The PHILCO Phorum

Hello Experts, 

I'm refinishing a Zenith tombstone model 809. It was once ZOWIE! looking. I hope to make it look good again. It must have spent time in a damp environment.  I'm having the front speaker grill chromed. I'm interested in some opinions on original lacquer colors. I've seen a few online photo of the radio that have perhaps been refinished. From the original finish, and I did document it, I can see a couple of tones as well as almost black on some trim and edges. I wonder if anyone has researched or has one of these Art Deco babies in excellent condition. I would appreciate some opinions. 

Thanks, 

Dave

Are the grilles in those actually chrome plated, or are they nickel plated, or polished aluminum?
Regards
Arran

It is chrome. I cleaned it up with naval jelly. I took it to a plating company, and they're going to re plate it for me. The cabinet is looking good. It will look stunning.

Depending on how corroded the chrome is, sometimes it's cheaper making a new part out of brass, and having that plated. The only sets I have with chrome parts are some transistor portables, and a trio of Canadian RCA A-20s, the chrome on the A-20s is like a car bumper, very thick. I think that chrome and aluminum speaker grilles was more popular in Europe, you can count the number of North American radios with them on two hands. At least it isn't all show the chassis has a tuned RF amplifier stage like an RCA 128.
Regards
Arran