The Ford Barn

Gary Tosel · 05-18-2018, 01:13 AM

Has anyone found a source for the 36 Ford Philco radio head on/off switch?

I have three radio heads that click like on/off but do not work. I have taken them apart and find it is the most complicated switch to perform on/off operation.

The weak link is the fiber switch lever that wears out on the pivot end and will not allow the rotary switch to make contact. I am in process of replacing that part, but it is really difficult to complete.

Let us know if there are new or replacement switches available.

Thanks

petehoovie · 05-18-2018, 01:49 AM

I always thought the on/off switch was located inside the radio chassis and not in the radio-head. This on/off switch in the chassis being actuated by the cable from the radio-head left hand knob. Can you post a picture of the radio-head you have?

See > https://www.ebay.com/itm/BEAUTIFUL-1...AAAOSwxupa~c4s

Don Rogers · 05-18-2018, 04:28 AM

Pete, When Ford went from the larger Philco FT-6 radio chassis to the smaller FT-9 chassis in early 1936, the on-off switch was moved from the chassis to the radio head. See photo of 1936 radio head with integral switch.

petehoovie · 05-18-2018, 12:42 PM

There's a seller on eBay who refurbishes old car radios > partsgeneral1200
You might want to contact this guy for the part you need....

keith oh · 05-18-2018, 01:12 PM

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The only cure I have found for the 36 switches is to eliminate the faulty head switch with a shunt and put a little hide able in line switch in the power line between ignition switch and head. I did see one a guy had put a 1935 switch in the 36 box, he must have changed the cable also, I never had a chance to ask, the "dooer" was a couple owners back.

05-18-2018, 01:13 AM	#1
Gary Tosel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,231	36 Ford Radio On/Off Switch Has anyone found a source for the 36 Ford Philco radio head on/off switch? I have three radio heads that click like on/off but do not work. I have taken them apart and find it is the most complicated switch to perform on/off operation. The weak link is the fiber switch lever that wears out on the pivot end and will not allow the rotary switch to make contact. I am in process of replacing that part, but it is really difficult to complete. Let us know if there are new or replacement switches available. Thanks

05-18-2018, 01:49 AM	#2
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 10,158	Re: 36 Ford Radio On/Off Switch I always thought the on/off switch was located inside the radio chassis and not in the radio-head. This on/off switch in the chassis being actuated by the cable from the radio-head left hand knob. Can you post a picture of the radio-head you have? See > https://www.ebay.com/itm/BEAUTIFUL-1...AAAOSwxupa~c4s

05-18-2018, 12:42 PM	#4
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 10,158	Re: 36 Ford Radio On/Off Switch There's a seller on eBay who refurbishes old car radios > partsgeneral1200 You might want to contact this guy for the part you need....

05-18-2018, 01:12 PM	#5
keith oh Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Millersport, central ohio Posts: 668	Re: 36 Ford Radio On/Off Switch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The only cure I have found for the 36 switches is to eliminate the faulty head switch with a shunt and put a little hide able in line switch in the power line between ignition switch and head. I did see one a guy had put a 1935 switch in the 36 box, he must have changed the cable also, I never had a chance to ask, the "dooer" was a couple owners back.