purchasing advice on old radio.

[Blueduce]

I found this old signal corps radio at an estate sale here in TX. I'm just wondering if anyone has any info or can offer any suggestions on the set. I dug around some and couldn't find much. It says Radio Receiver BC-358-L

They where asking $200 for it but had no clue if it even worked. Is it worth the asking price and would someone be able to fix it.

 

[wsucougarx]

From my understanding many of the older radios had tubes. The tubes aren't the issue, its finding them and being able afford them can be an issue.

 

[Blueduce]

Here is a pick I took with my phone if it helps.

 

[Blueduce]

That's what I was wondering. There where a few old tubes in a box in front of the radio (reference pick) but I have no clue if there still good or if there even for this set.

 

[wreckerman893]

Folks that set up diaramas or do reenactments/living history events might be interested.

I'd lowball them and see if they bite.....usually the last day of an estate sale is when the bargains are (much like Sunday morning at the GA Rally).

 

[uscgmatt]

Thats a BC-348. In my opinion its a good radio if it hasent been hacked up to bad. These were a favorite among hams after ww2, so there is an abundance of info on them. You can get manuals online for free. 200.00 isnt too bad for a fully working set that is original. Unknown is hard to judge as it depends on what is missing. I like mine, its a -Q model which has the brodcast band.

BC-348 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[maddawg308]

I have seen nice ones that worked go for $200 and even less. I'd offer $75, and see what happens. Wear your helmet because you might have pots and pans headed your way.

They are neat, lots of hams are into the WWII stuff. The tubes are easy to find, if you get it and need help, I can point you in the right direction.

The BC-348 was used in all sorts of aircraft and vehicular installations in WWII. Over 100,000 were produced, so it's pretty common.

More details here:

BC-348 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[kf4hoq]

If you're much into tinkering with electronics, figure out the power connector and build one that contains the ability to vary the current. Start at the lowest setting and work your way up over the course of a few days. That will help keep thost old capacitors and pots from blowing up.

 

[Boatcarpenter]

Buy it, join this site and .
armyradios : A discussion group for those who collect

BC

 

[Blueduce]

Thanks fellas, I haven't heard from the estate sale yet. I offered $50 if it didn't sell. From what you guys are saying the Dr. Frankenstein rebirth shouldn't be to bad or overly expensive. I was originally looking for a transceiver for my Deuce. This may not be the one for that application but sounds like a fun rebuild. It was dirty from sitting in his garage for the last several decades but the exterior didn't seem to be hacked up or altered. I should have an answer by tomorrow.

 

[Wile E. Coyote]

There are tons and tons of those things out there...three a week on Ebay on average...and $200 is on the high side by a fair chunk for a set of unknown completeness or working condition.

 

[Blueduce]

Thanks for all the help fellas. It's now Monday evening and no call from the estate sale telling me to pick up my radio. All I can assume is that someone else felt it was worth more than my $50 bid.