New member - Scott 16

[Robert Feenstra]

 I just got into this fascinating hobby.  Just redid a couple of radios I grew up with - a Majestic 1941, and Philco Model14 - 1933, chassis only. Now working on a Philco 96, 1930.  I decided I needed a real radio and found a Scott 16 in an Acousticraft cabinet.  It's not in the greatest shape as there is a fair amount of chrome damage and it is missing a few parts.  The receiver, power supply and speaker are intact and fairly unmolested, but I need knobs, the large dial pointer and a replacement plastic dial cover.  Are there reproductions of these parts?  Or, in particular, does anyone have a pointer they might want to sell?  I guess I can live with non original knobs and I think I could vacuum form a new dial cover.  I couldn't find anything at Radio Daze.

This project will be on the back burner for awhile, especially as I research dealing with the rust areas in the chrome.  Not sure I want to completely strip the chassis and have it re-plated.  I guess it depends on what it's value might be completely restored.

I've done a little research on the 16 in the forum's archives.  I'm not really sure of what I've got. I don't know how popular the 16 was or how it performed compared to the other Scott models.  Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Kent King]

I've got to dig up the contact info, but there is a guy that does the plastic dial covers, and his work is spectacular. The knobs for a 16 are more "generic" than most Scott knobs, you should be able to find some. The really tough item will be the dial pointer. There are actually two pointers, a large tuning one and a smaller "second hand" logging pointer. I'll try to post some pics, maybe others can too. 

Oh, btw: Welcome to our group! What is the serial number of your set?

Kent

[Robert Feenstra]

Thanks!  I've seen pics of the dial for a 16 so I know what it looks like.  I have the small indicator, only need the large one.  I've been looking at some Emerson's and Philco's.  Some of them have a pointer that is "similar".  Don't know if I could make one of those work.  There aught to be many sacrificial such radios around.

The serial number of my 16 is DD180.  Is there a list that gives exact manufacture date? It needs a lot of cosmetic work but I don't see much inside that has been changed.  Are the tube covers chromed as well?  It looks like they could just be polished aluminum.  But there is a fair amount of pitted chrome over the receiver and  a lot on the amp.

I'd like to clean up the dial face.  What can be safely used?

As you can see, I'm full of questions as I am new to this and know almost nothing about Scott's. So, there'll be a lot more!

Kent King said:

I've got to dig up the contact info, but there is a guy that does the plastic dial covers, and his work is spectacular. The knobs for a 16 are more "generic" than most Scott knobs, you should be able to find some. The really tough item will be the dial pointer. There are actually two pointers, a large tuning one and a smaller "second hand" logging pointer. I'll try to post some pics, maybe others can too. 

Oh, btw: Welcome to our group! What is the serial number of your set?

Kent

[David C. Poland]

The replacement plastic dial covers:  MARK PALMQUIST    dba as Retro Radio Repair

http://50.87.249.58/~dialcove/jmpalm/Inventory.htm.

Yours should have a brass dial bezel. First contact Mark. Then send him the dial bezel. He will instal a new repo plastic cover with the correct tiny brass rivets. I got fast turnaround and quality workmanship.

As for the large tuning knob, it is really hard to find, and needing one, I finally had a few resin repos made - with two set screws as they should. - $20 including postage while they last.

[David C. Poland]

As for the tube shields for a Scott Sixteen: some examples had chrome plated tube shields and other examples had polished aluminum shields. Either is correct.

I use Turtle brand liquid chrome polish on chrome. Mother's MAG polish on aluminum.

A proper electronic restoration produces a really good radio. I have restored two of them.  The Sixteen uses many of the same parts as a Philharmonic.  Just fewer features and less audio power and not the same high frequency response. The Accousticraft cabinet is a really nice cabinet. 

And GT and metal tubes won't fit the sockets because of the tube shield mounts - so unless the tube shield mounts have been altered (torn up), you need the shouldered "G" type tubes for the receiver.

Good luck.

[Robert Feenstra]

Thanks David.  I think my tube shields are polished aluminum,not chrome.  all of the tubes in the radio are of the sholdered type.

I'll buy your knob!  Just give me contact/payment info.  I'll also contact Mark.  thanks for the info!  i need to find the rest of the knobs as well so if you have any sources, let me know.

what is the best way to clean up the dial face?  I don't want to do any damage.  The ink on some radios, I'm told, is water soluble.  What chemicals can I safely use?

David C. Poland said:

As for the tube shields for a Scott Sixteen: some examples had chrome plated tube shields and other examples had polished aluminum shields. Either is correct.

