<![CDATA[The PHILCO Phorum - Philco Cabinet Restoration]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:33:32 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Philco Hippo 46-420 back PDF or Tracing Request]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26759 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:31:55 -0500 TomasTomas]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26759
like a lot of members, I have a Hippo with no back.  Can anyone help me with a pdf or tracing of the back?


Hope I posted in the right section.

Thanks!]]>
like a lot of members, I have a Hippo with no back.  Can anyone help me with a pdf or tracing of the back?


Hope I posted in the right section.

Thanks!]]> <![CDATA[Philco PT-87]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26715 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:43:53 -0500 bridkarl]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26715
.jpeg IMG_0105.jpeg Size: 195.97 KB  Downloads: 87
]]>
.jpeg IMG_0105.jpeg Size: 195.97 KB  Downloads: 87
]]> <![CDATA[Walnut stain /gloss]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26694 Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:24:08 -0500 bridkarl]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26694 Would it be a good idea to put some clear gloss over that just for durability? I have some spray gloss. 
.jpeg IMG_0035.jpeg Size: 2.72 MB  Downloads: 129
.jpeg IMG_0037.jpeg Size: 2.94 MB  Downloads: 122
]]> Would it be a good idea to put some clear gloss over that just for durability? I have some spray gloss. 
.jpeg IMG_0035.jpeg Size: 2.72 MB  Downloads: 129
.jpeg IMG_0037.jpeg Size: 2.94 MB  Downloads: 122
]]> <![CDATA[Philco 513 repaint]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26681 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:18:09 -0500 Mr. Radio-Man]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26681
I just got this Philco 513 today and I am wondering how I should go about repainting the metal.
I would like to keep it as original as possible but that would be vary difficult with how much paint is chipped off.
When I get around to it what paint/paint colors should I use weather its spray paint or from a bucket.
To remake the gold rectangles I would probably make a cut out and mask the other areas so I don't paint the other parts.
I know there's a trick you can do to make the blurry yellowish blob design on the middles in the gold rectangles with spray paint but I would still like to keep most of the original paint on it still if possible.

Thanks.
.jpg GOPR4897.JPG Size: 3.15 MB  Downloads: 113

.jpg GOPR4898.JPG Size: 3.04 MB  Downloads: 107

.jpg GOPR4899.JPG Size: 3.39 MB  Downloads: 110
]]>
I just got this Philco 513 today and I am wondering how I should go about repainting the metal.
I would like to keep it as original as possible but that would be vary difficult with how much paint is chipped off.
When I get around to it what paint/paint colors should I use weather its spray paint or from a bucket.
To remake the gold rectangles I would probably make a cut out and mask the other areas so I don't paint the other parts.
I know there's a trick you can do to make the blurry yellowish blob design on the middles in the gold rectangles with spray paint but I would still like to keep most of the original paint on it still if possible.

Thanks.
.jpg GOPR4897.JPG Size: 3.15 MB  Downloads: 113

.jpg GOPR4898.JPG Size: 3.04 MB  Downloads: 107

.jpg GOPR4899.JPG Size: 3.39 MB  Downloads: 110
]]> <![CDATA[Philco Cabinet tweed]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26672 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:18:27 -0500 GreyWulf]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26672
I am new here.  Just got a Philco 40-82 off FBMP.  Seller sent a pic that was before rodent damage to outside fabric covering.  Edges are all chewed but radio case under it is undamaged.  Radio inside is also VG.  Does anyone sell the philco tweed.  Mine is shelaced gold yellow w/ 4 stripes that circle the case.  I know its an dertaking replacing it, but on this model the door hinge is that fabric.  I can post pics is needed.

CB]]>
I am new here.  Just got a Philco 40-82 off FBMP.  Seller sent a pic that was before rodent damage to outside fabric covering.  Edges are all chewed but radio case under it is undamaged.  Radio inside is also VG.  Does anyone sell the philco tweed.  Mine is shelaced gold yellow w/ 4 stripes that circle the case.  I know its an dertaking replacing it, but on this model the door hinge is that fabric.  I can post pics is needed.

CB]]> <![CDATA[Philco Model 20 Cabinet Restoration Update]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26657 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:36:42 -0500 gprutchick]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26657
I have finally completed my Philco Model 20 restoration including the cabinet.

I was not able to retain the original wood grain, but for my first major cabinet reconstruction I am pleased, even though it is not very close to the original radio.

I have posted a couple before and after photos. I hope I did that correctly.

