Buying a BUSH DAC90A or TV22

I have created this guide because I know that BUSH Bakelites are not only popular, but they are starting to get expensive. For the buyer who wants to be able to restore their set, there are a few tips that I have picked up that can prevent you from buying a lemon.

The BUSH DAC90A radio went through several variations during it's production. There were three different styles of control knobs and several internal differences, not to mention the many different styles of tuning scale. First of all check that is a DAC90A and not a DAC90, don't just rely on what it says on the back. The DAC90A should have a Brass coloured metal speaker grille, the one on the DAC90 is fabric.

Look at the style of the two knobs on the front, early sets had dull tapered knobs, then the style changed to shiny knobs with an ergonomic shape (the most common type). The last style were thin knurled knobs with a Gold circle on the front (not pictured). Avoid un-restored sets with the later type of knob, these sets are fitted with very cheap valve holders which can be a serious headache if they are in bad nick.

An early style knob

The more common shaped knob

The later type of knob

Now look through the back. On the right hand side of the chassis (viewed from the back) there should be a large green mains dropper resistor, if this resistor is grey then it is a very early set. The grey mains droppers fitted to early sets were un-reliable. Also the speaker grilles on theses early sets were not pressed into shape, this means that they can bow inwards, this is not only un-sightly but also incurable.

Green Mains Dropper

The chassis.

Check that all the valves are in place as these are getting expensive. Look for any signs of corrosion (white blobs) on the aluminium chassis, this means that the set has been stored in the damp and so the speaker will probably not work.

Now look at the condition of the cabinet. There should be no obvious scratches, cracks or chips. Look out for chips on the case at the bottom edge of the tuning scale, although chips here are common they do affect the value as there are many examples of perfect sets to be had. Chipped knobs are also common, but again this lowers the value of a set. With an Ivory DAC90A a hairline crack directly above the mains dropper is to be expected.

The hairline crack on an Ivory DAC90A

Last, but not least check that the set has a mains lead. If not then it should knock £5 off the price.

Now for price. Speaking as a collector that often comes across bargains, I would expect to get a perfect example of an un-restored brown coloured set for £50. If you don't look around then expect to pay up to £75 for a perfect un-restored Brown set and up to £125 for an Ivory one.