[GarySP]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. I'm not to worried about being 100% correct with this set. No one will see the wiring under the chassis unless they pull it from the cabinet. I am looking to put it back together and not have it burst into flames when I throw the switch. Cloth, rubber, doesn't matter to me. Safe does! Take care, and as always, thank you for all the help along the way. Gary

[Arran]

 In my case I would used either 18 or 20 gauge vinyl covered, mostly because 18 or 20 is what I can buy by the 100' roll in a large assortment of colours locally. Most 1940s radios, these things include, are not historically or monetarily valuable enough to become anal over what style of wire to use, just use the best wire you can get for the lowest price.
Regards
Arran

[morzh]

...unless you are working on a 1939-1942 Canadian-made Philco, which has mostly cloth-covered wires even though their U.S. counterparts have all rubber.

Well....it is cold in Canada, they need something warmer.

[Art Hoch]

After taking a closer look it appears the cabinet has been at least partially refinished in the past.  I repaired the small missing piece of veneer on the side.  Have to decide if I'm going to do a total refinish, or just spruce it up.  It's presentable as it sits, but not quite original in finish.  Thankfully, I'm not an anal purist when it comes right down to it.  Functional and pleasing to the eye works for me.  Take care, Gary

Be aware the two vertical pieces flanking the grill bars are photo-finish!!

[GarySP]

Thanks Art, but it is a little late to worry about the photo finish on the sides.  It was apparently refinished some time ago, and the two bars are now stained as well.  Truth be known, I think I like it better this way.  Not original, but as I said, I'm not a purist.  Take care, Gary

[GarySP]

OK everyone.  With the help of my son I've got a few photos to post! ( I am terrible with computers. Actually, still rotary phone friendly.)

[Image: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/G...mkgkum.jpg]

[Image: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/G...vrezw8.jpg]

[Image: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/G...0ajqc1.jpg]

[Image: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/G...f6xnx7.jpg]

[Image: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/G...lth0dn.jpg]

[Image: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/G...2m1nkl.jpg]

I took the speaker out.  It was only held in by two out of six screws.  The last photo of the left side of the cabinet is where I have already carved and glued in a piece of veneer at the back that was broken off.  Still have to grain fill and blend it in.  As I said earlier, not an original cabinet finish, but not unappealing either.  Should look presentable with a little attention.  Take care, Gary

[Art Hoch]

Maybe it is better?!  Here's what "original" looks like.