Tim Wescott wrote:
I have inherited some vintage radio pieces from a relative who recently
passed away (this sort of thing is always bittersweet -- I lust after
those radios, but I'd much rather have my uncle-in-law back, thank you
very much!).

I'm in Oregon. the radios are in North Carolina, and I'm not sure that
there's an experienced antique-radio-shipper at that end that I can call
upon to pack thing up properly. There's around ten boxes, one of which
is reported to be 100 lbs (it's a Collins 75-A -- is that really 100 lbs?)

More like 35 lbs.

What can the group suggest for having this stuff shipped? Will UPS or
Fed-Ex handle such a heavy radio?

UPS will ship up to 140 lbs. My wife just got a 121 lb rug delivered
by UPS.

My uncle's ham club is helping the
family liquidate the radios, but the fellow that I talked to was
uncomfortable with the idea of opening up the rig to pull tubes for
shipping. Is there a way that I can get this done, or do I need to
impose on my father-in-law to do it (they'll be out for the internment).

There is no need to pull tubes. If you are really worried, take a few
plastic bags loosely full of peanuts and fill the inside of the radio
with them.

Some big radios, particularly transmitters were shipped with the transformers
removed because the chassis could not handle the strain of a big lunk of
steel and copper being tossed around.

The biggest suggestion I can offer is to double box everything. The first
box should be a pretty close fit to the radio, with some foam padding where
it seems appropriate. The second box should be at least 4 inches bigger in
all dimensions, and be packed firmly with peanuts.

-Chuck

Ensure that all of the chassis to cabinet screws are in place! Many heavy
sets
had screws on the front, bottom and along the rear apron.
An improperly secured chassis can wreck havoc during shipment.

Pete