[Jacqueline]

We recently came into possession of a Sparton 811. It appears to be reasonably intact inside and as the cabinet is quite handsome, we think restoration may be an interesting challenge. The question is, where does one begin? Are there any books or websites that could get a novice started?

[Gary Albach]

Hi Jacqueline – see Gerry O’Hara’s article entitled ‘Step by Step Vintage Radio Chassis Repair’ in the latest issue of our newsletter ‘Canadian Vintage Radios’. It can be downloaded from the Homepage.
Gary

[Gerry O’Hara]

There is a lot of stuff about vintage radio servicing and repair on the internet these days – including forums, videos (eg. on Youtube – but some are a bit ‘hokey, see here as an example’), and even downloadable books. One of the best books I found useful when I was ‘starting out’ was “Practical Radio Servicing” by Marcus and Levy. Another good book on the topic is “Elements of Radio Servicing” by the same authors. The latter can be downloaded free here. along with several other useful books on radio. As discussed in my article referred to by Gary in the post above, these old radio servicing books were meant to be for servicing radios ‘back in the day’, and when tackling an old chassis many decades after it was last used, there are other considerations that should be taken into account, eg. replacing all paper and electrolytic capacitors as a matter of course rather than trying to find only the ones that are faulty (though most will be if you check!). By far the best way of learning though is to have someone show you how to do things, so if you can make contact with someone experienced in such repairs and restorations that was willing to spend some time with you that would be preferable to learning from books or the internet. Where are you located? The schematic and alignment info for the Sparton 811 is attached.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 7 months ago by Gerry O'Hara.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 7 months ago by Gerry O'Hara.

Attachments:

1. 

   Sparton-811.pdf
   

[Jacqueline]

Thank you, that gives me a place to begin. I am near London, Ontario. If you can recommend anyone reasonably local who could help, I would appreciate it.

[Greg Bilodeau]

Once properly restored that will be an awesome radio with great sound. Good luck with your restoration.
Gregb

[Author]

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