Any comments, suggestions would be appreciated.

Regards,
Gary
.jpg Damaged Grill.jpg Size: 3.95 MB  Downloads: 102

.jpg Grill After Repair.jpg Size: 4.43 MB  Downloads: 106

.jpg Cabinet Before.JPG Size: 1.24 MB  Downloads: 99

.jpg Cabinet After Repair.jpg Size: 3.76 MB  Downloads: 103
]]>
I have finally completed my Philco Model 20 restoration including the cabinet.

I was not able to retain the original wood grain, but for my first major cabinet reconstruction I am pleased, even though it is not very close to the original radio.

I have posted a couple before and after photos. I hope I did that correctly.

Any comments, suggestions would be appreciated.

Regards,
Gary
.jpg Damaged Grill.jpg Size: 3.95 MB  Downloads: 102

.jpg Grill After Repair.jpg Size: 4.43 MB  Downloads: 106

.jpg Cabinet Before.JPG Size: 1.24 MB  Downloads: 99

.jpg Cabinet After Repair.jpg Size: 3.76 MB  Downloads: 103
]]> <![CDATA[Philco B3101B Cabinet Repair & Refinishing]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26570 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:35:23 -0500 Joe Rossi]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26570
.jpeg IMG_0097.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 193
.jpeg IMG_0096.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 202
.jpeg IMG_0095.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 207
.jpeg IMG_0094.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 198


Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos of the pieces, but above is the repair so-far.  I'm using this post https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=14921 of Ron's to repair the cabinet.  I've ordered a fiberglass repair kit to strengthen the cracks from the inside, and awaiting delivery.  The question I have is the color.  It is a dark Brown, with some sort of lighter Brown up front on the control panel.  Does anyone have experience repainting a plastic cabinet and what color/brand would you recommend to match?  There are not a lot of pics of this model on-line, and mine is the only Brown one with the different color control panel.  Any help would be appreciated!  Thanks,  Joe]]>
.jpeg IMG_0097.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 193
.jpeg IMG_0096.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 202
.jpeg IMG_0095.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 207
.jpeg IMG_0094.jpeg Size: 212 KB  Downloads: 198


Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos of the pieces, but above is the repair so-far.  I'm using this post https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=14921 of Ron's to repair the cabinet.  I've ordered a fiberglass repair kit to strengthen the cracks from the inside, and awaiting delivery.  The question I have is the color.  It is a dark Brown, with some sort of lighter Brown up front on the control panel.  Does anyone have experience repainting a plastic cabinet and what color/brand would you recommend to match?  There are not a lot of pics of this model on-line, and mine is the only Brown one with the different color control panel.  Any help would be appreciated!  Thanks,  Joe]]> <![CDATA[Model 20 Cabinet Photos]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26558 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:45:20 -0500 gprutchick]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26558 I initially posted them in the incorrect Phorum. Someone suggested the thread be moved to Cabinet Restoration.

I have searced the the Phorum and cannot find the photos.

What am I doing wrong?

Help
gprutchick]]> I initially posted them in the incorrect Phorum. Someone suggested the thread be moved to Cabinet Restoration.

I have searced the the Phorum and cannot find the photos.

What am I doing wrong?

Help
gprutchick]]> <![CDATA[41-221C rear cover labels]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26546 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:59:23 -0500 electricroo]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26546
.jpg 41_221c.jpg Size: 33.72 KB  Downloads: 167

.jpg IMG_20260605_135320581_HDR.jpg Size: 2.85 MB  Downloads: 196
]]>
.jpg 41_221c.jpg Size: 33.72 KB  Downloads: 167

.jpg IMG_20260605_135320581_HDR.jpg Size: 2.85 MB  Downloads: 196
]]> <![CDATA[dialcover.com / Mark Palmquist]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26537 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:04:45 -0500 glyphmon]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26537
Wasn't sure if it was common knowledge but figured it might be noteworthy for this community.

Best wishes,
Roy]]>
Wasn't sure if it was common knowledge but figured it might be noteworthy for this community.

