Well the chassis is now working so now I can work on the cabinet issues. There is some loose veneer that needs re-gluing, but I'm not going to redo the entire cabinet at this time, just want to enjoy it through the holidays. One thing that I do need to replace is the grill cloth. It is frayed through in several places. I cant seem to find a match for this pattern. Its kind of a two tone copper color with a little black mixed in. Definitely original to the radio. After I locate a replacement, what is the best way to attach it to the cardboard backing?
the spray glue Russ mentions could be something like 3M's 77. Spray the mounting board lightly and wait 30 seconds or so for it to get tacky. Then place the cloth on one end of the board (making sure the pattern is aligned properly). You can then pull the other end of the cloth a little to keep it taut and press it down. Similarly the with the sides but don't pull a lot or the pattern will be miss-aligned.
(11-24-2016, 04:07 PM)Mike L Wrote: The closest I can find at Radio Daze (or anyplace for that matter) is GROC2. The pattern is correct but mine is more of a copper or bronze color.
I have searched for that design also with the copper and bronze threads mixed in and did not find any. Todays reproduction cloth from Kenny Richmond is way way to gold and looks horrible. I would go with the cloth from RD that is for the philco 90.
(This post was last modified: 11-26-2016, 08:46 AM by Fred Taylor.)
You guys are asking for cloth that no longer exists.
When John Okolowicz (Radio Grille Cloth Headquarters) was reproducing cloth, he had a copper version of the 70/90 cloth pattern, as well as a combination whiskey/copper.
He's out of business.
It's no longer available.
You have to use what you can get now.
Kenny (whose cloth is not horrible, it is in fact very good) and Radio Daze are your only options now.
Russ, what color toner did/do you use to...tone down (pardon the pun) your cloth?
Well ,I used that cloth in the Strat and I made it more red with one of the "Classic" toners, probably dark walnut. It is not hard to do. Just stand back at least a couple of feet & don't overdo it.
Ron, That's who (John Okolowicz) I was looking for. I got some sample sheets back in '94. Just recently found them digging through my older stuff and there was one that was almost a perfect match. Didn't know if he was still in business. Oh well. I'll go with the Radio Daze as it is far better than what I currently have.
(11-26-2016, 01:24 PM)Mike L Wrote: Ron, That's who (John Okolowicz) I was looking for. I got some sample sheets back in '94. Just recently found them digging through my older stuff and there was one that was almost a perfect match. Didn't know if he was still in business. Oh well. I'll go with the Radio Daze as it is far better than what I currently have.
Yes, we all miss the old GCHC. The reproductions were for the most part, very accurate and the price was fair. I still don't know why the patterns/processes could not have been transferred - unless the "mill" was really old-time, meaning no computers.
That pattern you are looking for was used on Crosleys and Zeniths as well. I think it was the old pattern 24. What was confusing to most was the assertion that it was an "aged" Philco pattern - but it matched the un-aged grill cloth of these other brands.
