I just purchased a Federal radio at an auction. The inside is rusted and a mouse had made a nest in it at some time. I am not a collector or restorer, so I actually bought it because I thought it would make a beautiful and unique storage box. To my surprise, when i tried to pick it up I could hardly lift it. I just really liked the decorative plate and knobs on the front, in other words I thought it was pretty. I began to appreciate the inner workings more and became more interested in it. Now my question is, how do I know if the inner mechanical workings are too far gone? I am not interested in putting alot of $$$ to having it restored to working order, but if it didnt cost too much I would do it. I know absolutely ZERO about radios, so any advice would be helpful. I can send pics if needed. Thanks in advance for any info.

Michelle

It sounds, to me, like you already appreciate the overall looks of the radio so why not go all the way and restore it to do what is was originally designed to do, tune in radio stations. Go ahead and post some photos of your radio on this forum. It sounds like you may have something worth restoring.

If you don't know how to post photos on this forum, send them to me in full size format at feldtm@msn.com and I'll post them for you.

Welcome Michelle,

Yes, that is the heaviest darn battery sets I have ever come across!! It is insane!! Are the tubes present?? It utilizes O1A's. They are fairly common. You will also need a power supply and a good antenna and a good earthen ground.

I sold mine some time back. It was just too darn heavy!! It was a good performer when restored. I do not recall anything to difficult to repair to operating condition.

Post some pics if you are able to do so!

Dave

Is this the style?
http://radioattic.com/item.htm?radio=0380253
There is not much that would require outside work on it. Lots of polishing and cleaning.
If you have a ohm meter check the audio transformers and resistors. If not you can probably get help from a local radio or ham club.
Or maybe one of these?
http://stevenjohannessen.com/gallery_federal.asp
Or this "weighs-A-Lot" model?
http://www.antiqueradios.com/gallery/v/ ... G.jpg.html
AC models with a power cord are more difficult to work on. Is the mouse damage limited to the top side of the chassis?
http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/federal_ra ... c_e10.html