T304 (non-SSB) radio. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamsqYOkitSYq6M Good tips to be sure, but I don't have the equipment!! Has anybody worked on your radio? Is it stock? If adjusted properly, I that our radio has amazing "ears"!! I'd love to put a Stryker or 102" whip on the mobile, but I'll wait until I finish restoring my mag-mount before I buy a new antenna. I'd like to make a base antenna with a 102" whip for fun, it'd be a 1/4 wave so I know it'll work(mower junkie made one!!). Question: what would be your 3 dream mobile radios, and your 3 dream base station radios that you'd love to own? I would like: Mobile: Radio Shack TRC-451, Cobra 148 GTL, high-power Galaxy/ Stryker SSB 11 meter capable. Base: President Madison, Cobra 2000 GTL, GE Super Base- (or high power Galaxy/Stryker 11 meter capable radio). How's that?! What about you? By the way, what's your 20? I can't wait to hear your choices!! Take care, we care!! Be well, healthy & happy!! 73's, Norman.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

@@norman2999 My Co-pilot had work done to it prior to when I bought it . It already had extra channels in it , and the locals say it sounds loud . One even keeps asking me if I'd sell it (which I won't ... lol) . As for 3 dream mobiles , my 20 is NY ... so I prefer radios with an LED display because NY winters play hell with an LCD display . I wouldn't have ever guessed it , but my RCA seems to be my perfect mobile . It has the LED for the cold winters , it gets out really good , and it's been really dependable . I've been using it for 3 or 4 years now . As for 3 base radios , I love the classics . So that would have to be a Tram D201 ... 40 ch w/SSB . I love Browning equipment , so I've always wanted to get a Browning Golden Eagle , also 40 ch w/SSB ... and I'd like to find a nice ARF 2001 . I love the Cobra & President radios ... so don't think I don't because they didn't make my list . They didn't make my list because I already have the radios by them that I wanted . I'm actually planning on featuring my Cobra 2000 in one of my videos .

[@crazybobdj]

TRAM Titan II & 4 element beam.

[@131Dusty]

@@crazybobdj Tram Titans were GREAT radios.

[@hornhospital]

Well, I own about half those, looking for the rest. The Tram D201 40 channel model was a D201A. One you missed was the Regency Imperial.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

hornhospital , there are far too many excellent radios made from 1958 until now , to try and fit them all into one list of 10 radios ... I just tried to get some of the more highly sought after radios in this list . But I will be making more videos in the future , with other great vintage radios in them as well ... so keep an eye for those .

[@131Dusty]

@@RaccoonsRadioRanch Tram D-201 was a 23 channel and the D-201A was the 40 channel radio

[@hornhospital]

@@131Dusty Yes, that's what I said above. :)

[@PhantomWoIf]

which one of these has the best receiver ?

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

It's been so long since I've used some of the radios in this list ... that I can't remember how their receive was . But in my experience , radios that use vacuum tubes tend to receive better , and have cleaner audio ... than those that use transistors do . Maybe if you're lucky , one of the others might be able to answer your question for you .

[@keithweiss7899]

The best receivers had Collins mechanical filters and Nuvistor tube front ends. Look at Browning Golden Eagles.

[@GMAN420BC]

Best opening music, hands down !!

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Thanks Mr Tyler

[@keithweiss7899]

I believe that the Stoner wasn’t able to transmit on a.m. That’s why they called themselves the “Sideband People”.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I had previously mentioned in one of my other comments after releasing this video , that it was a slip up on my part that I didn't catch in the editing . Thankfully I'm getting better at editing as I'm going ... thanks for watching the video Keith

[@minibikemadman]

can't forget about the ef Johnson ranger 1.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

There have been so many great radios over the years , that the actual list of great vintage radios is just way too big to fit into one "Top 10 Vintage CB Radios" video . I'll have to make another video in the near future featuring 10 different vintage radios to build the list up some more. Thank you for watching the video .

[@minibikemadman]

@RaccoonsRadioRanch no problem..the rangers were late 50s early 60s. You needed a receiver but it had the 11m on the band switch.

[@ericzerkle8486]

I've always wanted a cpi 2000, but I'm not paying 500 to over a grand for a 45 yo cb rig.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I actually have a CPI 2000 sitting here that needs a little TLC to get back on the air ... I should feature it in a video , but I keep putting it off .

[@vk3kvk]

I do believe,the Stoner was sideband only!No AM and there where less than 1000 made as well!Super rare!Why no Pace radios?

