Any way to remove yellowing from old plastic dial faces?
 

I just picked up an old GE upright console radio and I've got another old airliner console and they both have "clear" plastic dial crystals or faces that are so yellow that they are near impossible to see through.

Polishing?
Chemical bleaching?

You might have more success replacing the dial lens. Thin Lexan, maybe?

If you don't want to replace 'em completely (weirdly shaped or other reason) you might be able to improve the situation with some fine grit sandpaper followed by rubbing compound. It won't get rid of the yellowing, but it will sometimes get rid of the subsequent cloudiness that often comes with the yellowing and make the dial easily readable again. I wouldn't try that on a lettered dial face though.

I know Antique Electronic Supply sells replacement crystals for Philcos and Zeniths, and I think they might have stuff for GE too, I'm not sure.

Seems to me like Radio Daze also has "some" replacement lenses....

If it's the thin vacuum formed plastic, you can make your own: http://hometown.aol.com/EB062559/DIALCOVERS.html

or (maybe soon) buy from http://www.dialcover.com - hope he's well soon!

I would strongly caution the use of sandpaper of ANY grit. Easier to get more agressive if less-intrusive solutions don't work.

Google Novus, for something well-regarded in a chemical cleaner. Or, try jeweler's rouge or tooth paste.

Or replace it. Some folks make their own, with carved forms to heat plastic sheets over.

Thanks all
 

Good information and links. The airliner is round so I'll buy a replacement. Might take a stab at making the rectangular GE one. It has a removable brass bezel so should be fairly easy to make.

The GE is a Model E-126. Nice rounded corners and flighted sides.

I's in good shape except some of the veneer is just staring to pull loose on one of the rounded corners and crack. I think I might be able to get some glue underneath it and clamp it back down in place without even having to mess with the finish. The finish is good and I would hate to muck it up.