[gadget73]

I found a gremlin. Got the voltage up to about 85, and the clock motor that runs the volume control is in perpetual 'down' mode. I had to cut the wire to it. Considering the insulation on the wires running to the control switches is only about half there, I'm assuming its got a short in the wiring. All new internal wiring is high on the priority list. Also, since its rubber, I can replace it with modern wiring without messing with the aesthetics. I think I might actually try restoring this one with re-stuffed caps and such so it retains that original look as much as possible.

Anyway at 85 volts, once I manually gave it some volume and an antenna, it does receive faintly, so the chances that the thing actually does function seem reasonably good at this point.

As far as appearance, I oiled the cabinet with some Pledge restoring stuff I had around. Has orange oil in it. Cabinet positively glows, its quite nice. Still needs more cleaning but it looks nice. Top needs to be re-veneered. The 2 chips on the back edge, and I can feel where the veneer is warped a bit, and seems to be pulling off the wood under it.

I'm also trying to clean up the brass plated faceplate, but not having so much luck with that so far. I'm using a mild metal polish and it definitely looks better, however there are some dark spots in it. It might have actually corroded through the brass plating to the steel underneath but I'm not sure. Anyone have any suggestions for some sort of polish for that type of faceplate?


All in all, for free, I'd say not bad.