Kriesler 11-7

Kriesler 11-7 Radio

These radios are very common because the cabinet is built like a tank. They also had about 16 revisions, including 2 major ones. Along with modifications made by technicians over the years, these are a difficult set to pin down for repair, especiallly if they don't work initially.

2021

I now have four of these radio's in various states of decay. All bought as part of other hauls. None is what you would call pristine condition.

All have had rodents enter them. You would think that with the way they were advertised, "sealed set", they would be impervious, but no.

The problem stems from the decorative grill above the tuning dial. The tortoise shell plastic shrinks away from the Bakelite main cabinet. The grill falls away, and Bob's your Uncle, in go the rodents.

All four chassis have been affected in some way, although none have rusted through. The decision is choosing various mix and match parts to build a complete one or two radio's.

The cabinets are good on two of the radio's. However, only one of these has a complete Kriesler badge. The other good badge is on a cabinet that is too far gone.

I am hoping that I can still get replacement reproduction badges and grills.

One problem I am facing is that there were so many revisions to the chassis over the production run, some 12 or so. Unfortunately none of the radio's can be identified other than through the valve line-up and the dial glass. Maybe some form of hybrid is required.

Sometimes I wonder whether such sets are worth the effort if not for the fact that I effectively paid nothing for them.

Update

I have bought a complete set for $5 a HRSA market day.

This has been restored to somewhere near it's former glory.

It's a very early set with a very low serial number.

I had to replace the speaker.

May 2024 update

I have recently pruchased a futher four of these radio's from 3 deceased estates. All are in much better condition than the previous ones, barring the previously restored example.

The first one has been fully restored now and has come up like almost new. The remaining ones are waiting on replacement valves and a good polish.

These were fairly quick and straight forward jobs, so there is no video.

I sold the three scrap sets at the Trading Table day.

Above is the radio cobbled together from the four sets. It has a Bluetooth modual fitted and sound reasonable.

This example from May 2024 has a better cabinet and sounds much better. I will fit a Bluetooth modual and perhaps a Jaycar car speaker. The previous example is for sale at the Ballarat Bazaar.

Page last updated: 30 May 2024