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Need info
Jun 20, 2020 8:35:29 GMT 12
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Post by Farran on Jun 20, 2020 8:35:29 GMT 12
Hi there, I’ve inherited an old radio / record player which belonged to my late grandfather. I’m told it was his pride and joy and would listen to all the time. It’s been sitting in storage for years so have no idea if it works. Am wanting to find out more information about it and have a go at restoring it. I am a complete novice so was wondering if anyone could help me at least identify the name, model and year? The only word it has on the front near the station dials is “Gulbransen”. Underneath there’s a steel plate with “Cromwell, New Zealand built quality radio”.
I have photos but looks like there isn’t any ability to attach them t this thread.
Any help or advice would be very much appreciated.
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Post by Richard on Jun 20, 2020 11:37:49 GMT 12
The best sites for info on NZ Brands is www.vintageradio.co.nz/allIt will show you a lot of NZ made model radios. you might find a photo of your one there? otherwise the model should be on the rear of the chassis. the "help" page will tell you how to attach photos to this thread, the file size cant be over 1Meg. Gulbransen and cromwell were manufactured by "Collier and Beale" in Wellington. The NZVRS will probably have the schematic? Be aware that valve equipment has lethal voltages and never power vintage equipment up (to see if it works) as you will probably destroy some costly components. |
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Steve
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Post by Steve on Jun 20, 2020 14:59:36 GMT 12
Hi Farran, as Richard said, Cromwell and Gulbransen were manufactured in Wellington by the same manufacturer - and with a lot of models they made the only difference between one and the other is the name on the dial - which might explain the two different names. Its also possible that at some time the dial was broken, and a Cromwell one was not available for replacement so a Gulbransen one was fitted. The pictures can be added by using the add attachment button in the top right window of the editor... you can add three per post and they will show up as thumbnails in the post. Have a look here: www.vintageradio.co.nz/brand/gulbransen - its the list of Gulbransen radios I've catalogued so far - if yours is not there, look and see if any of the radios has the same dial / knob layout as yours because that will probably at least date it so service info can be found. If you look at this model: www.vintageradio.co.nz/model/gulbransen/6150 just for example, you can see both the metal ID tag normally found on the back of the chassis, as well as the chassis layout label which will often be found either on the back of the chassis or the inside wall of the cabinet somewhere... this will give you a positive id for the service info you need. These two things are common for Collier & Beale manufactured sets so hopefully yours has at least one of them. And, if all else fails then you can fly by the seat of your pants and just treat it as a generic 'radio' and replace the parts that need replacing to get it running again. They are not too hard to get working safely most of the time if you've got some electronics experience and a decent soldering iron and multimeter... and a healthy respect for 'angry pixies' as AvE calls them, otherwise known as "the electric shock with the ability to pick you up and throw you backwards into a hot water cylinder, knocking you out"... ask me how I know that... You really just need one extra simple tool that most normal people don't have - a dim-bulb tester. A simple one can be made with a short extension cord and a 60W light bulb. Its used to protect the set in the event of short circuits during power up and it can give you an idea of the overall health of the set. Cheers, Steve |
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Need info
Jun 21, 2020 18:51:52 GMT 12
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Post by Farran on Jun 21, 2020 18:51:52 GMT 12
Thanks Richard & Steve, really appreciate the information and links you’ve provided. Looks like the model is 6255RG. Thanks for the warning and advice on not plugging it in too. I think I’ll just focus on restoring the wooden casing and replace the well worn grill cloth but leave the electronics to someone that knows what they’re doing. Any recommendations on who I could take it to in Auckland?
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Steve
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Post by Steve on Jun 23, 2020 18:13:25 GMT 12
I thought some locals might have chimed in here, but in case nobody has made contact yet -James at vintageradiorepair.nz/repair-service.html does repairs on the North Shore... but a number of the members on here could probably do it for you. I'm very much too far south to offer my services on this one (and very much too busy as well). I won't even begin to hazard a guess as to the cost - it will depend on the state of the electronics. Cheers, Steve |
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Post by Bob Killip on Jun 27, 2020 22:21:51 GMT 12
Farran, I'm in Auckland so if you want to, email me as below to discuss what exactly you want done. No promises... just like to know more.
bob.killip@gmail.com
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Need info
Jun 28, 2020 18:59:53 GMT 12
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Post by Farran on Jun 28, 2020 18:59:53 GMT 12
Appreciate your reply Steve.
Thanks Bob, will be in touch!
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Post by Peter Walsham on Jul 21, 2020 9:31:16 GMT 12
I am available do chassis restoration work (servicing & overhauling). I have been servicing valve radios & audio amps for over 50 years and am a qualified radio & electronics serviceman. However, I will state that I only do these as & when I can, as time is pretty limited, as I spend big chunks of my time with the grand kids these days. However, anyone is very welcome to make contact with me and discuss their projects. I live in Pukekohe. My email address is: ptr_walsham@yahoo.com.au
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