$1 Basket Case Radio Restore - Fleetwood 1061 AKA Philips 165

I bought this radio for parts and it was not much better than that but with a bit of care I thought I could bring it back to life. See how my project turns out.

Cardboard Back Repair Method:
I liberally coated the back with PVA glue thinned with water so it would be absorbed by the cardboard. It was sandwiched overnight in a press between two sheets of cling film, the glue won't stick to the cling film.
Cardboard repair Mixture:
The mixture is just Papier Mâché but mixed with PVA glue instead of water. I used toilet tissue soaked in water for 30 seconds wrung out and chopped up in a mini chopper. Add some flour and a little oil and form mix into a putty with the PVA glue. If the backboard is coloured brown or black I add acrylic paint to match the existing colour. It dries as hard as a rock. There are recipes online for Papier Mâché, just change them to use PVA instead of water and chop the paper up, not into strips. You do not need to cook the mixture.

[colleenkidwell]

All of the technical radio terminology went over my head but enjoyed the level of care in this restoration. Bravo, indeed.

[judges]

The master of restoration, no one else goes to your level. 😀

[genestatler]

Wow!! David, you are certainly a master at radio and cabinetry repair and finish!!

[TWOCOWS]

You put like $5000 worth of work into that piece of nothing. But your time and effort restored it and made it come alive and rewarding for you. So, fantastic. Enjoy life and what makes it meaningful to you.

[erin]

I like your lathe! In high school I was an Industrial Arts major, with 4 years of metal shop, wood shop, and
Mechanical Drafting. After high school, while as an working as an apprentice in a machine shop at Barker and Williamson, a Radio Manufacturer,
I met older gent who got me interested in Radio. The company offered to pay my way through electronics school. They subsidized my tuition, I paid for books and transportation. Upon graduation the company put me in the Radio Labs. A few years later In 1965 Uncle Sam had other plans for me during Nam. He decided I an aptitude for electronics and trained me for Field Radio Repair. While I spent my working life in the electronics field, I still utilized my machinist background. Once I was hired as a electronics tech for RCA mainly because I also knew how to operate a lathe, shaper, milling machine and drill press. They put me in R and D lab building prototype chassis. I do admire your mechanical skills. You really went the extra mile on this radio. Your skills, and tenacity are an inspiration. Thank you Mr. Wizard!

[emmanuelvakakis]

The definition of a good person. One who cares and brings something back to life and former glory than to throw away.

[MatthewHolevinski]

What in the actual unholy dark magic sorcery is this! That was magical!!! I'm blown away.

[GeekMustHave]

The first 29 minutes show you are an excellent technician and the last 11 minutes show how you are an excellent craftsman. Never thought it would ever come back to life. Keep broadcasting!!

[aaww]

What beautiful workmanship! You make a lot of moves look easy. It's so immensely satisfying to hear and see these old radios come to life again. Thank you.

[johnburns]

Hi David what a beautiful transformation the Philips people should be proud of your Skills bringing back from Rags to Riches one of there products, I see this was posted 5 years ago well i guess it, s a long journey from Queensland to Ireland but it, s here now, For me one of the Sweetest Sounds is that from the Signal Generator, Many Thanks from a 1944 old man ☘☘☘☘☘.

[scottgm]

This is the first video of yours I’ve ever watched. I have no clue what you’ve done, but it’s amazing. Great job.

[bradleyleben]

Not just blowing smoke but you truly are a restorer! Many on YouTube pop in a few caps and call it a restore. You do excellent work! I’m proud to watch your videos. I give you a 👍. I would give you more but they only allow one.😎 thanks Brad

[TheGuitologist]

That was inspiring, David. Top shelf work.

[superhet]

Your cabinet repairs and the cosmetic restoration work is breathtaking!

[elkabong]

Bravo! Truly a labor of love! Great job on both the radio restoration and the video presentation of it as well. Thanks!

[BruceNitroxpro]

No matter how many competent restoration videos you see, you meet someone like this who plays instead of works at things.

[tegwyn]

Very impressed with your skills to bring this radio back to life, a great end result

[paulbennell]

That radio looked absolutely hammered when you started work but it just goes to show, where there's a will, there's a way!

[joselynrozario]

Loved everything about the video, the skill, the patience and the amazing result. Thanks for sharing !

[adamsaint]

In a world that's focused on throwing stuff out and buying things that are shiny and new, what you're doing here is actually quite radical. Awesome resto.