GE Super Radio from 1979 | Restore Part 1

This is the GE model 7-2880B from 1979. This is a portable AM/FM radio that my father used for many years. I have decided to clean it up and see if align it. Replace any parts that need replacing and make it work like the day it shipped! I have many memories with this radio growing up.

[@makarov138]

I am 70 years old. This is the radio that sits on the bedside table beside where I sleep at night. This exact model! I live in north-central Mississippi. There are no powerful AM stations near me at night so night time AM reception is spectacular. This radio brings me my radio talk shows at night. I've owned this one since I bought it new in 79. I was a radio/television repair technician for a local consumer electronics store and purchased it there then. She still works perfectly. Although I did have to re-solder the pins going through the circuit board off the band and ALC switch. That is a common problem with these radios. I have found no single radio that can perform to the level of this radio on AM. And I have the superradio 2 and 3! The 1 is the best for talk radio. The 2 is better for music. The 3 is junk! Now to you, the younger son of your father: this was your father's jewel for his radio listening pleasure. I'm 70 years old now and have found no radio that can perform to the level of this radio on AM. Not even today with all the electronic wizardry we have today. Long distance night time medium wave reception is not considered in the design of modern radios. But it should! Enjoy listening to the stations you Dad did back in the day. Because when you are as old as me, you definitely will!

[@makarov138]

@Untrepid One I actually prefer digital, but I have never found a single radio anywhere or manufacturer that measures up to these SupeRadios! That's why I've had mine all these years.

[@gorbthegreatmind2422]

I found this in my grandmas closet while helping her move, she was gonna donate it to goodwill and said I could have it. So I got it. I am very young and this model came out the same year my mother was born. It still works, but I have trouble going from 106 to 106.1

[@ke4est]

Do you mean it is hard to turn, the tuning knob?

[@gorbthegreatmind2422]

@@ke4est no. It’s the precision. The numbers at the top, (from 88-108) aren’t as precise as the numbers right below it. For example, 106.1 looks more like 105.7 on the top bar, and 106.1 looks like 81 on the bottom bar.

[@RETROTV1394]

One of the greatest radios ever. It was great dxing with this receiver back in the early 80s. Legendary.

[@ke4est]

Yes it was.

[@hestheMaster]

43 year old E caps will have drifted out of tolerance. Clean the pots ,the two switches, and oil the ends of the
multi-section variable capacitor and it should be good for a few decades more. Clear Gorilla glue can be used on
the dial face which often falls off . There is one on eBay right now with the same problem! 91% IPA will take care of
those paint splatters without damaging the plastics. Looking forward to part 2.

[@ke4est]

Yep, I couldn't just leave them, even though I pondered it. In the process of replacing the caps! Yeah, this thing should out last me.

[@jamesloma36]

@@ke4est is part 2 out?

[@jstrunck]

Bought a GE Superradio at Service Merchandise in town around 1980 or so. Great radio with outside aerial installed. I think it also had crystal if filters I believe. Radio long gone.

[@ke4est]

Asked, my mother and this is where this one came from, Service Merchandise.

[@jstrunck]

@@ke4est Yessir, Service Merchandise, formerly known as Wilson’s. They must have had more than few of them stocked up in warehouses.

[@chadmcdougle9341]

GE 4 digit date codes were used from late 70's to mid 80's. First digit is day of week - 3 = Wednesday. Second digit is year - 1 = 81. Last two digits indicate week of year - in this case 38th week of 1981.

[@ke4est]

Thanks!

[@NSNorfolk]

Tuning capacitor is a 3 gang model. 3 for AM (larger plates) and 3 for FM (smaller plates). 40 year old capacitors are not ok. Change 'em all!

[@ke4est]

Yes sir, all caps always get changed!! Not worth leaving them behind. You are just asking for trouble.

[@aransmitch]

I like it where The station dial is metal.

[@barrypromo]

I just ordered a used GE Superadio ii off eBay. From the photos there are a few scratches on the front of the cabinet. Is it possible to hide or remove the scratches to make it look better? Any suggestions?

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

31March 1980 production date ?

[@ke4est]

Thanks

[@salmorreale7900]

Very interesting. Part 2?

[@ke4est]

I hope next month. Had some life events get in the way. I will explain in a video soon.

[@jatinder1614]

Link please part 2

[@Codd41]

No part 2?

[@ke4est]

No not as of yet life got in the way.