Finally back on GE J-805 radio.

Actually, I started this project last year, but, it didn't get very far.. Now, I'm on it whole hog. Here are some pictures of progress...

In the first photo you see how it was when I first started...


In the second photo, you can see where it stands now. I have replaced all paper capacitors, electrolytics, a broken tone switch, and, a number of rotted wires, including antenna wires, speaker wires, power cord, and, other rotted wiring under the chassis...


And, now, see the chassis from the top. Note the spkr. nest to it. I cleaned all the dust, and, dirt out of that...


In a couple of days, I'll show some pics. of the cabinet..
I still have to check resistors, and, figure out antenna wiring..
Hope to have this playing very soon, now...
Bill Cahill

I'll have to take pictures later. I've had this radi for a number of years, and, never got it finnished. Today, I finally got repairs done, and, tried the set on the bench. It plays great!
I like this set because of its' neat Art Deco styling. It's about a 1938 model console. It is an exact replacement for my Polish Grandfathers' radio.
Don't even go there on how much I have in it. I will just say I'm thrilled that it finally works.... I have to play it on bench awhile, and, do minor tuning. Then, I have to do a jury up of am loop antenna, as the original cardboard barrel dis-intergrated.
Speaker is an exact GE 14" frame, 12" cone replacement I had in stock. I had to patch ripped cone, and, polish corosion off, but, speaker plays great. Original spkr. voice coil is frozen.
When I get it back together, and, cleaned up, I'll show completed pictures, and, may do video on you tube.
I am so happy!!!!
Bill Cahill

Just tried a different set of output tubes in it. Originals are a little weak. Others check much better merit. Radio appears to be louder, and, more bassy.
Turned cabinet around to look at antenna mounting. Should be able to mount it, somehow.
I'm going to do minor tunning out of cabinet, then, re tune touch up when it's together.....
Maybe finnished in a couple of days.

Bill Cahill

Hey Bill!
Did you just replace bad caps?
Or did you go whole hog and replace them all.
Just curios.
I read in Alfred Corbin's Book just to replace needed ones not all. So your philosophy on this would be appreciated.
PS. I finally to the plunge and ordered an electrolytic cap kit from Just Radios at 3AM this morning.
Yes I am getting itchy fingers to slobber radios. LOL

I don't agree with him. I replace all paper, and, electrolytic caps.
Leave old ones in, and, you are only asking for more trouble.
They just plain aren't any good.
Bill Cahill

And, now, the moment you've been waiting for. Radio is back together, and, playing. I still have work to do, but, it's together, and, playing....
Here are some photos. By the way, it sounds Amazingly good!






What do you think????
Bill Cahill

Looks good. I have a 37 Philco upright that I need to recap.

Great looking radio, Bill. Congratulations on getting it finished. That is a chassis to be proud of. Will look forward to a YouTube video to hear it play with that massive speaker.

Actually, the cone is 12", but, on a 14" frame, it looks gigantic!
I can't do the sound any justice on you tube. The video camera I own has poor fidelity.
Not sure when Ill video it.
But, believe me, the sound is great!
Bill Cahill

So thats where that radio of mine went. I knew it. I knew it. I just knew it, (muttering under my breath) now how can I get it back?

And, here are pictures after final cleaning, and, polishing.......






Bill Cahill :yes:

Bill, that's a awsome looking radio.

Nick

Thanks. I am really starting to like this set... It plays well, with great bass....
Bill Cahill

Nice job Bill.

Larry

Great looking set, Bill. Very nice design. Makes me anxious to make some progress on some of mine. My wifey has kind of a big honey-do list, though. Will post some pix soon of some of my projects-in-progress. -Dion