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?)

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

Suggestions are welcome.

Thanks.

If one looks at how the manufacturers originally did it, much is
revealed. For example, EFJ often crated things like the Valiant and 500
and, as other have noted, transformers were often not installed. The
best way to do it these days is to use a foam-in-place packaging method
with a minimum of a 3" plenum of foam. Double boxing and the use of
double and triple-wall type containers will also help with external
penetrations. Boxes should be either steel or fiber-reinforced tape
strapped. Finally, select a good shipper. I would not personally use
UPS. They do a creditable job with their commercial customers but have
utter disdain for the Harry Homeowner shipper. Yes, there are a few
conscientious employees at all the available shippers but its the
end-to-end result that is the issue. Finally, if you do in fact have a
sizable shipping consignment, you might even consider a national-level,
over-the-road trucking company to do the job and use
terminal-to-terminal service. That way, your gear is minimally handled.
I guess it all depends on how much the gear is worth (to you) and how
much expense you chose to incur.
Sounds like to have a real treasure-trove, there!!
de K3HVG