Zenith X334 - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Nolan Woodbury · #1 12-26-2006, 09:24 PM

My latest project:

This was a mess out of the box; trashed and broken. After tearing it apart, cleaning and fixing the totally bent and screwed up dial face, I checked the caps for leakage and fired it up. To me, the X334 sounds more like the K731 than the C/G730, but isn't as pretty as any of those. Still, it's a nice radio with a smooth, bassy tone and decent highs. It looks to have a larger, more ovaled speaker than what's mounted on the C705 chassis, but the tweeter is standard issue Zenith. The chassis cleaned up nicely:

It's no 845 for sound or reception, but a very decent listener. I'm out of new caps to finish it, but want to find out what I need for my EMUD before I place another order. The dial lamp takes one 1819; which are getting hard to find around here. I hate the flimsy, paper backed tin around the tuning face (you might notice one spot where I rubbed a bit too hard) but I did try out my new process of knob refinishing. I haven't perfected the shiny brass look yet, but the paint and clear application at least makes the radio presentable. In all, the X334 is a nice radio...a better unit than I gave it credit for.

Fisherdude · #2 12-26-2006, 11:50 PM

I have a couple from this same era, most with the chrome worn off the knobs. What's your technique?

Nolan Woodbury · #3 12-27-2006, 03:09 PM

Not much to it really. I pull the knobs and soak them in Simple Green (to wash away the old grime from dirty fingers, etc...yuck) then rinse and wipe.

That usually takes care of the rest of the plating. :-)

After that, most are stripped to pure white plastic. I found some modeling paint at Crafts Mart that looked like a gold/chrome finish (according to the cap) but it is more of a satin metallic. I use three coats of flat black primer, two or three coats of the gold (allowing to dry in between) then two or three coats of 'truck and auto' detailing clear to finish. It looks pretty good, considering it's from a bomb can, and hopefully the clear will lend a bit of extra durability. Paint the knobs face down to protect the inside lettering and color, plus the leading edge finish which isn’t usually worn away.

Fisherdude · #4 12-27-2006, 04:33 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'll see if I can find some shiny brass color and clearcoat.

HotShards · #5 12-31-2006, 03:50 PM

Saw your post and pics, nice job! I was checking out this section because I have a friend who collects old radios.

I recognized your radio as resembling the one I listen to when I'm working on my car in the garage! When my aunt passed away in the '70s, my mom was in charge of handling her estate. My mom had told me, "if there is anything you like, take it". For some reason, I wanted that old radio. Don't ask me why. It works great, after the tubes warm up. In the picture, I have a small piece of masking tape near the volume knob on the radio...my visual preset of the volume I usually listen to.

Mine looks a little different than yours. It's an X334W, dated 1-30-59? (See picture of tag) It looks like the legs are different, the wood is darker, and the grill cloth is dark also...the rest looks like the same set-up.

I know nothing about this radio. You inspired me to clean it up! The volume knob comes off really easy, but the tone knob does not and I'm afraid of breaking it. Does the tone knob slide out like the volume knob? I might try painting the knobs.

Chad Hauris · #6 12-31-2006, 06:35 PM

The knobs are usually designed so they cannot come off...there is a guard on the inside of the cabinet on the knob shank. The chassis of the radio connects directly to the powerline and the guards are to prevent electrical shock from coming in contact with "hot" control shafts or the chassis. The knobs can be loosened but I don't think they can be removed. During disassembly of the set the chassis must be pulled away from the knobs rather than the usual process of pulling the knobs off.

Nolan Woodbury · #7 12-31-2006, 07:56 PM

First of all, I wonder if Zenith's system of letters behind the model number depicts finish. For example, every blonde C730 I've seen is labeled an 'E'. My X334 has no letter designation, so I'm not sure if my theory is right or not.

The knobs are fastened to the shafts by a round metal clip that fits over the knob’s plastic shaft. Ideally, the knob should slide off (with some pressure) but the fact that your volume knob is missing its clip means somebody's probably had the chassis out at some point; not hard to imagine and no big deal. If you don't move the radio around much the knob should stay put, but be careful; when your Zenith is plugged in the chassis has ac current running through it, so make sure it is unplugged before you work on it.

Zenith also displayed the habit of placing the same radio chassis is different cabinets. Like the popular K731, the X334 was available in Colonial (like mine) or Early American, with little legs. Both are very handsome styles, and allowed the buyer to pick a radio that matched their home decor.

Finally, I think we all are drawn to antique or vintage radio for various, but similar reasons...a certain attraction that isn't easy to describe. For me, it's a nostalgic hobby that I can enjoy at home, while spending time with my family. It is also very affordable. Zeniths are desirable because they perform very well and because there is a lot of them out there, so enjoy yours!

steve gibson · #8 01-02-2007, 10:42 PM

very nice Nolan. Thanks for the restoration tips!

Nolan Woodbury · #9 01-02-2007, 11:05 PM

Thanks Steve! Say, did you ever get around to dialing in that K731?

This X334 actually looks better in person than it does in the pics. I had hosed down the grill cloth and blotches were still drying when I took them. The Canon 20D digital I use for my magazine work is a bit harsh for tatty old radio photos. I'd be better off shooting this stuff with a warmer vintage triplet, then getting the slides digitized. But at nearly $30.00 a piece...

For normal dirt on old grill cloths, Simple Green does a nice job of lifting it off without adding more stains. I spray it on (with the chassis and speakers removed) then dry it by blowing a light stream of compressed air through. Usually, the cloth comes back brighter and much cleaner looking, but I've shredded a couple doing this too.

By all means Jon, tell your friends about AK's Antique Radio. The guys that hang out here are some of the best, bar none.