[R-390] Parting out R-390A's

[Cecil Acuff]

I agree DW but until buyers are willing to spend more for a complete radio 
than the sum of it's parts it will remain that way.  Also sold that way if 
there were problems with the radio no one will ever know...except the guy 
that ends up with the module that had the fault.  You list a radio with an 
issue...as small as it might be to someone who can fix the thing, the price 
takes a nosedive.  (I guess that is why many are listed as "I didn't power 
it up as I don't have any way to test it".. or "I don't know anything about 
these")

I personally try not to pay more than $350 to $400 for a complete surplus 
radio in unrestored condition.  Usually less.  As anyone that has done one 
properly can attest there is a lot of work involved....enjoyable work but 
work none the less.  A fully restored R-390A can bring upwards of $1500 to 
$1700 on the auction site...if one is lucky.  Usually closer to around 
$1200.  The R-390 is a different and strange story.  They usually bring less 
even though they are a good bit more on the scarce side.  Restored they seem 
to go for around $850...not sure why but that is the case.  When you 
consider the labor involved it don't take much math to figure out how much 
you can pay for a used but restorable radio and break even on the deal.

With parts availability running out from the usual suppliers whole radio's 
being privately held are paying the ultimate price by being sacrificed for 
the almighty dollar....

Laws of supply & demand I guess....

Cecil Acuff......
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "DW Holtmnan" <future212 at comcast.net>
To: <R-390 at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 9:42 AM
Subject: [R-390] Parting out R-390A's


> This weekind one Ebay seller parted out a complete working R-390A. He sold 
> everything, meters, knobs, case, front panel and all modules.
>
> He received $854.72. A complete working R-390A probably would have sold 
> for a similar price, maybe a little bit less. I know that we need 
> parts/modules to keep this gear running, but I hate a working radio tore 
> apart for parts profits.
>
> Best,
> DW Holtman
> WB7SSN
>
>
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