UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post

David Simpson · 12th May 2019, 5:51 pm

Yep, Sam & Mike, I knew it wasn't french polished, just veneered plywood. Other folk on the Forum have said in the past that French Polishing is just for antique furniture, & those expensive 1920's Chippendale furniture quality wirelesses & radiograms. I've found clear car acrylic spray lacquer to be just the ticket in the past. Several coats, not close up overspraying, is the best method, I've found.
It was this scrumble-like dark(painted ?) finish on the front which I'm hoping some Ambassador buff can enlighten me about. Its on both 545's I now have.
Talking of the damaged donor - - Jesus ! - - - am I glad I've stripped it completely down today, before going any further with the repairable one. I've even managed to remove a fair bit of re-usable mahogany veneer off the sides & top. BEWARE - Folk - - those top rounded corners are wafer thin ! NOT steam bent 90 deg. 11/32" six-ply. Just the veneer layer & a similar 0.5mm(or less) thick layer of whitewood ! Will have to be exceptionally careful blading & sanding those corners !

Regards, David

12th May 2019, 5:51 pm	#4
David Simpson Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Aberdeen, UK. Posts: 2,853	Re: Any AMBASSADOR Experts ? Yep, Sam & Mike, I knew it wasn't french polished, just veneered plywood. Other folk on the Forum have said in the past that French Polishing is just for antique furniture, & those expensive 1920's Chippendale furniture quality wirelesses & radiograms. I've found clear car acrylic spray lacquer to be just the ticket in the past. Several coats, not close up overspraying, is the best method, I've found. It was this scrumble-like dark(painted ?) finish on the front which I'm hoping some Ambassador buff can enlighten me about. Its on both 545's I now have. Talking of the damaged donor - - Jesus ! - - - am I glad I've stripped it completely down today, before going any further with the repairable one. I've even managed to remove a fair bit of re-usable mahogany veneer off the sides & top. BEWARE - Folk - - those top rounded corners are wafer thin ! NOT steam bent 90 deg. 11/32" six-ply. Just the veneer layer & a similar 0.5mm(or less) thick layer of whitewood ! Will have to be exceptionally careful blading & sanding those corners ! Regards, David Attached Thumbnails