A Zenith 6D029 Radio part 1: Observations
Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 20:27:24
I picked this interesting example of a radio up at the Findlay Hamfest last year (2025.) It’s a Zenith 6D029, and was made around 1946 - so just after the war. It’s visually appealing:
It’s in decent enough shape for the age. The cabinet is all there, but the finish is eh. That’s about all I expected for the age.
The back panel is all there, although just a little damaged. That’s really unusual for a radio of this age.
The cord, of course, is in mint condition. I could plug this thing in right away, I’m sure. (Or not. Probably not.)
Removing the back panel reveals the antenna.
The OEM label is still inside.
Oh boy, loctals. Those are always fun.
The chassis is nothing unusual for a radio of this vintage. It’s a 6-tube unit, and has a tuned RF front end. It should be a solid performer when it’s peaked up. There’s only one OEM marked tube in this, so it’s seen a lot of use.
This is listed in Riders 15, Pages Zenith 26 and 27. I have that manual, and when I can get the book clasp to release, I’ll photocopy them and post them in the library.
Right now, one of the knobs is refusing to come off, so I’m deciding on ways to release that. When I’m able to get that off, I’ll pull the chassis and we can inspect the underside to see if anything has been done to this radio over the years.
Stay tuned, quite literally!
Next part of this series: Coming soon.
Wrapup and final thoughts: Coming soon.