View Full Version : My 1st antique radio!


gonzp
03-30-2007, 11:22 AM
Well I purchased my first antique radio at the Vintage Voltage expo last Sunday in Denver. It is a 1942 Zenith 6-s-632, that was re-capped and re-tubed and refinished. The radio has got great reception and I am finally going to have time this weekend to listen to it. It is a standard broadcast and a short wave combination radio. Hope my pictures post.

jpdylon
03-30-2007, 11:24 AM
That is a gorgeous lookin radio Patrick. Those zenith sets sucked in stations like a hoover. Enjoy!

hellhound94
03-30-2007, 11:24 AM
Your pictures came through just great. Congrats on your purchase and hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it.

Sandy G
03-30-2007, 11:30 AM
Aww, man, that's PURTY !! Congrats, Patrick, ya done GREAT !! But it'll get lonely..You'll HAVE to get another one. Two will fight..You really need three... Three's an odd number, you may as well get 4....Hehehehehe....

Jeffhs
03-30-2007, 01:30 PM
That is a gorgeous lookin radio Patrick. Those zenith sets sucked in stations like a hoover. Enjoy!

Not only that, but the older Zeniths also sounded great and were built like tanks. I have six antique/vintage Zenith radios that will pull in stations from one end of the dial to the other, especially at night. My Zenith C845 eight-tube hi-fi table model from 1960 is very good in both respects, having a two-way speaker system (8-inch and five-inch) and an RF stage ahead of the antenna that works on both AM and FM. I wouldn't be surprised if your Zenith, and the console versions of the same receiver, sold very well in Wyoming where you are, as I'm sure there weren't that many local stations in that part of the country in the '40s. I would guess most of your area's radio reception was from Denver.

gonzp
03-30-2007, 01:31 PM
Aww, man, that's PURTY !! Congrats, Patrick, ya done GREAT !! But it'll get lonely..You'll HAVE to get another one. Two will fight..You really need three... Three's an odd number, you may as well get 4....Hehehehehe....

I think you are going to be right unka Sandy!! I have been finding myself looking at all of the wonderful links provided here. I have a few questions for you radio guys. Is there alot of activity on the short band dial? I've seen the antenna inside this radio and I'm wondering if I'll will need an external antenna to get the most out of the short wave?

gonzp
03-31-2007, 09:20 AM
Can someone tell me how to read the serial number?
6-s-632

Thanks in advance...

Schnitzer
03-31-2007, 05:24 PM
Patrick,
Here's a good website for finding SW broadcasts:
http://www.primetimeshortwave.com/links.html#shortwave

You will need to become familiar with World Time (UTC), if you are not already.

A reasonably good antenna for SW is a long wire conntected to the radio and laid on the floor around the room next to the walls.

There are still a good many countries broadcasting SW, but it's not like it used to be. The Glory Days of shortwave are gone. Programs such as Swiss Radio "MerryGo Round" and Radio Netherland's "The Happy Station" program with Tom Meyer are now just pleasant memories.

gonzp
03-31-2007, 05:40 PM
Patrick,
Here's a good website for finding SW broadcasts:
http://www.primetimeshortwave.com/links.html#shortwave

You will need to become familiar with World Time (UTC), if you are not already.

A reasonably good antenna for SW is a long wire conntected to the radio and laid on the floor around the room next to the walls.

There are still a good many countries broadcasting SW, but it's not like it used to be. The Glory Days of shortwave are gone. Programs such as Swiss Radio "MerryGo Round" and Radio Netherland's "The Happy Station" program with Tom Meyer are now just pleasant memories.

Great links! and thanks for the antenna suggestion Schnitzer. Would lamp cord be sufficient?

Fisherdude
03-31-2007, 06:22 PM
Congrats on your purchase! Anything with tubes is bound to be a wonderful addition to your life! And, you're going to get addicted to DXing.

Schnitzer
03-31-2007, 08:06 PM
Patrick,
Sure, lamp cord would be fine.

wajobu
03-31-2007, 08:15 PM
Very nice radio!--I just love 'em!

Dan Starnes
03-31-2007, 10:36 PM
Nice buy!!! Tubes sure make a difference.
Dan

cubdog
04-01-2007, 03:05 PM
It looks great on your table Patrick!

cubdog

Chimes
04-10-2007, 12:40 AM
Can someone tell me how to read the serial number?
6-s-632

Thanks in advance...

The first number (6) is the number of tubes, the letter (S) indicates 110VAC, broadcast, police and shortwave bands, the first of the last digits indicate model year (6 = 1942) and the last two digits indicate the cabinet style (32 = table model).

See: http://www.radioremembered.org/zenmodel.htm

I snagged a cute little "World" cathedral at the show.

gonzp
04-10-2007, 03:46 PM
The first number (6) is the number of tubes, the letter (S) indicates 110VAC, broadcast, police and shortwave bands, the first of the last digits indicate model year (6 = 1942) and the last two digits indicate the cabinet style (32 = table model).

See: http://www.radioremembered.org/zenmodel.htm

I snagged a cute little "World" cathedral at the show.

Chimes,
I really appreciate you taking the time to decipher this serial #. I also appreciate the link you provided. Are you from the Denver metro area, or close to it? Thanks

Chimes
04-14-2007, 05:30 PM
About an hour south in the Springs.