[zboltman]

Hi, this is my first post on this site.
Just picked up a Philco 90 (1-47)
Going to start with the cabinet, but not sure what to do.
The damage shown in this pic; do I have to apply a whole new veneer or will someone tolerate this?
Also, If I keep this veneer, how do I restore it's "luster"?

[truePhilco]

Because of what I like about old radios 

I would glue down any loose veneer and fill 

with a wood fill the missing veneer and touch up. 

I would lightly sand that edge so veneer would not 

snag and pull away any more.

It is possible to fix that up to the point you can not tell 

and you will be able to say its original and keep that 

history.   

[truePhilco]

And Welcome

[zboltman]

Thank You very much, that sounds like a great idea!
What shade of wood filler would anyone recommend for this?
I mean, is this a walnut? Is it too faded to use the original color?
After I fix these "cracks", should I try to stain it or something?
Or use a wood oil?

[klondike98]

Welcome to the Phorum!


I would take some time to read through a few of the many cabinet refinishing threads on the phorum to get a feel for techniques that folks use.  It takes some skill to do a really nice refinish but everyone has to start at the beginning to develop that skill.  I looked around for one of my restorations for an example of filling in those missing veneer pieces on the back edge.  My 84B restoration had some that I photographed if you scroll through it. I've been using Timbermate wood filler (walnut) for this type of job.

[zboltman]

Thank you, looks like its study time.
Looking at all the experience from everyone,  I just might get it right.

[zboltman]

    I am new at this site, so forgive me for sounding so green.
Restoring a Philco 90 (the one tube 47 version)
All the labels are gone except for the tube map on the "tube shield".
How would I go about getting the patent label, chassis sticker and the cabinet stickers, (if there were any?)
Really appreciate your help.
Post my first post on the cabinet thread and am progressing nicely with all the advice I'm reading about.

[zboltman]

        [attachment=21569][attachment=21569][attachment=21570][attachment=21569][attachment=21570][attachment=21569][attachment=21570]Been reading many of the postings, getting great advice on how to restore this cabinet.
I removed the Philco plastic plate and noticed a drastic color difference.
Is the color behind the plate the original color? Do I need to restore it to that?
Or, has the plastic somehow bleached into the wood and affected the color?

[Steve Davis]

The darker finish where the escutcheon was is closer to the original color, though it may have darkened some, simply because the wood darkens with age. I do see a problem. The veneer is missing from the upper part of the front arch. Originally the arch had "Oriental Wood" veneer in a "V" match pattern.  

Steve

[klondike98]

I merged your label question and color question into the cabinet thread.  Please keep the 90 cabinet questions in the same thread. Thanks

[zboltman]

Hello Folks,
I have gone over many of the threads on cabinet restoration and refinishing.
Wow, there seems to be so many methods, it's hard to pick one.
So far, I like the idea of "Pore O Pac" Medium brown walnut.
With that product, not sure what I should use for a sealer first.

OK, made the mistake of watching a few You Tube videos and came across this product:
"Solarez I Can’t Believe It’s Not Lacquer" Grain Sealer
Have you folks heard of this? Looks pretty impressive?
Apparently you can do this with or without sealer.
So many paths to take, just have to choose one...

Really appreciate all the advice I've gotten so far.
By the way, I cleaned the radio up enough to plug it in and it works!!!