Cleaning photofinish

[DeckApe]

I have a co-worker who decided to get the radios out of his basement and give them to me--"someone who will enjoy them," he said--and now I could once again use a little guidance.

Okay, they're Silvertones, not Philcos, but the price was right so no flack, please! (Matter of fact I haven't paid directly for any of my radios, but that is neither here nor there.)

One is a 1938 model 6024 and looks like an art deco air conditioner (it'll sit on the dining room table once I get a chance to clean the dead bugs and dust and whatnot off it). Looking forward to having a Magic Eye Tuning Tube set, even if Philco never made 'em.

THE ONE I NEED HELP WITH is a 1931 model 115, with a photofinish front that is in pretty good shape. So... what's the best way to clean it? A virtual brew for your thoughts.

[TimC]

I've heard GoJo hand cleaner works well.
Search "gojo radio" on google.
Edit: Non Pumice type
Tim

[Paul Philco322]

I will not pick on you for the non Philcos. Silvertone had some fine sets, the 6024 was made by Colonial Radio in New York State, Buffalo I believe. That is a very cool set.

Congrats.

Paul

[Dave]

I've used alcohol, Windex, Greased Lightning and a few other cleaners. They all work fine as long as the finish is still in good shape. Just don't use too much pressure or you'll rub right through the finish. Some Howard's Restora-finish should work too.
Dave

[Arran]

I would try some Gojo or other cream hand cleaner on it, it won't damage laquer so it should hurt a faux finish which normally has lacquer over it.
Regards
Arran

[codefox1]

It's the spots where the laquer has worn through ( like around the knobs,) that the photofinish will be dissolved by just about anything, but usually those areas are already gone.

[DeckApe]

I'll have to try the lot... Gojo hand cream? I assume there's some out there without the abrasives in it (or am I thinking of Zep)?

And, as long as I'm here, I'll pop a virtual cold one and say something that I'll bet you've all thought at some point in your radio repair careers... THANK HEAVEN FOR REFERENCE CHASSIS!

I got lost in my 40-180... thankfully I had the 40-190 it's replacing nearby to flip over and steal a peek!

[Bill Hutchinson]

If there are any light scratches in the photo finish, I tried something once that worked pretty good. I took a rag and dipped two fingers worth into some walnut stain and lightly went over the scratched area. Then I rubbed over the whole case to get any remaining residue off, and it looked pretty good afterwards.

Admittedly I'm a bit of a hack when it comes to cabinet work, but this was one trick that worked for me. I tried this on a Philco 42-122 and was very pleased with the results.

Here's a before & after.



Bill

[RCA Fan]

You've done a fine job. That is a very attractive radio indeed.

[TA Forbes]

GoJo (non abrasive variety) works very well for cleaning filthy sets.

What I have done with sets that have a filthy/stained intact photo finish after I clean them with GoJo is VERY LIGHTLY sand the surface with 0000 steel wool. I have successfully removed paint flecks and other stains from an otherwise good photo finish in this manner.

[rocketeer]

I've used "Multi-Purpose GOOP Hand Cleaner" (Walmart) with good results. No abrasives.

Larry