Pye radio PE 93 U
Super little table radio. from the 50s, With long, medium, and 5 short wavebands. All the usual problems with this one. leaky paper capacitors, ageing electrolitics, dirt and grime of 50 odd years. About 30 items need replaceing in all. The main thing with these oldies is to dry them out completely before applying the power, as the paxoline wave change switch can become conductive if the smallest amount of moisture is present, with all these 7 wavebands, the switching on this model is huge, and impossible to fix if a H.T. leakage occurred. A good spell in the airing cupboard, about 4 days should be enough, before the mains was gradually brought up using the trusty variac transformer. All is well and super results received on all the wavebands.
A big problem with this particular set was, during transit to me, the Bakelite cabinet was smashed very badly. I contacted the owner and advised, it was beyond repair. The owner, Dave Whitter, who is a keen Hi Fi enthusiast asked if a repair was possible. Luckily the original cabinet finish on the set was a pale blue paint. so a repair could be disguised . First all the broken parts were carefully super glued into place, then all reinforced on the insides with G.R.P. Glass reinforced plastic, all available at the local car do it yourself shop. A bit of a trim and a final fill with plastic padding and it can be masked off for a re-spray. The matching can of colour spray Acrylic paint was found, and after 5-6 coats, with a sand and fill in between coats it has turned out very well. Dave is very pleased with it, and you can see it on his web site at www.davewhitter.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk