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Old 19th Oct 2020, 2:30 pm   #1
murphyv310
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Default Fablon

Hi.
I was given a very rough Pye P75. The veneer was peeling on the top and the cabinet de laminating. I didn't unfortunately take any pictures of the set in that condition.
I removed all the veneers at the top and blended in the veneer as best as possible at the speaker aperture. I also glued the de laminated plywood as best as possible.
It's now been covered with fablon and although not perfect it is quite presentable. It needs a dial glass and the correct knobs. The set works very well.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 2:34 pm   #2
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Default Re: Fablon

Sticky Back Plastic! I didn't know you could still buy it. It always seemed to wear through with repeated wiping.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 2:37 pm   #3
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Default Re: Fablon

Yes, Wilkinsons still sell it, albeit a different brand.

There's no way I'd use it one of my radios, you understand... but yours looks amazing!

I used to tart-up the odd tatty 1980s telly with the stuff occasionally. It could look very good and be durable enough too, but you had to watch for shrinkage. I think the trick was to ensure it wasn't even slightly stretched when you applied it.

Thanks for a useful tip, Trevor.

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Old 19th Oct 2020, 2:47 pm   #4
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Default Re: Fablon

Well done Trevor!
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 2:55 pm   #5
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Default Re: Fablon

Poundland sell a version of it, though only in a limited range of finishes. It's certainly OK for a quick'n'dirty job, or to make a valueless unrestorable wreck a bit more presentable.

I must say Trevor's set doesn't look bad at all.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 3:05 pm   #6
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Default Re: Fablon

I've never actually had to try it, but one of the applications for the plain black version of this stuff that I have heard reported is covering the laminations on later Leak amplifier mains and output transformers. They were sold with something very like it doing that job, but the original material can get damaged. I'm told that Fablon is a good replacement.

You can see the original material in Lucien's picture of the Stereo 20 output transformers here https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=52492.

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Old 19th Oct 2020, 3:13 pm   #7
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Default Re: Fablon

The radio looks excellent Trevor but the cabinet heat might cause the Fablon to shrink back from the edges.

A real "blast from the past". I had forgotten all about Fablon but then I struggled to think of its main competitor but I think it was Contact.

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Old 19th Oct 2020, 4:04 pm   #8
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Default Re: Fablon

Hi Trevor. I used Fablon to spruce up the top of my office desk. It looks very convincing and has worn quite well. The problem can be shrinkage and curling at edges, if not folded over.

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Old 19th Oct 2020, 4:08 pm   #9
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Default Re: Fablon

Here's Wilkinsons' range:

https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/decorati...-plastic/c/501
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 4:27 pm   #10
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Default Re: Fablon

I like the look of your radio Trevor, Forgot about Fablon, I wonder how it would compare sitting along side a set which I restored using Danish Oil ( see picture)?
John
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 4:54 pm   #11
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Default Re: Fablon

In the 1950's, dad used some on the extension speaker cabinets he made using speakers from old radios. Red with black and silver stars! Very contemporary for the times.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 5:09 pm   #12
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Default Re: Fablon

Hi
Well the radio was nearly destined to the bin. It really was rough, the speaker cloth was ripped and badly discoloured too. The thing that saved it was the fact it worked straight away. I did the electronic restoration first in the endeavour of finding a better cabinet. I used to use Fablon on refurbished TVs with success. The edges can be sealed with clear varnish to stop lifting.
The set's not for general use so should be fine..... Another one saved.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 6:06 pm   #13
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Default Re: Fablon

Flock is also available, great for the insides of boxes.
 
Old 19th Oct 2020, 6:12 pm   #14
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Default Re: Fablon

Quote:
Originally Posted by merlinmaxwell View Post
Flock is also available, great for the insides of boxes.
Or early PYE transistor radios.

Cheers

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Old 19th Oct 2020, 6:14 pm   #15
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Default Re: Fablon

Glad you did save the radio, interesting how you sealed the edges, I wondered how you achieved that.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 6:35 pm   #16
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Default Re: Fablon

Great job. Many vintage hifi receivers used it in the later 70s and early 80s.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 7:12 pm   #17
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Default Re: Fablon

I used it on a Ekco TSC91 cabinet a long time ago which had been stored in a damp cellar in Bath and fell apart and the front splintered into pieces beyond proper restoration after I had it, I did it
just for somewhere to keep the insides together. Everybody laughed when I told them what I had done, but it didn,t actually look too bad.
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 8:43 pm   #18
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Default Re: Fablon

Hi the stuff wilkinsons sell is by DC Fix. DC fix also do a vinal covering said to withstand up to 75c i dont know if wilkinsons is the same but have used this to cover a damaged kitchen worktop it lasted 3 years before i melted it with a hot baking tray out the overn at 200c yes it melted ( in the dog house again ) Mick
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Old 19th Oct 2020, 10:42 pm   #19
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Default Re: Fablon

Nice! I never thought Fablon could look that good! I guess this could work on those GEC radios with the painted on wood grain effect that always wears off. I also have a Pye P75, it too was revolting when I got it, someone had daubed it in what can only be described as ‘turd brown’ paint... top that off with mould and mildew as well! luckily for that one the paint came off with stripper (back when you could get proper Nitromors!), and I was able to refinish the veneer with Halfords spray lacquer, and for a first attempt at cabinet work it doesn’t look bad! Much better than the heap it was, and they do sound good too, so well worth the effort.

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Old 20th Oct 2020, 9:30 am   #20
murphyv310
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Default Re: Fablon

Hi.
I got my roll off Amazon, for eight quid, genuine Fablon at that too!!
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