The PHILCO Phorum

I am in the process of restoring a Model 38-7 cabinet which is quite sun-bleached in most places. Because of the sun bleaching and portions of the cabinet where the finish is cracked and worn, I feel sure that I will have to refinish the cabinet.

Does anyone know how the cabinet was originally finished? Was it a toned lacquer? If so, what color was used, and was there only one color originally on the cabinet or several? The radio does apparently have a wood inlay across the face which does appear to be a lighter color than the rest of the cabinet. However, the difference in color may be because of the difference in the underlying type of wood.

Thanks in advance,
John King

Hi John

The original finish was tinted lacquer, with a coat of clear lacquer added after the tinted lacquer.

All of the 38-7XX cabinets I have seen were all one color: Medium Walnut. Either that or Perfect Brown (both Mohawk colors) is what you will want to use.