Hi all,

I received a Hallicrafters 8R40 from a neighbor and am debating its fate. The dial glass is broken, it needs a couple of knobs and the remaining knobs are in pretty marginal shape. The cabinet needs rust removed, painting, the labeling replicated and the power transformer will need de-rusting and painting if it can pass a goodness test. It's a given that I have cut and tossed the line cord and plug since they were not useable. What do all, y'all think? Is it worth restoring or is it best used a parts source? I have encountered very little information regarding this receiver over the years so I have no idea if it is considered collectible and worthy of entering my personal collection. If I take on the restoration, it will be labor intensive bringing the cabinet and electronics back to a presentable/serviceable state. Input will be appreciated. I will read the pros and cons and decide the fate of the radio. The neighbors feelings will not be hurt if I part it out since his original intent was to curb it until he learned of my interest in older electronics. Thank you in advance.

Pat

I've never seen or heard an 8R40, but I thought this was an interesting restoration of one. http://blog.kf7lze.net/2011/09/17/1953- ... 40-repair/

Curtis Eickerman

Thank you for the link, Curtis. It isn't a bad looking radio once it's in a presentable state. I had neglected to also mention the missing Hallicrafters "badge" on the front of the cabinet. I will start assessing what I need in the coming weeks. I have a ZTO and two Zenith Consoles I am working on at present which allows time for replies on this radio. Thank you again.

Pat

An additional comment to avoid needless data duplication. I have the chassis described as "Run 2" which has a 5Y3GT tube in the location of C2 on the Sam's 181-7. The Sam's schematic is not my model. The BAMA 8R40 Manual matches my radio which I believe was sold between 1950 & 1955.

Pat

The 8R40 is the slide-rule dial version of the popular S-40 series. I've been storing a parts unit but, unfortunately, I sold the knobs, dial bezel and pointer some time ago. However, I do think the dial glass and scale are still there. I'll check tomorrow.

Dave

Thank you for your reply, David. I will be interested if you have the dial glass. I have the pointer and think the dial stringing will be a challenge since all three strings are shot. It appears the radio is not worth a lot (or popular) but it isn't very common either so it may be a candidate for restoration. I'll start assessing the costs to save this one to see if it's feasible to extend the time and expense to save it. Thank you again.

Pat

If I'm not mistaken, the 8R40's just an S-40 with a chrome-rimmed slide rule dial.

My little one enjoyed messing with it when she was very little.