Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
The electrification of rural areas came slowly, but farmers wanted the benefits of electricity, and General Motors had a plan, the 32 volt direct current Delco-Light Plant, first offered in 1916. These gasoline or kerosene powered 32 volt DC generator systems couldn't operate the 120 volt appliances that were sold in the city, so a separate line of 32 volt DC appliances were manufactured. GM's Delco division in Rochester NY began manufacturing 32 volt radios in the 1930s, but the production of 32 volt DC radios was short lived. By the mid 1940s the widespread electrification of the rural USA made these systems obsolete.
Robert Lozier has researched and restored some of these rare Delco radios, shares their history, and demonstrates the restoration techniques that he developed to undo the effects that time, grime and mice had on these historic pieces.
If you enjoyed this video, consider becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at antiquewireless.org/homepage/membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
The electrification of rural areas came slowly, but farmers wanted the benefits of electricity, and General Motors had a plan, the 32 volt direct current Delco-Light Plant, first offered in 1916. These gasoline or kerosene powered 32 volt DC generator systems couldn't operate the 120 volt appliances that were sold in the city, so a separate line of 32 volt DC appliances were manufactured. GM's Delco division in Rochester NY began manufacturing 32 volt radios in the 1930s, but the production of 32 volt DC radios was short lived. By the mid 1940s the widespread electrification of the rural USA made these systems obsolete.
Robert Lozier has researched and restored some of these rare Delco radios, shares their history, and demonstrates the restoration techniques that he developed to undo the effects that time, grime and mice had on these historic pieces.
If you enjoyed this video, consider becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at antiquewireless.org/homepage/membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
