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Philco Jr 80 cabinet-water stain?
#1

For my 2nd project I brought home a Jr 80 from a craigslist buy a few weeks ago.  The seller had it playing when I arrived but it needs work.  Both the cabinet and the chassis have been wet at some point.  It appears someone has put something on the cabinet, note the finish drips in the circle so I think I'll strip this one.  First question, what are the correct lacquer toner colors for this radio.  I'm guessing Mowhawk Ultra Dark Walnut for the outer section and base pieces and Medium Walnut Toner Finish for the lighter middle section???  Never used these so would appreciate your thoughts.  
The lower discolored veneer is also bubbled on both the front and the sides so I'm going to try Arran's suggestion to Bob on the recent 38-62 restoration post to moisten the veneer, get some glue under the bubbles and clamp it down.  Thoughts?  Thanks!
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/onto9wcd14moi5....jpg?raw=1]
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e49oxh7ujc5qn0....jpg?raw=1]
#2

I think it should be Perfect Brown Ultra Classic for the outer section and Medium Walnut on the inner section.

I'm not familiar with Ultra Dark Walnut? If it's like Extra Dark Walnut, then it's too dark.

--
Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
#3

Second question: is the side supposed to be darker toner like the radio I bought (photo with the red arrow) or light like the 80 currently on ebay???
Thanks
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dh1jrog1uvg24v....jpg?raw=1]
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ssg3t3tvrd743....jpg?raw=1]
#4

Thanks Ron!
#5

I just went and looked at my 81 Jr. (which still has some of its original finish), and its top/sides are somewhat dark, like your 80. So I would say yes, the sides should be somewhat dark, like yours, and not light like the 80 on eBay that has probably been refinished.

--
Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
#6

Thanks again!!!Icon_thumbup
#7

Hi Bob,
If it's any help, here are some pics of my Philco 80. The finish on the cabinet is completely original. Apart from some lemon oil, it's never been touched.
[Image: http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q500...4933e0.jpg]
[Image: http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q500...b525d2.jpg]
[Image: http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q500...d378fa.jpg]
Good luck with your project!
Kevin
#8

Thank You Kevin! very helpful.
#9

I've taken off the old lacquer and tried to lighten the water stain using the oxalic acid wood bleach shown in the picture but a half hour of bleaching did not really do much. How do you handle this? Would use of the Medium Walnut toner (dye based) cover the stain or should I try something else to lighten it? Thanks
[Image: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5462...rStain.jpg]
#10

You could try a strong trisodium phosphate solution, with hot water, but make sure that you have a hair dryer or heat gun handy to dry it after you rinse it off. You could also try household bleach like Bob did on the 38-62. If it is iron stains phosphoric acid will remove those, like the infamous black marks on top of consoles, but as soon as the stain is gone you need to wipe it off with a damp rag and dry it as well. I think that the front panel must be maple veneer so it likely thicker then average, so you may be able to remove much of it by hand sanding it if the chemicals don't cut it, start off at 120 grit, then 150, then 22) and so on.
What is interesting is that the stain didn't look nearly as bad until you stripped the finish off, even in the center section. It just shows the multitude of sin that tinted lacquer can hide even when it's flaking off.
Regards
Arran
#11

Thanks for the advice Arran.
#12

Now that I know my toner colors, what ever happened with this cabinet?

Do you finish it and where are the pictures.

Times I have been electrocuted in 2021
As of 1/01/2021
AC: 4 DC: 1
Last year: 6
#13

Yes I did finish it although I never quite got that water stain out.  I've learned that I probably should have let the oxalic acid work for a lot longer than the half hour I gave it and I might have done better.  The center (medium walnut) came out darker than it should because I was trying to cover the stain...still, my wife liked it and its in our kitchen.  After I finished this, Kenneth Richmonds began offering the herringbone grill cloth that should be used so I should change that out at some point.  There was a chassis thread to this also.

[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zn6i3kbt8xccer....jpg?raw=1]
#14

looks great!

Kirk

Times I have been electrocuted in 2021
As of 1/01/2021
AC: 4 DC: 1
Last year: 6
#15

Thanks Kirk Icon_smile




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