I had a buddy who is into "tubes" try to redo the radio out of my '48 Fleetmaster. Typically, he builds tube guitar amps and has re-done a couple tube type radios, but never a car radio.

He replaced all the tubes and most of the caps but it still doesn't play. It comes on and you can hear a faint hum, but nothing else. It gets a tiny bit louder with volume and crackles a bit when you switch the tone. Nothing different happens when you move the tuner.

I know it's not much to go on but, any thoughts on what might be the problem?

DCMatt

I would recommend it be restored by a qualified radio repairman. Generally, it is never a tube problem, but is in the powersupply. It is very easy to think you have removed a capacitor from two terminals, when in fact it was reconnected to the wrong location.

You may also need to check your antenna and lead, after you get the radio updated or restored. I paid $135 years ago to do a 1951 radio and when it was shipped back it would not work on the car until I replaced the antenna and lead coax. I think most of the good radio repair men will replace the capacitors with new ones, replace the power supply (vibrator) with a solid state power supply and the rectifier tube. Ray probably would reccomend one experianced in fixing your radio, I bet!

Copied this from http://nostalgiasounds.com/ the website of:

VINTAGE RADIO RESTORATIONS
900 CRESTVIEW DR.
NEWBERG, OREGON 97132
(503) 538-2392

Specializing in the restoration of vintage auto radios and jukeboxes

'30's vintage.....$250-$300.
'40's vintage.....$200-$300.
'50's vintage.....$150-$250.
'60's vintage.....$100.-$175.
Chrome and cad plate is extra. Chrome usually adds $75-$100 to the price of the rebuild. Cad plating usually adds $30-$50 to the cost.
If you don't need a complete restoration, I can rebuild your radio for you. I'll replace all the paper and electrolytic capacitors, Align the tuned stages etc. but will leave the cosmetics alone. Your radio will be warranted for 3 years and will meet factory performance specifications.

Should have used quotation marks. The preceding statements are from the operator of Vintage Radio Restorations, not myself.

-Pat.