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

It was , I didn't realize until after I uploaded the video that I had mistakenly said it was AM & Sideband . I even previewed it , and it escaped me . As for the Pace radios , there were just too many great radios made in the past to try and squeeze them all into a list of 10 . So I tried to list the ones that I thought were some of the ones that collectors hunt down . There will be videos with more classics in the future . The vintage equipment is my favorite stuff .

[@131Dusty]

@@RaccoonsRadioRanch You are right... Too many great radios to get them all. SBE Console V - Teaberry Stalker - Realistic Navajo (Radio Shack) took a lot of undeserved bad press as being bad radios, they were the same "innereds" as the top brands, Just look on e-bay. They are quite collectable now. Maybe another vintage video??

[@waylonmccrae3546]

I just bought a President Biden .... but the damn thing is useless !! 🤷

[@131Dusty]

Also has no memory channels

[@20alphabet]

Okay, how about mobile units?

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

that's a great idea ... keep an eye out for that video

[@20alphabet]

@@RaccoonsRadioRanch Will do !

[@froggydunks9874]

You may want to recommend “electrolytic capacitors replaced”.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I mentioned to make sure that the Tubes , Channel Crystals and the Electrolytic Capacitors were good towards the end of the video . ;)

[@jfrphoto01]

@@RaccoonsRadioRanch Any older radio should be recapped! Just good insurance aganst what can be a costly repair later on. Also, never fire up and old tube set that hasn't been used in a long while Plug it into a VARIAC and slowly bring the AC voltage up to 117 VAC slowly over several hours to a few days. This can prevent the old electrolytic caps from blowing out on power up. I tried telling a friend to do this, even offered to loan him my VARIAC but he passed and when he powered up a "mint condition" Lafayette Comstat 25A he blew just about every electrolytic cap in the radio's AC power circuit!

[@ramonortiz5651]

Radio from the 89s and why there's a Browning here????

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

They're older radios because it's the "Top 10 Vintage CB Radios" ... and why wouldn't there be a Browning radio in this video . The Browning's are one of the most sought after radios by vintage CB radio collectors .

[@bobhricko9892]

Bobby Darton Hricko. I've heard of him. 🤘🎙🎸🎙🤘

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

🤘

[@kd6yrn]

You left out the finest CB radio ever made the Tram Titan II with Collins filters. And the General radio telephone MC8 and super MC 11a.

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

you're right .... but there are so many great vintage radios that were made over the years , that it's pretty much impossible to cover them all in one top 10 list video . I'll have to make another top 10 vintage radios video in the near future ... thanks for watching the video .

[@jimfiedlerRR-546]

Darn right those browning radios are on the top of the list

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

I only wish I had one of those Browning's in the collection ... lol I'll get one eventually . Thanks for hanging out at the Ranch and watching the videos with us .

[@JohnJohn-sk2bp]

furry good!

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

Thank you

[@tazironworker6019]

STONER WAS THE BEST

[@williambowman7244]

Browning eagles are specific an am model is just that AM the sideband is seperate radio set up to have the "whole radio you need 4 pieces am trans am rec ssb transm ssb recieve for those lucky enough there is the 50watt " business" amp I actually saw a five piece in action at classmates home back in the day

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

the fact that you need so many pieces for a complete setup , and it takes up so much room on your desk ... is the only reason why I don't own a Browning setup . But I've been thinking about getting one for awhile now . I think that they're an amazing radio .

[@keithweiss7899]

You’re probably thinking of the MKII. My Mk III is a two piece unit that is a.m. and SSB. One unit for transmit and one for receive.

[@williambowman7244]

I did not know the stoner had am I was under assumption it was only ssb radio

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

The Stoner is a SSB only radio ... I have no idea how I managed to make that mistake in the video , but I did say something about it on one of the posts in the comment section .

[@AEZAEZEL-187]

So what I understand is none of these ten vintage CB radios have FM!!! Thats why for me they are deal breakers! I rather have my new technology President Lincoln II+ !!!

[@RaccoonsRadioRanch]

That's where we're different ... I prefer the vintage radios over anything that's surface mount . I "had" a Lincoln II + and sadly I wasn't as impressed with it as I hoped I would be , so I sold it . Maybe I was being unfair to it because I was comparing it with the Stryker SR-955 , and it didn't come close to it . But then maybe that would be like comparing a vintage CB radio to a "Converted 10 Meter Ham Radio" ... they don't even come close to one another. Besides , I haven't seen a huge jump in the popularity of people using FM on CB yet .