Restore this old radio or mod it into an amp ?

[CabanaBoy]

So, can't decide whether I want to restore this old radio or mod it into an amp. Any thoughts or preferences?

I've got the dust/dirt pretty much all cleaned off now (in the pictures the radio is still dusty/dirty).
I also got the joints, etc strengthened up so the cab can take the weight of heavier transformers and the use of handle(s) if it were modded into an amp.
Part of me wants to restore as a radio to use personally, another part says naw it's not worth just make a cool amp...

 

[Amp Mad Scientist]

So, can't decide whether I want to restore this old radio or mod it into an amp. Any thoughts or preferences?

I've got the dust/dirt pretty much all cleaned off now (in the pictures the radio is still dusty/dirty).
I also got the joints, etc strengthened up so the cab can take the weight of heavier transformers and the use of handle(s) if it were modded into an amp.
Part of me wants to restore as a radio to use personally, another part says naw it's not worth just make a cool amp...

It's an extremely cool radio which should be restored.
There's not a lot of potential for a guitar amp. The gain stages are RF not audio mainly.
Silvertone is going to be a great radio.
And as long as we are on the subject, there's a cool place for parts:

Capacitors, Resistors and Schematics for Tube Radios / Electronics

Specializes in high voltage Capacitors and Resistors for vintage tube radios / electronics. Sells high voltage axial and radial Electrolytic and Film Capacitors. Also carries Carbon Composition, Metal Oxide, Metal Film and Power Resistors for tube electroncs.

www.justradios.com

Radio & Antique Equipment Parts | Antique Electronic Supply

Browse products from the Radio & Antique Equipment Parts category - listing products sorted by popular, page 1

www.tubesandmore.com

 

[CabanaBoy]

Ya, amp wise, the chassis would be pretty much stripped - new transformer's, etc used - essentially the cab and chassis would be used.
P.S. that is a good website.

 

[Amp Mad Scientist]

Ya, amp wise, the chassis would be pretty much stripped - new transformer's, etc used - essentially the cab and chassis would be used.
P.S. that is a good website.

It is a cool deco cabinet. The speaker is like 4.5 inch?
Consider that the speaker may be undersized for guitar.
But a 5" speaker works for radio OK.

 

[Cadorman]

I would keep it a radio, but maybe do some upgrades.

 

[gball]

I'm torn on that. I once used an old RCA radio/stereo amp with my guitar and in all honesty it sounded pretty great with a dirt pedal in front of it and plugged into a 1x12.

 

[eSGEe]

HEre is an example of his work -- from another old radio to a KILLER 5 watt Tweed ish amp --

in a 5 watt shoot out VS the Panama below it...........well... the Lil Sexy is still here the Panama isnt.

 

[WavMixer]

HEre is an example of his work -- from another old radio to a KILLER 5 watt Tweed ish amp --
View attachment 37584
in a 5 watt shoot out VS the Panama below it...........well... the Lil Sexy is still here the Panama isnt.

That is a pretty amp except for....
The volume knob needs to go to 11!

 

[eSGEe]

Ill work on that Grant

 

[ChasFred]

I say . . . . send it to me!!!
Really I would make it an amp.
I never listen to broadcast band radio any more, just XM.

 

[Cadorman]

Convert it to an XM radio? I don't know. Seems like a lot of constraints to make it a guitar amplifier when you can just do this:

 

[mcblink]

I'm in the restore the radio camp. That thing looks awesome!

 

[Mr Grumpy]

If you could restore the radio, that's be very col (especially if you added a little circuit where it could be used as an amp too; of course, that little circuit might mean a complete redesign...)

 

[CabanaBoy]

It is a cool deco cabinet. The speaker is like 4.5 inch?
Consider that the speaker may be undersized for guitar.
But a 5" speaker works for radio OK.

It'd probably be a head only, although Mod 5-30 | Jensen Loudspeakers.
That's a pretty hefty 5" speaker though, not sure how at home it'd be in the cab.

 

[CabanaBoy]

Convert it to an XM radio? I don't know. Seems like a lot of constraints to make it a guitar amplifier when you can just do this:
View attachment 37604

Nice looking amp. Radio to amp conversion is pretty much for the hey/fun of it - although sometimes you do end up with a cool amp that sounds nice.

 

[CabanaBoy]

I'm torn on that. I once used an old RCA radio/stereo amp with my guitar and in all honesty it sounded pretty great with a dirt pedal in front of it and plugged into a 1x12.

Ya, me too - it's why I figured I start a thread here to see what others think. I can say radio wise I like the sound of a good ole tube radio and it kind of sets the mood when working on other tube gear too. But, I like the fun in doing one off amps too.

 

[ChasFred]

I claim first DIBS, when it is about to hit the market!

 

[eSGEe]

you should have posted a "POLL" -- so we could vote-----

I SAY AMP-- 5-10 watt with an ORANGE "slant"

I have a tweeed -- a Marshall and a MEsa-- I need something to fight off scurvy

 

[Trident]

Whatever you decide I am sure it will be WELL DONE

 

[CabanaBoy]

you should have posted a "POLL" -- so we could vote-----

I SAY AMP-- 5-10 watt with an ORANGE "slant"

I have a tweeed -- a Marshall and a MEsa-- I need something to fight off scurvy

Amp wise I was thinking of single ended 6L6 or push/pull el84.
Radio wise I was just thinking pretty much stock.
Cab finish wise, well, I like the old crackly kind of giving out look, so just a simple clear coat of some kind.
Of course, flourecscent lime green with black highlights would be cool too