Phonoland

Hi Group-
Is anyone aware of someone who can restore a Philco 1201 and rebuild the motor on my V-M 314 that is in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area? I don't mind driving an hour or so to get to them. It's getting frustrating. There doesn't seem to be anyone interested in the old technology. Jeff

If you haven't done it yet, try google searches for "vintage radio repair" or restorations.
I know there are very few of us restoration techs out there to service these old things, and I get people from other states wanting to mail me their units.
Try to get some information pertaining to other customers they've done work for - references - I've heard some horror stories of so-called restoration techs who do sloppy work, or others who have to be threatened with legal action because they don't even do the work and ask for an up-front fee on top of it all.

A good restorer will not usually ask for money up front.

Here's some resource links that might help you.

http://www.radioantiques.com/services.html
and
http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/links.html

Matt,
I have come to the conclusion that I now need to ask for some up-front money to cover parts. I did not do this for years, but frankly, I am tired of getting "stuck" with parts that I can't sell, when someone "flakes out"--my wife will have the honor of send most of them to the junkyard, some day.
Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Matt,
I have come to the conclusion that I now need to ask for some up-front money to cover parts. I did not do this for years, but frankly, I am tired of getting "stuck" with parts that I can't sell, when someone "flakes out"--my wife will have the honor of send most of them to the junkyard, some day.
Ron Rich

Ron, understandably I can add that there are certain circumstances which require an up-front "good faith" deposit.
I just don't think a servicer should charge the full amount of a restoration before work is done - how does anyone know in advance the amount of labor-hours involved?

With vintage things, there's always surprises.

Matt,
I agree 100% with that -- I don't even have any idea of what to "estimate" on some of the stuff I do. If axked, I usually quote a "ballpark"-way over what I think it may cost, just to "cover my butt"--Most of the time, I come in under the estimate-- but, there's always that once in a while item that "someone else" has "repaired" prior to me--
Ron Rich

Hi Ron & Matt,

The only time I charge a upfront fee is if I have to leave the workshop and travel to a job, if this is the case I get a credit card payment before I get in the car.
Needless to say I have been caught out in the past.

Regards
Alan