Siemens Radio for Restoration

[Geaney]

For some reason, John is having problems uploading pictures to the forum, so here is the latest picture of the siemens radio.

Thanks Paul, the text to go with it is -

I've hit a new snag with the Siemens chassis. I fitted the glass dial to make sure nothing was fouling anywhere and it immediately became obvious that a major part is missing - the 'cream' panel that goes behind the glass. The bulbs seem to be in the right place so this panel is obviously translucent to allow the diffused light through from the back. None of the available photos show how this is fitted or what it is made of. All suggestions welcome. The radio sounds terrific so one is motivated to keep at it

Cheers, John

[Geaney]

Just as a test I fitted a blank sheet of (printer) paper behind the glass dial. It seems 'almost' ok. The light is not diffused well in the centre but that may be that the bulbs I fitted are underpowered.

So, I'll see if I can find some suitably coloured paper to use instead of the white - though the white doesn't look too bad.

Cheers, John

[Mark R]

That looks OK John, what about some lighter weight yellowed parchment paper?


cheers Mark

[Geaney]

Hi Mark, yes I think I'll be round the local arts and crafts place to find something like that.

Cheers, John

[Bushbaby]

Hi John,
All I can add is 'stunning'. why don't you leave it like that - it looks aged but yet all intact, isn't that perfection to those that restore?

Well done

Rob

[Geaney]

Hi John,
All I can add is 'stunning'. why don't you leave it like that - it looks aged but yet all intact, isn't that perfection to those that restore?

Well done

Rob

Thanks Rob, it's a long way from 'stunning' but it's getting there.

I've moved on to the cab but still struggling with attachment uploads so not sure when I will be able to post them. I'll try again to see if it works this time (uploaded attachment was corrupted along the way so I deleted it again - oh well).

Cheers, John

[Geaney]

A few shots of the cab. Quite a number of coats of finish on this so it's taking a while to get it back to bare wood. You can also see the grill cloth with the brown stripe running across it. It looks ugly so I'll hunt for a replacement cloth that's a nice bright uniform colour.

Cheers, John

[Geaney]

While hunting for a replacement grill cloth I thought I'd have a go at rescuing the original. It was well glued to the backing board so lots of hot water and patience and I think it's come off without much damage. I'll need to secure the edges - especially around the small opening - before I go putting it in the Vanish Oxy, etc. The backing board swelled up noticeably with the water so I'd say I'll be making a new board once the grill cloth is done.

Cheers, John

[Mark R]

Nice job John, it will just need stretching and pinning whilst the glue sets when replaced.

cheers Mark

[Geaney]

Not much luck cleaning the grill cloth so far. I gave it an overnight soak on Vanish Oxy and it came out a bit cleaner but still blotchy so not really usable. For a laugh I gave it a 20 minute spin in the ultrasonic cleaner - a bit better but still not good enough. I'll let it dry out at this stage and then see if there are any other possibilities to get it looking half way decent.

Cheers, John