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Vintage Radio (domestic) Domestic vintage radio (wireless) receivers only. |
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5th May 2019, 6:02 pm | #1 |
Triode
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Ash, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 38
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GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
I have recently acquired a GECoPhone BC 3235 circa 1931. The radio is in need of some restoration to the case aside from the electronics restoration/repairs. There are odd bits of veneer that want stabilising or replacement. But for these who know this model, the (I assume) bakelite grill has become broken and lost over the years. I have managed to find photographs of how it should look and the two ends remain, so I am guessing it might be possible to recreate the missing item. I was wondering if there is someone who has had a similar dilemma and has a process to do this. Any advice would be much appreciated.
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6th May 2019, 8:25 am | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 16,535
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Could be a job for a decent 3D printer. If it's actual wood, though, a fair bit of painstaking fretsaw and Dremel work with careful sanding could get somewhere near.
Or replace it with something simpler that lines up with the bit that's left just to break up the large flat area of speaker grille/cloth.
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6th May 2019, 8:36 am | #3 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK.
Posts: 3,756
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Having just casts some plastic knobs ,I was surprised how easy it was , I was thinking if that is a big if! you could borrow an original one , take a plaster /silicone cast ,you could make a very good copy. Mick.
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6th May 2019, 10:30 am | #4 |
Heptode
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Limerick, Ireland.
Posts: 901
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Cut up, glue and paint plastic chopsticks? Maybe sand one side rounder.
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6th May 2019, 3:32 pm | #5 |
Triode
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Ash, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 38
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Hi All, Thanks for the replies so far. The original material looks to be either bakelite or ebonite, very dark brown in colour. Love the chop sticks idea, could be an answer as the rays are tapered. Failing that, as suggested cut one from wood. As I have the two ends I know the thickness and profile of the rays. I doubt if I'll find another one to copy, and my 3D cad skills are somewhat limited. I like a challenge though!
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3rd Jun 2019, 2:20 pm | #6 |
Triode
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Ash, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 38
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Hi All, I Thought I might update my post with regards the GECoPhone BC3235 I have been working on. A big thanks to Mike Watterson who suggested the idea of using chopsticks to fabricate the missing fan grill adornment on my GECoPhone. I have completed my restoration and the attached photos show my efforts. As was mentioned on another thread the radio actually works without any further intervention other then a good clean. The valves are not period unfortunately but I'll keep my eyes open.
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3rd Jun 2019, 3:06 pm | #7 |
Heptode
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Limerick, Ireland.
Posts: 901
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Looks lovely and ta for the credit. We have always had plastic and bamboo ones in the house since late 1970s or early 1980s. Some may be the originals and have gone "globe trotting" with us.
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3rd Jun 2019, 3:19 pm | #8 |
Octode
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,720
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
That looks very good, impressive job! In fact my wife, who is incredibly fussy and not the least bit interested in radios gave it her seal of approval. High praise indeed!
Peter |
4th Jun 2019, 11:58 am | #9 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK.
Posts: 3,756
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
That looks fantastic well done that man , I have used the same type of chop sticks to make trimming tools , Mick.
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4th Jun 2019, 1:43 pm | #10 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 3,986
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
WOW! that is brilliant, who needs 3D printers when you are about with chopsticks and glue? Were you able to get an original to measure? No doubt it took a lot of effort and skill. Well done.
John. |
4th Jun 2019, 10:37 pm | #11 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 18,711
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Quote:
Here it is side-by-side with the finished set
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5th Jun 2019, 12:01 am | #12 |
Triode
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Ash, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 38
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Thanks for all the comments. I was working from the image suggested, plus I had the top and bottom bits for sizing purposes. It’s one of the things I love about this hobby - having to make do and mend. Keeps the mind agile.
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5th Jun 2019, 10:30 am | #13 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,843
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Lovely job! I'm very impressed. Could you share with us how exactly you did it, please?
Nick. |
5th Jun 2019, 12:21 pm | #14 |
Heptode
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Twickenham, London, UK.
Posts: 538
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Re: GECoPhone BC 3235 Restoration Advice
Amazing job, I would also enjoy hearing more details of how you went about the chopstick restoration.
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