Decca SRG899

[al_kaholik]

Not entirely sure if this is the correct part of the forum for this, I thought some might find it interesting to see my documenting of a restoration.

This is my recently acquired SRG899. The house I collected it from was full to the ceiling in every room with things. The occupant was clearly a hoarder and the seller had taken on the house including all of the contents.

[img]https://***********************/65535/50341397936_d7c6ba1810_c.jpg[/img]Decca SRG899

Yesterday evening, I set about making a start with it. Not really knowing where was best. I decided a clean of the veneer was a good idea. Diluted white vinegar and water to start which would have the added bonus of getting some of the musty bouquet out.

There were plenty of areas of crud which was hard and stuck relatively well to the veneer, dust and fluff. And a few more challenging areas such as the biro on the lid here:

[img]https://***********************/65535/50358477711_1d4407a306_c.jpg[/img]IMG_20200918_180628

And clearly the mice or rats have been at the cable. I cleaned this irrespective of the fact I know its never going to be serviceable - this is an in progress shot showing just how dirty it all was. This is reflective of the overall level of dirt. I'm hoping the hardboard back can be flattened with some persuasion - a spritz of water and some weight? Does anyone have suggestions?

[img]https://***********************/65535/50358478231_0d4afa7279_c.jpg[/img]IMG_20200918_185537

I took the opportunity to remove some of the interior panels to help with cleaning. In the below photo, I've removed the internal divider that can also be set up as a shelf for a tape player and the front access panel to the tuners. There is plenty of space in this closed compartment should I want to make any changes. As I want to keep the overall unit in good condition, any modifications will be as reversible as possible. This chamber represents a good space for that.

[img]https://***********************/65535/50358477486_592a15256d_c.jpg[/img]IMG_20200918_170648

One thing is certain, I'm not the first person in here. All of the screw heads have been chewed to pieces and I'll be looking to get new ones. Most frustratingly, the lift strut screws had been glued in place and snapped. I drilled them out and have temporarily placed some in there to make working a bit easier.

The biro was a stubborn mark which has imprinted the veneer slightly. I managed to remove the colour with a couple of applications of meths with a cloth and some ear buds - its not perfect at the moment but I'm happy with the result. I'll use the cloth and heat method to revive the veneer later. That is probably the time when I'll tackle it further.

[img]https://***********************/65535/50357776658_82f93b3173_c.jpg[/img]IMG_20200918_183618

I left it as initially cleaned and called it a night. This morning the garage doesn't smell half as funky, so it's an improvement.

[kirstyd]

i always give dirty teak veneer furniture a good scrub with hot soapy water and a brillo pad It removes years of dirt and old polish [a trick my carpenter uncle taught me ] I know it sounds a bit harsh but it works well .Afterwards some teak oil is all you need[ .just keep applying it [with a cloth not a brush] till it stops soaking in .you will be amazed at the results

[al_kaholik]

Thanks, I'll give that a go. I did find that meths works on spot cleans was hesitant to go splashing it all over the place.