'39 98K2 RCA console
 

I picked up this RCA 98K2 console for $45 at a flea market over the weekend. It was marked $85; but, I know the vendor and he said I could have it for $65. Then, I ended up helping him unload two pick-up loads of other stuff and then he said he'd drop it to $55 for helping him. Then, he thought and said $55 was too much and that I could have it for $45.

The cabinet does have numerous scratches and the joints need to be reglued. The pushbuttons are missing and I hope I can find some replacements, either original or repro ones. I have not pulled the chassis; but, I suspect it will be a routine restoration. I've seen a lot worse for a lot more than $45. Oh, and it does have a tuning eye!

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...2598k20004.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...2598k20003.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...2598k20002.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...2598k20001.jpg

The wood on that console is gorgeous, despite the damage. Are you going to strip and refinish it?

The chassis looks nice! That is a very good-looking set.

Should be a fun set. I believe these had twin output tubes so you'll get to crank it up with a real push-pull amp! If you were considering refinishing, the spray can lacqers from Mohawk will be a close match, especially their opaque toner lacquer on the top and trim. Have fun with this one. RCA produced solid, dependable sets, which is why so many are still chugging along eighty years later.

Nice set! I hope you are considering saving the original finish and not stripping. The finish looks quite good in the pics and I bet it could be rubbed down a bit and have the scratches removed then touched up. The now-missing push buttons that have deteriorated are typical for these RCAs. Repros are available. This will be a nice playing set when it is done.

Gilbert

I'm going to try to save the original finish, if possible. First, I'm going to pull the chassis and get it playing. I hope it only needs a routine recap, clean-up, and alignment.

Nice cabinet!. Those buttons should be available, there's someone making Philco buttons that might work. Wish I could remember who.

At least the Tenite escutcheon isn't cracked. Big thumbs up on that one.

Yeah that is a nice looking cabinet. And you're right on the money about the escutcheon..... not cracked...... or warped..... Always a big plus.

Is this the site for replacement buttons??

http://www.antiqueradioknobs.com/partlistings.html

Rob

Yep that's the one I was thinking of.

I have an RCA tombstone with a big Tenite escutcheon that's cracked. They said they have to confine their production to sets they can sell a lot of, and mine wasn't one of them. Hopefully you can find your pushbuttons.

You should be able to restore the finish, vintage patina always nice to keep. The twin column look is very cool on that model, gives it that "I'm a serious radio" look. I have a 19K from 1941....The RCA consoles sound great once serviced - enjoy it !

RCA was something back then, their stuff was indeed built 'seriously'.

I have saved the original finish on several of my radios and antique furniture with a product called "Howards Restora Finish" It comes in various shades and is applied, following the grain, with 0000 steel wool. I would try that before resorting to stripping. I first saw this product at antique shows, but I think I recall correctly that Lowe's and Home Depot have it too. Great radio!