Pye M78F case repairs - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

kestrelmusic · 18th Apr 2009, 11:15 am

I have been lucky enough to acquire a Pye M78F - you will know the one I mean, it's the "rising sun" design from the late 1940s most of which were scrapped by Pye due to the unfortunate association with the (then) enemy flag.

There are some marks on the case and a couple of cracks. Can anyone tell me a) what kind of plastic the case is made from; b) what adhesive will work best to seal cracks and c) what kind of polish is best used to remove small surface scratches without leaving a dull surface?

Thank you.

Darren-UK · 19th Apr 2009, 10:21 am

The case is made from Methyl Methacrylate (I think that's the correct name and spelling); in other words 'Perspex'.

A solvent cement will repair cracks BUT it will leave a lighter-coloured line where the crack was originally. This would be visually bad enough on the ivory version, let alone the rare green version. One answer might be to apply the cement from inside the cabinet, assuming the cracks penetrate right through.

Perspex polish or even metal polishes such as 'Silvo' will deal with the other blemishes, followed by a good buffing afterwards. I'd be disinclined to use 'Brasso' as that seems to be coarser and will leave a very dull finish.

However, as these are relatively valuable radios I'd wait for a few more opinions here before going ahead with it. Others may have better suggestions and words or wisdom.

chipp1968 · 19th Apr 2009, 11:28 am

will the cracks glue up ? will they push together tight ,or are they more gaping cracks ? If latter , might need some special filler

dseymo1 · 19th Apr 2009, 4:02 pm

If the case is indeed Perspex, shavings from the inside could be dissolved in a suitable solvent (observing appropriate safety precautions) to make a filler for the cracks. the repaired area would then, of course, need to be carefully smoothed and repolished.

18th Apr 2009, 11:15 am	#1
kestrelmusic Hexode Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK. Posts: 466	Pye M78F case repairs I have been lucky enough to acquire a Pye M78F - you will know the one I mean, it's the "rising sun" design from the late 1940s most of which were scrapped by Pye due to the unfortunate association with the (then) enemy flag. There are some marks on the case and a couple of cracks. Can anyone tell me a) what kind of plastic the case is made from; b) what adhesive will work best to seal cracks and c) what kind of polish is best used to remove small surface scratches without leaving a dull surface? Thank you.

19th Apr 2009, 10:21 am	#2
Darren-UK Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 4,061	Re: Pye M78F case repairs The case is made from Methyl Methacrylate (I think that's the correct name and spelling); in other words 'Perspex'. A solvent cement will repair cracks BUT it will leave a lighter-coloured line where the crack was originally. This would be visually bad enough on the ivory version, let alone the rare green version. One answer might be to apply the cement from inside the cabinet, assuming the cracks penetrate right through. Perspex polish or even metal polishes such as 'Silvo' will deal with the other blemishes, followed by a good buffing afterwards. I'd be disinclined to use 'Brasso' as that seems to be coarser and will leave a very dull finish. However, as these are relatively valuable radios I'd wait for a few more opinions here before going ahead with it. Others may have better suggestions and words or wisdom.

19th Apr 2009, 11:28 am	#3
chipp1968 Rest in Peace Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset, UK. Posts: 2,356	Re: Pye M78F case repairs will the cracks glue up ? will they push together tight ,or are they more gaping cracks ? If latter , might need some special filler

19th Apr 2009, 4:02 pm	#4
dseymo1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK. Posts: 3,051	Re: Pye M78F case repairs If the case is indeed Perspex, shavings from the inside could be dissolved in a suitable solvent (observing appropriate safety precautions) to make a filler for the cracks. the repaired area would then, of course, need to be carefully smoothed and repolished.