Best wishes,
Roy]]> <![CDATA[Looking for Model 70 cabinet]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26489 Thu, 14 May 2026 14:43:46 -0500 gnr1967]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26489
.jpeg IMG_5051.jpeg Size: 819.83 KB  Downloads: 92

.jpeg IMG_5047.jpeg Size: 3.29 MB  Downloads: 111
]]>
.jpeg IMG_5051.jpeg Size: 819.83 KB  Downloads: 92

.jpeg IMG_5047.jpeg Size: 3.29 MB  Downloads: 111
]]> <![CDATA[49-500 Dial Cover Removal?]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26443 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:55:00 -0500 SRv2]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26443 Just tapping the collective phorum knowledge for any tips on these pressed in clips.  Thanks, George
.jpeg IMG_6382.jpeg Size: 4.84 MB  Downloads: 195
.jpeg IMG_6406.jpeg Size: 2.15 MB  Downloads: 181
.jpeg IMG_6407.jpeg Size: 1.73 MB  Downloads: 170
]]> Just tapping the collective phorum knowledge for any tips on these pressed in clips.  Thanks, George
.jpeg IMG_6382.jpeg Size: 4.84 MB  Downloads: 195
.jpeg IMG_6406.jpeg Size: 2.15 MB  Downloads: 181
.jpeg IMG_6407.jpeg Size: 1.73 MB  Downloads: 170
]]> <![CDATA[37-620B Cabinet Restoration]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26430 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:46:53 -0500 glyphmon]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26430
.jpg IMG_0313.JPG Size: 2.53 MB  Downloads: 367

.jpg IMG_0318.JPG Size: 2.27 MB  Downloads: 347


I've read that this "white wood" is difficult to stain, so I know it's a battle either way.  I have a couple thoughts.  First, I would be completely interested in trying to reproduce the photo finish design on this radio if I could find anyone with some high-resolution photos or scans of it in good condition.  There's a local print shop and I'd love to take the project idea to them.  So, if anyone has one in great shape that would be willing to take those super-high-res photos, that would be awesome; alternatively, if you know where to find them if you don't have them yourself.

Option B of course is to try to do a digital repair of the original that I have (I've composited six close-ups of the front of my radio to generate a larger high-res image) but this is going to be very time consuming given the number of scratches and bad areas, plus, as I said, the color is very washed out and I suspect the outcome would not be very good.

Option C would be just to apply some different stains to the sections and try to recreate the color pattern of the original.  Given the photos below, I think it could look nice, but there wouldn't be much in the way of wood grain to show off.

Option D would be to do as I've seen done in at least one other case here on the forum which is to find me some veneer and make a front that looks nice, even if not in the original style.  That could be fun, but not sure if it's for me as a first attempt.

Separate from the front face of the cabinet, the veneer around the sides and top seem to be in decent physical condition.  I've taken the old finish off with a razor blade - the cabinet was small enough that this was pretty straightforward to do in about an hour.  There are two sections on top where the prior finish had worn away long ago and so the wood was exposed.  Those are the darker patches in the photo.  I guess my first question is what wood do we think this is, and second, how best to even this up with the darker patches in the finishing process.

.jpg IMG_0314.JPG Size: 2.87 MB  Downloads: 320

.jpg IMG_0315.JPG Size: 2.46 MB  Downloads: 345

.jpg IMG_0316.JPG Size: 2.49 MB  Downloads: 326


Lastly, there is a little black stain around the bottom back corner on one side.  Not sure what this is from - water or something else - but its placement on both the veneer and the base seems to suggest it's not just a regular water stain.  Should I just try to sand it off or is there another thing I should try?

.jpg IMG_0319.JPG Size: 2.67 MB  Downloads: 313


Thanks to everyone who has assisted on the electrical restoration so far, and anyone who can offer tips to a novice on the woodworking side of it now.

Best wishes,
Roy]]>
.jpg IMG_0313.JPG Size: 2.53 MB  Downloads: 367

.jpg IMG_0318.JPG Size: 2.27 MB  Downloads: 347


I've read that this "white wood" is difficult to stain, so I know it's a battle either way.  I have a couple thoughts.  First, I would be completely interested in trying to reproduce the photo finish design on this radio if I could find anyone with some high-resolution photos or scans of it in good condition.  There's a local print shop and I'd love to take the project idea to them.  So, if anyone has one in great shape that would be willing to take those super-high-res photos, that would be awesome; alternatively, if you know where to find them if you don't have them yourself.

Option B of course is to try to do a digital repair of the original that I have (I've composited six close-ups of the front of my radio to generate a larger high-res image) but this is going to be very time consuming given the number of scratches and bad areas, plus, as I said, the color is very washed out and I suspect the outcome would not be very good.

Option C would be just to apply some different stains to the sections and try to recreate the color pattern of the original.  Given the photos below, I think it could look nice, but there wouldn't be much in the way of wood grain to show off.

