Sitting in the basement is a Sony CRF-160 - a cheaper alternative to the
320. It's a huge, heavy, dual conversion analog multiband portable from
the 1970's which selects the shortwave bands using a revolving drum selector
and bandspreads each SWBC band.

Over the years I'd used it occasionally and, apart from crankiness of the
drum selector contacts (which usually cleared up when worked through a
few clicks back and forth) it functioned quite nicely. Very sensitive and
selective, with that superb bassy audio that older Grundig sets are also
known for.

Now, after a long time sitting unused, I find that both the AM and FM
flywheel tuning knobs are frozen solid and can't be turned. Assuming that
parts aren't available for something of this age ... but perhaps there is
something inside that can be lubed or rubber replaced ... I'm soliciting
opinions as to whether this is even worth trying to get repaired.

I don't have the time or inclination to do it myself ... how would one go
about finding a shop that specializes in restoration of this type of rig?
Or perhaps a collector that would like to add it to their collection
regardless of functional state? Any ideas?

On Sep 6, 3:55 pm, (Mike S.) wrote:

I don't have the time or inclination to do it myself ... how would one go
about finding a shop that specializes in restoration of this type of rig?
Or perhaps a collector that would like to add it to their collection
regardless of functional state? Any ideas?

OK, speaking from tube radio repair experience:

Well, the band selector contacts are USUALLY cleaned with something
like TV tuner cleaner spray. The tuners probably suffer from dried up
grease and can usually be freed with some Ronsonol or WD-40 to break
up the old gunk. Apply a few drops of light oil and it should be
fine.

If you don't want to get it fixed, or don't want to fix it yourself,
I'd be happy to take it. Just let me know how much it would be and if
the thing still makes any noise -- you know....like station static or
whatever. Email at stephanienyc at gmail d0t c0m

Stephanie Weil
New York City

On Sep 6, 12:55 pm, (Mike S.) wrote:
Sitting in the basement is a Sony CRF-160 - a cheaper alternative to the
320. It's a huge, heavy, dual conversion analog multiband portable from
the 1970's which selects the shortwave bands using a revolving drum selector
and bandspreads each SWBC band.

Over the years I'd used it occasionally and, apart from crankiness of the
drum selector contacts (which usually cleared up when worked through a
few clicks back and forth) it functioned quite nicely. Very sensitive and
selective, with that superb bassy audio that older Grundig sets are also
known for.

Now, after a long time sitting unused, I find that both the AM and FM
flywheel tuning knobs are frozen solid and can't be turned. Assuming that
parts aren't available for something of this age ... but perhaps there is
something inside that can be lubed or rubber replaced ... I'm soliciting
opinions as to whether this is even worth trying to get repaired.

I don't have the time or inclination to do it myself ... how would one go
about finding a shop that specializes in restoration of this type of rig?
Or perhaps a collector that would like to add it to their collection
regardless of functional state? Any ideas?

Mike S.,

First try a few of the Clean and Lub sugesstions
that you get here on this Newgroup and others.

DON'T TOSS IT AWAY - Give the Radio a Second Chance
at being a Radio that someone can Listen to and Enjoy.
Consider puting theRadio up for Auction on eBay
as a "Project Radio" for someone who enjoys the
Challenge of Restoring nice Old Radios.

You may wish to Post this Question to the
Rec . Antiques . Radio + Phono Newsgroup
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...s.radio+phono/

The Radio Attic - Radio Restoration Resources
http://radioattic.com/resources.htm

that's my 2 cents worth ~ RHF

On Sep 6, 3:55 pm, (Mike S.) wrote:
Sitting in the basement is a Sony CRF-160 - a cheaper alternative to the
320. It's a huge, heavy, dual conversion analog multiband portable from
the 1970's which selects the shortwave bands using a revolving drum selector
and bandspreads each SWBC band.

Over the years I'd used it occasionally and, apart from crankiness of the
drum selector contacts (which usually cleared up when worked through a
few clicks back and forth) it functioned quite nicely. Very sensitive and
selective, with that superb bassy audio that older Grundig sets are also
known for.

Now, after a long time sitting unused, I find that both the AM and FM
flywheel tuning knobs are frozen solid and can't be turned. Assuming that
parts aren't available for something of this age ... but perhaps there is
something inside that can be lubed or rubber replaced ... I'm soliciting
opinions as to whether this is even worth trying to get repaired.


Something is bound up, possibly from dampness in the basement or
accmulated grime or both. I'm guessing you don't want to try a
complete assembly. So, I would try a bit of oil on the bushings that
the tuning knobs ride in and the bearings of variable capacitor.
Don't use too much or it will get all over things that should not be
oiled. Let it sit and work the parts gently so as to not break any
dial strings.



I don't have the time or inclination to do it myself ... how would one go
about finding a shop that specializes in restoration of this type of rig?

Do you really want to do a restoration, or just get it working again.
A full blown restoration could involve a fair amount of $$.

Or perhaps a collector that would like to add it to their collection
regardless of functional state? Any ideas?

If you wanna get rid of it, email me at richpalm(at)dejazzd(dot)com !

"Mike S." wrote in message
...


Sitting in the basement is a Sony CRF-160 - a cheaper alternative to the
320. It's a huge, heavy, dual conversion analog multiband portable from
the 1970's which selects the shortwave bands using a revolving drum
selector
and bandspreads each SWBC band.

Hi,
I don't know about how to fix it, but I would be interested in trying to restore your radio.

Thanks,
Gary