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Philco Tropic 42-788 - Printable Version

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Rons Tropic 42-788 - OldRestorer - 06-11-2015

4+ months later...

I am working on Rons radio.

I am repairing all the veneer issues and cant seem to find a great match. On the left side is a nice wavy walnut pattern but on the right is a plain strait-grained veneer.

Do you guys think that is factory? to have 2 unmatched veneers?

Next is the front trim. There is no veneer so you can see the glued layers. I dont think it was ever veneered.

Do you guys think I should veneer it?

Mainly I need to know what veneer you guys think is a good match. If I have to fully replace both sides thats fine.

of course Ron is the deciding factor but recommendations are welcome.

Kirk

RE: Rons Tropic - morzh - 06-11-2015

They figured, in tropics it won't matter, there are more important things, like savages, malaria and heat, who cares about matching veneer. Icon_lol

RE: Rons Tropic - Ron Ramirez - 06-11-2015

I'm sorry, Kirk...I never did take pictures of my similar 41-788...I really need to do that. It has some nice veneer.

And there should be veneer on top front (your last photo), where there currently is none.

I'll try to remember to take the photos this evening...

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Ron Ramirez - 06-11-2015

Finally...some photos of my 41-788, for comparison.

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/41-788/41-788_00007.jpg]

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/41-788/41-788_00008.jpg]

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/41-788/41-788_00002.jpg]

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/41-788/41-788_00003.jpg]

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Ron Ramirez - 06-11-2015

...more pics...

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/41-788/41-788_00004.jpg]

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/41-788/41-788_00005.jpg]

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/41-788/41-788_00006.jpg]

Arran could probably tell you the exact species of walnut veneer. It looks like two types were used - a somewhat plain type on the top, a somewhat fancier type on the sides and front.

The 41-788 cabinet differs from the 42-788 in that the half-round "columns" to the left and right of the speaker opening are also painted with black lacquer on the 42-788, not veneered with fancy veneer as on the 41-788.

Kirk, if you need larger photos, let me know...

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Ron Ramirez - 06-11-2015

And here are a couple of links, which show that the veneer on the 42-788 appears to be the same types as used on the 41-788.

http://antiqueradios.forum5.info/t362-philco-tropic-grillcloth

http://www.radioatticarchives.com/radio.htm?radio=2073

Having seen these, now I know what kind of grille cloth to use once this cabinet is redone...Icon_thumbup...the same type as I used in my 41-758EZ.

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Fred Taylor - 06-11-2015

Learn something new every day Icon_clap

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - OldRestorer - 06-13-2015

Weird, The above photo shows the same issue. The left side is curvy and the right side is strait grained...

Im looking for a match right now. I may have a good match in my salvage pile....

Kirk

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Arran - 06-14-2015

 I think that I would just reveneer both shoulders of the cabinet with some book matched pieces of French walnut, any cut will do but maybe straight cut, sure they didn't at the factory but you might as well do it right now that there is a reason to fix it. Also the missing vertically grained veneer above the dials and speaker looks like orientalwood veneer, the stuff they used to use on the front arch on Philco 90 and 70 cathedral cabinets. The sides look like quarter sawn French walnut veneer, something Philco really liked to use on many of their cabinets between 1937 and 42, notice how it has a very straight and parallel grain. Speaking of Orientalwood veneer I should really see if I can locate some, same with some Sapele or Etome (whichever it is), the latter two are African hardwoods look much like mahogany but not quite.
Regards
Arran

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Ron Ramirez - 06-14-2015

Arran - thanks for chiming in with the proper species of veneer for this set. I really appreciate your help! Icon_thumbup

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - OldRestorer - 06-14-2015

Ron, see if you like this veneer

http://www.constantines.com/search.aspx?find=french+walnut

Oriental

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oriental-Wood-veneer-8-x-45-OW12261-/390735586770?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af9a7e5d2

Me

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Steve Davis - 06-14-2015

If you need some Orientalwood veneer, I can fix you up. I have accumulated a lifetime supply.

 When searching for Orientalwood, look for Australian walnut also. They are one and the same.

Steve

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - Ron Ramirez - 06-14-2015

I agree with your choices, Kirk. Steve, do you concur? Now that you're here in this thread I would be most interested in hearing your opinion.

I think the place in Louisville is where Steve gets his veneer. So far I haven't really needed any veneer for any of my projects, but it is good to know that I can acquire some not far away. (Louisville is only an hour or so away from me.)

The French walnut looks perfect for the top. It might be okay for the sides as well, since I believe you are only patching missing veneer on the sides at the back edges, correct, Kirk?

Just think, when this cabinet is done it will look better than my 41-788...but my 41-788 does retain its original finish...too bad it has that chip out of the Oriental veneer above the speaker...

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - OldRestorer - 06-14-2015

Patching seems best for the sides.

Steve, Throw me a PM for the veneer, I need a few pieces 11"x4"

Kirk

RE: Rons Tropic 42-788 - TA Forbes - 06-14-2015

GAW, Ron, that is a NEAT lookin' set.  Icon_thumbup Icon_thumbup

(note to self: NO Philco Tropic radios for you, you have ENOUGH....... no no no.... uh, maybe)