Avanti Base Restoration

[TinCanAlley]

Okay, I just got around to removing the yellowing on the base. I used the Retr0brite method, thanks to Findm-Keepm. I only left the stuff on for 2 hours as I didn't want the stuff to dry on it and I wasn't sure how long it would take. The UV rays are pretty strong out here.

For only two hours it seems to have done a very good job. It's not perfect as there are a couple of areas that weren't whitened as much, but I think I can live with it and doubt anyone will notice since it on the upright and not the flat area. I might try a Magic Eraser on those spots and see if it helps.

I'm attaching before and after pics.

[zeno]

Nice work looks like new in pix. Hope somebody gets
that 19" on another thread makes it look that good.

73 Zeno

[Jon A.]

Originally Posted by zeno

Hope somebody gets that 19" on another thread makes it look that good.

73 Zeno

Being the space oddity it is, I like it more than the Avantis.

[TinCanAlley]

Where is the thread about the 19"? I'm curious now.

[jr_tech]

Originally Posted by TinCanAlley

Where is the thread about the 19"? I'm curious now.

Here is the set/ thread:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271250931318?afsrc=1
http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=259051
Very cool looking and perhaps very rare set!
jr

[Jon A.]

My '82 RCA has a very similar profile; in lieu of one of those 19" Zenith sets I suppose I could paint the RCA white and fabricate a custom stand for it (just kidding, I wouldn't wreck the RCA).

[zeno]

Originally Posted by jr_tech

Here is the set/ thread:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271250931318?afsrc=1
http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=259051
Very cool looking and perhaps very rare set!
jr

They are rare. I worked in a big Zenith shop & only
sold a few out of the book. Base solid state Zenith ( E4025W )
was $400 so must have been $550 - $600 a lot
in the mid 70's. We were in a rich area & modern sets
did well. Sold a lot of Avantis & Zorns.

73 Zeno

[TinCanAlley]

Anyone know what kind of paint they used on the Avanti? I know it's sprayed on as you can see where they started on the bottom edges and worked their way up the sides. A good portion of the bottom is bare wood.

It is either thick paint or some of the veneer chipped off on some of the edges. I've cleaned it as well as I can without damaging the finish, but I can't find a white that matches. Also, I'll have to fill in the chips before touch up paint.

[Findm-Keepm]

Originally Posted by TinCanAlley

Okay, I just got around to removing the yellowing on the base. I used the Retr0brite method, thanks to Findm-Keepm. I only left the stuff on for 2 hours as I didn't want the stuff to dry on it and I wasn't sure how long it would take. The UV rays are pretty strong out here.

For only two hours it seems to have done a very good job. It's not perfect as there are a couple of areas that weren't whitened as much, but I think I can live with it and doubt anyone will notice since it on the upright and not the flat area. I might try a Magic Eraser on those spots and see if it helps.

I'm attaching before and after pics.

Why is it that only I fail to take "before" pictures of stuff? AMAZING difference! Go easy with the magic eraser - it is fine abrasive embedded in a polyurethane sponge. Think of a magic eraser as 3000 grit sandpaper.

Cheers,

[TinCanAlley]

Originally Posted by Findm-Keepm

Why is it that only I fail to take "before" pictures of stuff? AMAZING difference! Go easy with the magic eraser - it is fine abrasive embedded in a polyurethane sponge. Think of a magic eraser as 3000 grit sandpaper.

Cheers,

Trust me, you're not the only one. I just did a recap of my Pioneer receiver and took lots of before pictures. Afterwards I wanted to compare and realized I didn't take any after pics. I'm not going to disassemble the unit again to take pics, so people will just have to believe me when I tell them it looks awesome! LOL

I decided not to use the magic eraser. You can't see the spots (their faint and on the top end of the base).

Now I just need a way to whiten the paint on the cabinet.

Thanks for the link to that stuff. It's magical.

[1980'sTVman]

That looks great, I'd like to do the same thing for the back cases of my B&W sets in my free time. Where can I find the method to make retr0brite?

[WISCOJIM]

Originally Posted by 1980'sTVman

Where can I find the method to make retr0brite?

https://www.google.com/search?q=retr...hrome&ie=UTF-8

.

[TinCanAlley]

Been away for awhile. Just thought I'd give an update.

Seems this treatment is just a temporary fix. It wasn't long before it started yellowing again. I did more research and found that it is not an isolated case. Seems the yellowing is not merely a byproduct of UV only. Some tests were done and found that even in the absence of light and UV rays, the restored pieces would yellow again. Faster if you expose them to light.

I've decided to let it be. It's sitting on green carpet and isn't as noticeable as it once was. I don't want to paint it, so it will just have to be and show its age.

[consoleguy67]

From what I understand, they used some sort of chemical to keep the plastic fire retardant. That chemical is what caused the plastic to yellow.

[TinCanAlley]

Originally Posted by consoleguy67

From what I understand, they used some sort of chemical to keep the plastic fire retardant. That chemical is what caused the plastic to yellow.

Yes, that's what I've read. It's pretty sad.

I've been told to paint it, but I don't want the "painted" look.