Last time, I had left you with a question – which of the two Philco 54C cabinet shown above should I keep?

First, thanks to those who took the time to respond.

(insert comments here)

Now, before I reveal my choice, let me briefly explain the process I used in refinishing the cabinet on the right.

The cabinet itself was basically sound, requiring a small amount of wood filler in some areas. Before I stripped the cabinet, I noticed that it still had some traces of a two-tone finish on the top, sides, and the base. Therefore, I attempted to replicate this two-tone finish. I found that it was easier to work on this cabinet by removing the base.

This was basically the same process I used in refinishing the other 54C cabinet, save for the two-tone finish.

Now, let’s take a look at photos of both cabinets. First, have a look at the one shown on the right above, which is the cabinet I restored during the late summer and completed on September 23. This is the cabinet I had named Cabinet #2 in the first part of this series.

(photos of 54C #2)

And here are some pictures of the other 54C, also known as Cabinet #1. This cabinet required a front panel from a third, donor cabinet. I completed the work on this cabinet on October 7:

(photos of 54C #1)

AND THE WINNER IS…

(Close-up of completed 54C #1)

CABINET #1!

(Back view of the completed 54C #1, showing metal back)

In spite of its flaws, Debbie and I both preferred this cabinet. I think the single color has a fresher, neater appearance. And, I believe, it will make a great home for the modified 54C chassis which I completed in December 2021.

I hope you enjoyed reading this series of articles on my Philco 54C cabinets.