The PHILCO Phorum
Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet (/showthread.php?tid=4043)


Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - peterc - 12-14-2011

I am restoring a 38-7CS for a customer, will use Mohawk aniline lacquer and their Finishers Choice Satin. This is my first experience with a radio!!
Questions:
1. Choice of stripper? The veneer is in good shape, but I know strippers can raise it. Lacquer thinner and then wash with denatured alcohol is my usual approach.
2. Should I apply a thin (1#) coat of dewaxed shellac to pop the grain prior to the med. brown walnut aniline. I usually use shellac in my restoration/new furniture business.
3. Very important! How to protect the "PHILCO" painted logo? I can mask around it with blue tape, is there any better way?
4. I plan on removing the radio from the cabinet to make the cabinet restoration process easier. Is this the usual practice?

Any and all insights/ suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you all.
Pete

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - Bob Andersen - 12-16-2011

I used Zinsser Citrus Action Gel on mine followed by Zinsser after wash. No issues with any grain raising. Then, I used Constantine walnut wood filler followed by Deft lacquer sanding sealer. Finally, Mohawk toner lacquer and Deft clear gloss lacquer.

It's all detailed in this thread: http://www.philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=3653

Good luck

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - peterc - 12-17-2011

Thanks!
Your work looks great, I will study it and ask questions in the near future.
You say you "use Z. citrus action gel, followed by Zinnser after wash". Do you mean you use a Z. wash product or a Z. dewaxed shellac?
Pete

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - Ron Ramirez - 12-17-2011

I think Bob is referring to Zinsser Magic Strip Citrus Action Gel, followed by Zinsser Stripper Wash.

Citrus Action Gel: http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=232

Stripper Wash: http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=239

If I am wrong, I am sure Bob will correct me. Icon_smile

Bob is another of our Phorum members who does excellent restoration work, and his YouTube videos have been a great help to many. Icon_thumbup
http://www.youtube.com/user/bandersentv

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - Bob Andersen - 12-17-2011

Yes Ron, that's exactly what I was referring too and thanks for the plug Icon_smile

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - peterc - 12-28-2011

To All,
I bought a knob from Mike Koste, purchased Mohawk lacquer toner/clear finish from a local Mohawk distributer (about 45 mins drive, 7.11/can).
Questions-not my last!-
1. again what is the preferred way to protect the "PHILCO" logo?
2. any tricks to disassembling the electronics and speaker from the cabinet? I haven't even looked under there except to verify that it is a 38-7CS.

I really appreciate the knowledge and the willingness of the phorum members to share!
Pete

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - LASJayhawk - 12-29-2011

you can get replacement decals from antique electronic supply ( http://www.tubesandmore.com )

p/n S-M907 $5.95 it should have the correct sized 'PHILCO' for your Philco

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - peterc - 12-29-2011

That will work if I screw up the original!
Thanks.
I am amazed at the resources available for this old radio.
Pete

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - Bob Andersen - 01-01-2012

peterc Wrote:2. any tricks to disassembling the electronics and speaker from the cabinet? I haven't even looked under there except to verify that it is a 38-7CS.

As I recall there are four small bolts holding the speaker on. Remove the nuts from the back while being careful not to damage the speaker cone. The chassis is mounted at a right angle and bolted to the underside of the top. I used a rachet wrench with extension to get up in there.

Good luck.

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - peterc - 01-02-2012

Thanks!

Re: Restoring 38-7CS cabinet - fixinmyphilco - 01-19-2012

Show us some pictures please! thanks Doug Icon_smile