Hallicrafters S-20r Rebuild

Hey folks,

Recently, I picked up a Hallicrafters S-20r reciever that was basically a basket case. I am in the process of restoring the radio back to usable condition and am documenting the process in my photobucket area.

Radio Before Teardown

Radio During Teardown

Radio During Rebuild

I will post the color mix codes when I find the paper I have then written down on. I had the local paintshop match the paint that was under the side rails. It was a perfect match so when the radio is done, will be the right color.

Here is a picture similar to what my radio will look like when I am done. The only obvious differences will be the right screws used around the dial on the left and no screws around the "h" in the speaker hole on the right.

73,
Ron - kf7ays

 

Looking great Ron!

- What is the approximate cost for the custom paint mix in a spray can?

- How are you going to replace the white lettering on the front panel?

I'm agonizing over a rough S-20R on Ebay presently. Such a handsome radio.

73, Bill

 

Hey Bill,

The paint cost me about $15.00 by the time I bought the pint of paint and the refillable sprayer to shoot it with. Very reasonable.

I paid $30.00 for this radio and expect that I will have about another $120.00 in it by the time I am done with all new electronics.

The lettering on the radio is actually a decal. Reproduction decals are available from Radio Daze. Part number #DCL-HS20R. For $11.95, they send you two sets of the decals so you have an extra in case you mess up.

My main problem is that once I am done with this radio, I will have to find something else to restore. I am really enjoying this process. Just as much fun as restoring an old car but without the major cost factor.

73,
Ron - KF7AYS

 

Anyone know of a source for a NOS or original speaker in excellent shape for this radio???

Thanks and 73,
Ron

 

YouTube video of a Hallicrafters S-20R Sky Champion Communications Receiver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gloax6OFV4w

Adding a Magic Eye to a Hallicrafters S-20R -- Phil Nelson
http://www.antiqueradio.org/magiceye.htm

Ron,

Do you have the original?
You might want to look at the selection at your local automotive audio / parts shops.

Some restorers have actually sent them to the audiophile technicians/restorers that "re cone" and "new foam surround" on speakers.

I've replaced the original speaker with a separate inductor/ line filter (in place of the old field coil)
and a normal 8 ohms speaker. - VU2JMX
http://www.qsl.net/vu2jmx/s20r.htm

This restorer used the speaker from a book shelf speaker
http://w2dtc.com/w2dtc-s-20r-receiver-page.htm

WB6KBL restoration
http://www.radiobanter.com/showthread.php?t=140604

w9gb

 

Yes, I do have the original.

I am not sure if I want to incur the cost of reconing the original speaker or not as I am not sure of the other transformer that is mounted to it. Or rather, the condition of it.

Thanks for the links.

With regards,
Ron - kf7ays

 

What a beautiful radio this is. None finer. An absolute classic. 73

 

They are a nice looking rig. I have never heard one on the air and am really looking forward to it.

The parts will be ordered today for it from Mouser electronics. Once I get the project list done, I will post the link to it here.

 

I made my very first contact as KN9STH using K9BPV's S-20R receiver back in May of 1959.

I have an S-20R in my "boat anchor" collection and had a second one that I traded off several years ago.

Glen, K9STH

 

I installed the transformer and tuning machines today. Will string them up in a bit. Check the "Rebuild" area in the photos to see the current pics.