Option D would be to do as I've seen done in at least one other case here on the forum which is to find me some veneer and make a front that looks nice, even if not in the original style.  That could be fun, but not sure if it's for me as a first attempt.

Separate from the front face of the cabinet, the veneer around the sides and top seem to be in decent physical condition.  I've taken the old finish off with a razor blade - the cabinet was small enough that this was pretty straightforward to do in about an hour.  There are two sections on top where the prior finish had worn away long ago and so the wood was exposed.  Those are the darker patches in the photo.  I guess my first question is what wood do we think this is, and second, how best to even this up with the darker patches in the finishing process.

.jpg IMG_0314.JPG Size: 2.87 MB  Downloads: 320

.jpg IMG_0315.JPG Size: 2.46 MB  Downloads: 345

.jpg IMG_0316.JPG Size: 2.49 MB  Downloads: 326


Lastly, there is a little black stain around the bottom back corner on one side.  Not sure what this is from - water or something else - but its placement on both the veneer and the base seems to suggest it's not just a regular water stain.  Should I just try to sand it off or is there another thing I should try?

.jpg IMG_0319.JPG Size: 2.67 MB  Downloads: 313


Thanks to everyone who has assisted on the electrical restoration so far, and anyone who can offer tips to a novice on the woodworking side of it now.

Best wishes,
Roy]]> <![CDATA[Refinish help needed - model 45 Butterfly]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26416 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:21:59 -0500 SRv2]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26416 First off, I am not great at cabinet restoration, I’m still learning with each radio.
I need some input.  For the model 45 butterfly I am working on, I have it stripped and cleaned (might need a couple more passes in some of the groove areas).  At this stage, I can’t ever determine if I should do grain filler and toner - or - stick with the coloring the way it is and go to lacquer stage.  I haven’t done grain filler on any cabinet.  I have done toner for sure.  I read Ron’s post about what he did on his butterfly and he did the full grain filler and toner, so leaning that way.  I just looks pretty decent after fully stripping the old lacquer and I always pause not knowing which route to go next.  Thoughts?

From Ron’s post:
“ I only applied grain filler to the three panels where Philco had used the fancy walnut veneer, as the remainder of the cabinet used the cheap “white wood” which normally has a very tight grain which does not require filling.”
.jpeg IMG_6274.jpeg Size: 4.71 MB  Downloads: 282
.jpeg IMG_6275.jpeg Size: 4.83 MB  Downloads: 303
.jpeg IMG_6276.jpeg Size: 4.04 MB  Downloads: 277
]]> First off, I am not great at cabinet restoration, I’m still learning with each radio.
I need some input.  For the model 45 butterfly I am working on, I have it stripped and cleaned (might need a couple more passes in some of the groove areas).  At this stage, I can’t ever determine if I should do grain filler and toner - or - stick with the coloring the way it is and go to lacquer stage.  I haven’t done grain filler on any cabinet.  I have done toner for sure.  I read Ron’s post about what he did on his butterfly and he did the full grain filler and toner, so leaning that way.  I just looks pretty decent after fully stripping the old lacquer and I always pause not knowing which route to go next.  Thoughts?

From Ron’s post:
“ I only applied grain filler to the three panels where Philco had used the fancy walnut veneer, as the remainder of the cabinet used the cheap “white wood” which normally has a very tight grain which does not require filling.”
.jpeg IMG_6274.jpeg Size: 4.71 MB  Downloads: 282
.jpeg IMG_6275.jpeg Size: 4.83 MB  Downloads: 303
.jpeg IMG_6276.jpeg Size: 4.04 MB  Downloads: 277
]]> <![CDATA[PT-61 case]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26398 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:33:45 -0500 bridkarl]]> https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=26398
.jpeg IMG_0499.jpeg Size: 222.73 KB  Downloads: 170
.jpeg IMG_0502.jpeg Size: 298.75 KB  Downloads: 166
.jpeg IMG_0504.jpeg Size: 162.75 KB  Downloads: 154
.jpeg IMG_0505.jpeg Size: 176.23 KB  Downloads: 169
]]>
.jpeg IMG_0499.jpeg Size: 222.73 KB  Downloads: 170
.jpeg IMG_0502.jpeg Size: 298.75 KB  Downloads: 166
.jpeg IMG_0504.jpeg Size: 162.75 KB  Downloads: 154
.jpeg IMG_0505.jpeg Size: 176.23 KB  Downloads: 169
]]>