Since all radios are different (somewhat) and have different parts, the actual calendar time to repair (the time between receiving the radio and shipping the repaired unit back) can vary greatly.

The normal turnaround on a simple home table radio is about one to two weeks. Though the labor hours could be only 1 to 2 hours, there can always be a delay in getting the correct parts into my shop. There are over 10,000 tube types which obviously we cannot stock. We have suppliers across the US that provide us with tubes and other parts if we do not have them. We do stock most other components (resistors, capacitors, etc.) that are necessary to repair a radio.

Finally, would you like us to hurry through your radio in order to get to the next one? We do not think so. It is not unusual to run into a radio that is very difficult to turn around quickly. Such simple things as knobs fitting correctly after replacement of volume controls can take hours if not days to resolve. Similarly, dial restringing can be very time consuming.

UPDATE 1/1/2010

The normal order in which we work on radios is oldest in queue gets next attention. Due to non-payment problems, the order in which repair starts, will be influenced by probability of timely payment which includes previous prompt payment, mode of payment etc.

Modified Radios

Once we get "into" a radio it may become apparent that the radio has been modified by a previous owner. These modifications are above and beyond normal repair work and represent an attempt to add function to the radio or otherwise modify the radio so that it is "out of spec". When we discover this, it alters our ability to within financial limits, to repair the radio. If we discover this, we will notify the owner, indicating that any previous estimates may be void.

How to have a smooth repair Experience

RADIOS IN PROCESS or "FIXUS INTERRUPTUS"

We generally work on up to 6 radios concurrently. The reason for this is simple. At any one time the work on a radio can be halted for:

1.ORDERING PARTS

Most radios that we have on our bench at some point in the repair cycle, requires that we special order tubes, special capacitors, high wattage resistors, etc. This can take as long as 7 days to order and receive items.

2. OWNER PERMISSIONS

Most radios we work on require that we notify the owner about anticipated repairs and their costs. Other times we need to ask questions about the history of the radio, verify return shipping addresses, present our final bill for payment, etc. All these communications incur delays and all communications are done with Email.

3. THINK TIME

On particularly difficult repair jobs, we sometimes seek advice and opinions from other repair "guys" particularly as relates to a specific models. Also, many times it is useful to "step back" for a few days and noodle on the problem.

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