Well I never turn down a challenge especially if it's a family heirloom radio. This one was found in my cousins wife's barn. It's a 41-250 that was owned by her grandfather. Many a generation of mice would also consider this a heirloom. I've got the cabinet stripped and reglued and it came out nicely but I need some advice on the colors (were they all the same?) and info on where to buy the best decal and reproduction faceplate. I'm planning on soda blasting the chassis to remove the rust and mouse smell. Here are some before pics.
Thanks in advance,
Keith
Repro escutcheons and knobs available if u need, try Renovated radios.
Thanks Paul, Are the Philco decals from Renovated radios the best ones? I remember a discussion that said some suppliers had the correct font and others don't but I don't remember who had the best ones.
Keith
Keith somewhere here I think Ron had answered that one, Radio Daze has correct ones and I recall it was suggested to support their decals as they listened to us collectors.
Here's a pic of the rusty chassis and the cabinet with the decal applied. If you think the decal is crooked or misplaced keep those thoughts to yourself.
Keith
I would strip the chassis as much as possible and try some navel jelly on the rusty areas. A lot of that is just stain, Some will be pitted.
The problem with blasting it is that once the plating is removed it will rust again and this time all over. So unless you paint the chassis the rust will return - worse. If I had a chassis that was not originally painted and determined that painting was the only option, I would look for another chassis.
Sometimes I apply a little silver paint with my finger on the rust (after cleaned) just like stain. Wipe off the excess.