VOLUME 16            MARCH 1999                NUMBER   3

RADIO MISCELLANEA -- March 1999

From Antique Radio Classified for March 1999
(Copyright 1996-9 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

"Antique Radio Classified" invites its readers to contribute letters and information for inclusion in "Radio Miscellanea" and elsewhere in the magazine. "In The Marketplace" is based on information submitted by the businesses themselves. All topics should be of general interest and sent to A.R.C., P.O. Box 2, Carlisle, MA 01741. All material submitted should be verified for accuracy and may be edited for publication, which is not guaranteed. See the masthead for more details.

Web Security
Dear Editor:

Do you have any plans to make your Web ordering page secure for credit card orders? I have had a couple of false starts ordering from you via the Web, but then decided to do it via regular mail. I like the convenience of ordering via the Web, and I find that I put off ordering by regular mail or fax because it takes time to put everything together. What are your plans?

--Donald Koetsch, Lakewood, NJ

It is generally agreed that the Web security problem is an over-hyped problem. Normal, everyday use of a credit card, such as at a gas station or restaurant, offers an easier opportunity for fraud than its use on the Web. Since we have had no security problems in the over three years we have been on the Web, we do not have any current plans to implement secure transactions. (Editor)

More on Ammonia Cleaning
Dear Editor:

In December 1991, A.R.C. published my article lauding the unique properties of ammonia in radio restoration. I have used common household-strength ammonia for many cleaning and stripping tasks that were impossible with other solvents — stripping paint from thermoplastics, for example. I've since discovered another use that I thought worth sharing.

There is a nasty, waxy substance that seems to grow on soft '50s thermoplastics. You'll commonly find it on tuning dials and volume knobs of Arvin metal sets. Heretofore, I've found the only way to remove the stuff was slowly and patiently scraping it off with my fingernails.

In restoring a jukebox with 48 encrusted push buttons, I found that immersing the buttons in warm water and ammonia in a closed container for about an hour cleaned them to perfection. What little that was left could be wiped off with a damp cloth.

It should be noted that any painted designations will be removed also, so now you know how to do that task too.

--Jack Clark, Mt. Juliet, TN

Seeks Lubricating Product
Dear Editor:

A technical question for A.R.C. readers: Flushing the dirt and corrosion out of scratchy volume controls with garden-variety "tuner cleaner" also removes the factory lubrication that gave the "pot" a nice silky feel; does anybody know of a product that will relube the control for smoother action?

--C.J. Poulos, Columbia, CT

A.R.C. Ads Sell!
Dear Editor:

My ad in the August A.R.C. sold all 55 radios in one week. One went to Australia!

--D.L. Jacobs, Somers, NY

Kudos for Advertiser and A.R.C.
Dear Editor:

Recently I bought a horn speaker from a Connecticut gentleman. I received it damaged by UPS in transit, but the seller was very helpful in getting me another horn and dealing with UPS. I want to thank him and A.R.C. for your great service and integrity in dealing with customers.

--Bob Tietz, Moscow ID

Advertiser Problems
Dear Editor:

I recently purchased a Philco 90 from a fellow who seemed to be pretty honest. The ad read "professional restoration." I asked about the veneer. "No problem." I asked about the chassis, rust, etc. Answer: "Some light surface rust. No problem." After receiving the set, I first noticed the veneer had been patched twice, and there was rust on the variable capacitors and tube cans -- all moderate-to-heavy. And there were more problems, such as other bad veneer. This the seller attributed to shipping. Well, the shipping cost me $70 and a lot of disappointment. This was a pretty radio, which had been nicely restored, but it had a lot of hidden problems. Whatever happened to a reference scale that should be used to give an honest evaluation of what is being bought and sold?

--Gerry Harmon, Austin, TX

In our experience, a reference scale can't replace an honest conversation with the seller. A.R.C.'s policy regarding honesty in advertising, returns, etc., is that if you are dissatisfied, contact the seller and try to resolve the problem -- before you try to fix the radio itself. If you are unable to resolve the problem, write A.R.C. (Editor)

Crocker Kudos
Dear Editor:

I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed Dave Crocker's drawing that went with my January 1999 article on handling radios. That one sketch illustrated just about everything I wanted to say. Good Work!

--Kris Gimmy, Aiken, SC

Red Goose Shoes Radio ID
Dear Editor:

Regarding the "Red Goose Shoes" radio in the November 1998 Photo Review, the chassis appears to be based on Sony's Model 1819. I have that particular model, and its case dimensions are 3 1/4" cubed.

--Clarence Hill, Van Nuys, CA

A.R.C. Arrival Panic
Dear Editor:

Never mind! Yesterday I was looking for my copy of A.R.C. in the mail. Well, I got it today. So, Never Mind!

And keep up the good work. I look forward to that book every month. As you can see, I panic when it doesn't arrive when I think it should.

--Roland Wornham, Killeen, TX