I just got a Philco 48-461. It will get all the electrolytic and caps replaced but my question is the one I got is white. Did they come in white or did it just get a paint job ?
Just found your radio in the Library. First page says it has a wooden cabinet with mahogany finish. So to answer your questions; No and Yes. Happy stripping. I would use a citrus stripper applied for several hours keeping it wet. After the stripper is removed, wipe with low odor mineral spirits. When dry, a light sanding with 220 grit. Check the photo in the Phorum Gallery for color variation and highlights, if any. When you wipe the wood with oms it will show you what it will look like if finished with clear lacquer.
The reason I asked for a photo was to discover if the antenna is part of the cabinet or mounted on the chassis and how it attaches. You can use any nondestructive method, Including the tacks. I see that the antenna lead wires are soldered so the antenna is meant to be a permanent attachment to the cabinet. If you don't want the tacks you can use a few dabs of hot glue or equivalent, just in case the antenna has to be removed.
You are correct about the safety cap; should be an "X" rated. Just be sure it gets installed after the power switch as in the schematic.
The easiest way is to strip paint in am inconspicuous place and see of tehre is veneer underneath.
I mean, in cases where one is not sure (this case, I think, is pretty straightforward).
People who do not drink, do not smoke, do not eat red meat will one day feel really stupid lying there and dying from nothing.
Once you strip that white paint you will likely find a plain wood. The finish they put on made it look like mahogany but I don't think it will be a mahogany veneer.