The PHILCO Phorum

I picked up this Philco 38-7CS last weekend.



I was really happy until I did some research and found this thread: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=78078&highlight=&sid=77cf3359154fb2fda58dee6d350ec8e3">http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/vie ... 6d350ec8e3</a><!-- m -->

It turns out mine's been modified - That record player and those switches shouldn't be there at all


I'm guessing from this service tag I found inside that the mod was done long ago by them.


The chassis and tuning mechanism are in good shape. Just one metal capacitor missing and a broken volume control shaft.


I've already decided to restore the wiring to it's original state, but what about the turntable?
If I remove it there will be two large holes to patch and some smaller ones from switches and the tonearm. I do have some suitable walnet veneer and toner lacquer on hand.


It's a fairly uncommon set (7,750 made) so I'm leaning towards a full restoration of the cabinet right now. I know it won't be easy though.

What do you guys think ?

Thanks,
Bob

Saw your post on this subject over on the Alternative Radio Forum.

Someone went to a lot of trouble to convert that set to use the turntable; not only cutting holes in the base, but cutting a wide groove in the side to accommodate the turntable platter.

If it were mine, I would re-veneer that side and base to restore the original look, and leave the turntable off.

Otherwise...nice find!

I wasn't sure whether to post here or the ARF so I went with both

The general consensus is to remove the turntable and re-veneer so that's what I'll attempt to do

Do you happen to have the original toner color scheme for this set?
I'm guessing medium walnut overall, but am not sure if that inset "L" on top should be darker or lighter.


I also picked up these two sets from the same place. Both seem to have been stripped down to the bare wood and given a clear coat. All the character is gone


Thanks,
Bob

Philco Furniture History does not give the color scheme, but from the 38-7CS models I have seen and from your photographs, it sure looks like Medium Walnut to me.

The entire set should be this color - even the contrasting veneer on top. Just the different grain pattern of the veneer inlay (the "L" you refer to) will give it a different look from the rest...which was the intent of the manufacturer.

Looks like you did very well indeed! A 38-7CS, a 70 highboy...and what is that other set, a Jackson-Bell?

Edit: Let's hope that 70 lowboy was not coated in polyurethane. If you can get that clear coat off easily, some Medium Walnut will make it look like new again.

That's what I was hoping to hear - no need to get out the masking tape

The other set is a Sparton 400 (aka Sparton Junior/Jewel).

I have not tested the finish on the 70 yet, but I sure hope it's not poly. too. Otherwise, that cabinet is in really good shape.
Should a Model 70 be all one color ? I thought maybe the face would be a lighter shade than the rest. I've been looking for a good picture of one with it's original finish, but haven't had any luck.

Thanks,
Bob