The Vintage Radio Repair Shop

The Vintage Radio Repair Shop I specialise in the restoration and repair of vintage valve radios from 1930 to the early 1960's. I didn't think that one out in the beginning.

Over the past couple of years this work has evolved into conversions to internet/DAB/FM and Bluetooth as AM broadcasts have declined. This page is about my work repairing, restoring and, when wanted, converting old valve wireless sets to receive modern DAB, FM broadcasts and even Internet Streaming. I established Dab Hand Radio as a one man 'hobby business' in 2010 when I retired due to ill healt

h (arthritic knees!) after working over 30 years in Special Education and laterley within the world of juvenile crime working with young offenders in the Greater Manchester area. Once I couldn't run fast enough to catch the little rascals it was time to throw in the towel! The name was changed in 2020 to The Vintage Radio Repair Shop as I was getting too many requests to repair DAB radios.. As a life long radio enthusiast and Radio Ham I thought I'd turn my hobby into something more challenging. Since starting up my work has become much sought after and I have a very health, although frustrating for customers, waiting list. Most commissions have at least a six month time scale and some have taken over a year to complete! If you are thinking of a project then get in touch soon to get a place on the build list. My radios have been sent all over the world, are always guaranteed and, touch wood (!) have rarely gone tech and have been much loved by their owners. Often I restore and/or convert old valve sets which have great sentimental value to the customer so, as always, I treat each bespoke job I do with the utmost care and only produce work of the very highest quality... Hence the waiting list!

07/09/2026

A look at the last few weeks!!

07/09/2026

Finishing touches to the repaired GEC. Works as original, all serviced, and when switched as an Alexa smart speaker....

Note the difference in the audio quality between the original AM and the digital Alexa in the two videos below.

As my 'other self', Dave Francis, I'm on the radio tomorrow morning on A1Radio 8am till 10am with The Sunday Morning Bre...
05/09/2026

As my 'other self', Dave Francis, I'm on the radio tomorrow morning on A1Radio 8am till 10am with The Sunday Morning Breakfast Show 😊😊😊

Here's a very scary AI version of me!! I think we are all doomed.... The robots will win😳😳😳

04/09/2026
04/09/2026

On the bench over the past few months

https://www.mixcloud.com/dave-shaw23/eclectic-blues-with-dave-francis-september-26-show-1/No 1 of two shows this month o...
03/09/2026

https://www.mixcloud.com/dave-shaw23/eclectic-blues-with-dave-francis-september-26-show-1/

No 1 of two shows this month of Eclectic Blues (in partnership with A1Radio.co.uk) offers some great tracks from John Mayall, Gary Moore, Beth Hart, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Adam Sweet, Mulebone, Burning Rope and many more! A great mix of British and International Blues/Rock Blues with some traditional tunes thrown in for good measure! Message me for more details and check the A1 Radio schedule!

No 1 of two shows this month of Eclectic Blues (in partnership with A1Radio.co.uk) offers some great tracks from John Mayall, Gary Moore, Beth Hart, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Adam Sweet, Mulebone, Burning Rope and many more! A great mix of British and International Blues/Rock Blues with some traditional t...

Big thanks to Timothy Cannon, Rajashekar Raja, Muralidharan, Philip Bridgewater, Nestor Jose Fuenmayor Tudares, David Ma...
03/09/2026

Big thanks to Timothy Cannon, Rajashekar Raja, Muralidharan, Philip Bridgewater, Nestor Jose Fuenmayor Tudares, David Mark Wills

for all of your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

Back in the workshop today to finish a couple of jobs after the demands of grandparent duties!The 1 Meg switched volume ...
02/09/2026

Back in the workshop today to finish a couple of jobs after the demands of grandparent duties!

The 1 Meg switched volume potentiometer for the GEC had arrived and fitted today. The radio now works 100% without those crackles and drops in volume! Note to the supplier... It might be a good idea to supply these with the slip washer and tightening nut attached? I had to rummage through my junk box to find one.... Metric thread!

31/08/2026
Before and After.... Courier damage!
23/08/2026

Before and After.... Courier damage!

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Stockport
SK63JT

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