I use Turtle brand liquid chrome polish on chrome. Mother's MAG polish on aluminum.

A proper electronic restoration produces a really good radio. I have restored two of them.  The Sixteen uses many of the same parts as a Philharmonic.  Just fewer features and less audio power and not the same high frequency response. The Accousticraft cabinet is a really nice cabinet. 

And GT and metal tubes won't fit the sockets because of the tube shield mounts - so unless the tube shield mounts have been altered (torn up), you need the shouldered "G" type tubes for the receiver.

Good luck.

[Robert Feenstra]

Hi David. How do i go about buying one of your tuning knobs? I'll happily pay your price.  I can send a check or can paypal the $$.  Just let me know what you need.

Rob

David C. Poland said:

The replacement plastic dial covers:  MARK PALMQUIST    dba as Retro Radio Repair

http://50.87.249.58/~dialcove/jmpalm/Inventory.htm.

Yours should have a brass dial bezel. First contact Mark. Then send him the dial bezel. He will instal a new repo plastic cover with the correct tiny brass rivets. I got fast turnaround and quality workmanship.

As for the large tuning knob, it is really hard to find, and needing one, I finally had a few resin repos made - with two set screws as they should. - $20 including postage while they last.

[Kent King]

Regarding serial numbers: we do not have hard dates on Scott sets. All the original data was lost back in the 1950s. For over 25 years, I have been collecting, estimating and extrapolating data on the Scott serial numbers. In your case, I can give you a narrow window - you are very fortunate! Your set was produced sometime between Sep 10 and Oct 2, 1937. I have good dates either side of it. 

Kent

Robert Feenstra said:

Thanks!  I've seen pics of the dial for a 16 so I know what it looks like.  I have the small indicator, only need the large one.  I've been looking at some Emerson's and Philco's.  Some of them have a pointer that is "similar".  Don't know if I could make one of those work.  There aught to be many sacrificial such radios around.

The serial number of my 16 is DD180.  Is there a list that gives exact manufacture date? It needs a lot of cosmetic work but I don't see much inside that has been changed.  Are the tube covers chromed as well?  It looks like they could just be polished aluminum.  But there is a fair amount of pitted chrome over the receiver and  a lot on the amp.

I'd like to clean up the dial face.  What can be safely used?

As you can see, I'm full of questions as I am new to this and know almost nothing about Scott's. So, there'll be a lot more!

Kent King said:

I've got to dig up the contact info, but there is a guy that does the plastic dial covers, and his work is spectacular. The knobs for a 16 are more "generic" than most Scott knobs, you should be able to find some. The really tough item will be the dial pointer. There are actually two pointers, a large tuning one and a smaller "second hand" logging pointer. I'll try to post some pics, maybe others can too. 

Oh, btw: Welcome to our group! What is the serial number of your set?

Kent

[Robert Feenstra]

Thanks Kent!

I just started an Atwater Kent 55F that I will have to strip because of mouse damage to the chassis.  It will be good practice for the Scott even though the Scott is much more involved!  I kind of would like to go the whole way with this radio, including re-chroming the chassis.  A lot of work, though.  I'll probably have the cabinet refinished professionally.  There is a guy here in Grand Rapids who has done a lot of radios.  I will, no doubt, get much more invested than I could ever hope to get out of the radio should I ever decide to sell.  But then, it's fun!

I have an email in to Mark Palmquist for a new dial cover.  Now if only I could find the rest of the knobs and the long pointer!

[David C. Poland]

Robert - my repo large tuning knob for your Scott Sixteen is resin, the proper dark brown with 2 set screws like an original. $20  (mailing in US)    PayPal to me   [e-mail].

+

The other  5 knobs are 1 inch diameter (any larger obscured the control escutcheons) for 1/4 inch shafts,

Check at radio swap meets - usually several selling knobs - is where i sometimes find them.

The three are round (for Bass and Fidelity and the smaller Tuning ) are easier to find at radio swap meets.

The two pinch type of same style (Volume & Wave Change) seem harder to find.

Look at the Braeside photo in the SET Folders on this website, in the Scott Info Archives.

I will try to upload  up close photo that includes these two knob types.

[Robert Feenstra]

Thanks David. The up close photo would be appreciated.

Payment on the way!

[David C. Poland]

close up photos of the brown bakelite/plastic knobs appear in the photos section.

The round and pinch type appear at the lower center and lower left

[Robert Feenstra]

Much appreciated! I have a good idea of what to look for.  In scanning through the photos of the various 16's, there seems to be disagreement on where the pinch style knobs go.