Ekco A44 cabinet details? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Boom · 11th Nov 2007, 3:06 pm

Hi, I am restoring an Ekco A44 from 1940's and around the dial glass area it has flakey creamy/white paint to give the cabinet a 'two tone' effect against the Bakelite case.

Should the paint be there or has someone added it? I can't find a picture of this radio to confirm either way.

If indeed it should be there what type of paint should I use to redo this?

Photo attached.

Thanks for any help. - Dave

ColinB · 11th Nov 2007, 7:33 pm

Nice set

I am 99% sure that these were painted, as yours is.

I haven't got one, so can't advise what to use as a replacement, but maby a car paint spray of a similar colour would be suitable. Perhaps wheel it into Halfords and ask them for the nearest match?

Good luck with the restoration, should look good when done.

BR

Colin

music-centre · 11th Nov 2007, 7:38 pm

Hi Dave,
I have definitely seen a couple of these in the past where this area is painted (they would probably have been ones on ebay) i took notice as i have one here and although that area is plain bakelite on my one it is lightly scratched up as though someone has removed paint from it and then ran out of enthusiasm !

I was going to paint mine anyway - probably car type aerosol paint ?
regards,
steve.

Boom · 11th Nov 2007, 7:57 pm

Many thanks Colin, I have stripped the remaining paint off and it seems as though the Bakelite was scoured to accept the paint so I think this confirms what you say.

Looking at the cabinet as it is though it seems much prettier without the paint so I'm 3 parts tempted to leave it off.

Dave

11th Nov 2007, 3:06 pm	#1
Boom Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 2,451	Ekco A44 cabinet details? Hi, I am restoring an Ekco A44 from 1940's and around the dial glass area it has flakey creamy/white paint to give the cabinet a 'two tone' effect against the Bakelite case. Should the paint be there or has someone added it? I can't find a picture of this radio to confirm either way. If indeed it should be there what type of paint should I use to redo this? Photo attached. Thanks for any help. - Dave Attached Thumbnails

11th Nov 2007, 7:33 pm	#2
ColinB Heptode Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Newton Abbot, Devon, UK. Posts: 761	Re: Ekco A44 cabinet details? Nice set I am 99% sure that these were painted, as yours is. I haven't got one, so can't advise what to use as a replacement, but maby a car paint spray of a similar colour would be suitable. Perhaps wheel it into Halfords and ask them for the nearest match? Good luck with the restoration, should look good when done. BR Colin

11th Nov 2007, 7:38 pm	#3
music-centre Heptode Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Brentwood, Essex, UK. Posts: 687	Re: Ekco A44 cabinet details? Hi Dave, I have definitely seen a couple of these in the past where this area is painted (they would probably have been ones on ebay) i took notice as i have one here and although that area is plain bakelite on my one it is lightly scratched up as though someone has removed paint from it and then ran out of enthusiasm ! I was going to paint mine anyway - probably car type aerosol paint ? regards, steve.

11th Nov 2007, 7:57 pm	#4
Boom Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 2,451	Re: Ekco A44 cabinet details? Many thanks Colin, I have stripped the remaining paint off and it seems as though the Bakelite was scoured to accept the paint so I think this confirms what you say. Looking at the cabinet as it is though it seems much prettier without the paint so I'm 3 parts tempted to leave it off. Dave