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Hello Forum Members,
I am new to the forum and to PHILCO radios. I want to continue to learn about antique radios so I am acquiring a 37-640 tombstone radio to restore.
Obviously it has a photo-finish on the front that needs a little help. I can't find a source for a decal or overlay any longer. Do any of you
have any ideas? I have seen touchup kits on Ebay. Thanks for any input you may have. Regards, John
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City: Wilsonville
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Welcome to the Phorum!
Once upon a time there was a supplier for some photofinish decals but no longer that I am aware of. So it is touch it up, or try this technique found at the following link from our library:
https://philcoradio.com/schooley/
Posts: 32
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Joined: Nov 2024
City: GEORGETOWN, Texas
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Thanks for the reply Bob. I think I will try the touchup process. Do you have any suggestions on what I should use to cleanup the
surface before applying the touchup products? Thanks --John
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I'm also curious what everyone has found to be the best cleaner. I'm thinking diluted simple green? Also does anyone have any advice for spraying a protective coating over the photo finish? Something like lacquer may react, maybe use a sealer like shellac first?
Posts: 5,117
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I've only worked on two sets with a photo finish and both of those were not Philcos and I stripped it off in both cases. In the case of the 1942 Zenith 6D2615 the stripped finish was only a small section and I left it as simply toned and laquered. The other was a band around the top of a console set where I used the
Steward Schooley approach to replace it.