Sharing my basket case project for the Winter (or earlier).

Sharing my basket case project for the Winter (or earlier). - Printable Version

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Sharing my basket case project for the Winter (or earlier). - gary rabbitt - 09-28-2006

Hi all,

First off, I'd like to say it is great to see you back Ron Icon_smile

I thought some of you'd like to see my latest basket case set.
A Philco model 60. As you can see the cabinet is badly deteriorated with insects, or termites from years ago. I bid a generous $5 for it at auction and won. no competition Icon_smile

I posted some pics on the ARF already of this,(along with a little of my philosophy on this) but wanted to share with the Phorum here too.

I know that this may not be worth that much when done, but there are other reasons than monetary value for taking on a job like this. First it is a challenge, thinking of ways to save this or that, and if that fails make a new part. And if this cabinet is trashed, that is one less in the world that exists.

At last Saturday's auction, I met the granddaughter (in her early 70's) of the original owner and when this is done, I will let he se the finished set. Maybe a picture of here next to it. She was happy that someone would actually try and save the set, as it had given her many memories thru the years.

Anyway, I will keep a photo log of the progress and share at a later time.
I do know the transformer is good, and the speaker cone needs slight repair. Chassis should be no problem.
Cabinet, I will try to reuse the original veneer from the top. Almost all of the inner layer of the top had been eaten away, but no damage to the outer thin layer. We will see how it goes. The front, and the base are in pretty good condition considering.
Take care ,
Gary.
[Image: http://www.grabbittradios.com/philco60/philco1.jpg]

[Image: http://www.grabbittradios.com/philco60/philco2.jpg]

[Image: http://www.grabbittradios.com/philco60/philco7.jpg]

[Image: http://www.grabbittradios.com/philco60/philco11.jpg]
[Image: http://www.grabbittradios.com/philco60/philco13.jpg]
[Image: http://www.grabbittradios.com/philco60/philco16.jpg]

- Terry Judkins - 09-28-2006

I thought the Silvertone that I restored for a friend a few years ago was bad. It had sat on the ground under a house for 40 years.... that one is worse! Keep us posted. Lots of luck!

- Drew - 09-30-2006

Sometimes you can hear radio's calling out for help, this seems to be one! It would be great to see a few 'in progress' photos, you must be talented in the art of cabinet reconstruction....best of luck

- Ron Ramirez - 09-30-2006

Gary,

WOW (or should I say UGH)! You certainly have your work cut out for you there, eh! But I have a feeling you will bring that cabinet back to its former glory much easier than a lot of us could. I second Drew's suggestion of sharing "in progress" photos as you go along on the cabinet. Good luck!

Re: Sharing my basket case project for the Winter (or earlie - n9vu - 09-30-2006

For every radio I've seen like this, I could only see potential. I have seen worse. I've brought back some to life, others am still working on. I bought a philco model eighty four at a local flea market for ten dollars this past year. I should post you the before's of this one, as there's no after yet. Another worth while project.

You'll do great with this one. Trust yourself, and the good people of this web site who are very knowledgeable of Philco radios.

- gary rabbitt - 09-30-2006

Hi guys,
Thanks for the comments. I will keep a photo log of the entire process.

Right now, I have taken the cabinet apart, and am in the process of removing the outer layer of veneer. The termites/bugs had eaten most of the inside layers, but did not touch the outer layer. Perhaps they did not like the lacquer coating that might be present.
[Image: http://www.grabbittradios.com/radio/cab3.JPG]
The rear of the face has only slight damage, I will figure out what to fill it in with, then level it off, and might put a thin piece of backing to make it look uniform. Aging the look of the new wood shouldn't be too hard to do.

I have other things going on at the moment but I get a chance to work on this off and on. I am determined though to follow through with it.

I will keep y'all informed.
Ron, good to see you back, and if you are in the Nashville area in October we are having the swap meet on the 14th, we'd love to see you there.

Take care and talk to you all later,
Gary.

- Ron Ramirez - 10-04-2006

Gary R - thanks for the kind words and the invitation to Nashville. That has always been one of my favorite swaps, but unfortunately I won't be able to make it this year. I recently had to breeze through Chicagoland and it was one day BEFORE the fall ARCI swap, just my luck. Oh well. I do plan to make it to the fall IHRS swap this Saturday, and then the radio auction in Olney, Illinois on the 29th. Icon_smile

- Poston Drake - 10-19-2006

Hi Gary,

This will be a challenge but I am sure you will do a great job. Keep us posted on your progress.

Could be termites or other bugs did this damage, but from your initial photos it looks like mud dauber tracks on the cabinet, and they would certainly be capable of doing this kind of damage as they ingest the wood fibers in order to build their nests. These rascals can really make a mess. We normally think of their nests as being composed of mud, hence their name "mud dauber" but I am told it is actually cellulose material derived from plants, or in this case a wooden cabinet.

But you also have some positives going for you on this radio: The front of the radio looks very good and I am sure you can repair its back side as you describe. And the chassis and speaker frame seem to be relatively rust-free which is a miracle, considering the cabinet seems to have had seen considerable water. And I am surprised they did not also attack the paper speaker cone, which from its back side still looks OK.

Poston