I got sidetracked from the electronic restoration. Started working on the cabinet so I could do the lacquer finish during cool weather, then had to have new feet made, then restored a Philco 87 for the woodworker in exchange for the feet, then completed the cabinet restoration.
I couldn't resist slipping the chassis back in the cabinet for a photo session. Here's the before/after:
And this is a better picture, posed in a "natural" setting:
This is what I learned from the photo session: Lacquer takes a long time to fully cure, especially when you have 8 to 12 coats. I took these photos three days after the lacquer on the top was finished. See the framed photo on the top? Visitors always ask if it's a picture of my grandfather, but it's actually Marconi. Well, Mr. Marconi's frame left a substantial impression in the lacquer. I'll refinish the top and let it cure for at least 2 weeks before touching it and a full month before putting anything as heavy as a picture frame on it.
My advice on using lacquer: If you're a perfectionist or if you have any tendency towards OCD, then don't use lacquer! For this project I've used 2 quarts of lacquer thinner, 1-1/2 quarts of brushing lacquer, 4 spray cans of clear lacquer, 3 spray cans of black lacquer, and enough sand paper to de-rust the Golden Gate Bridge. And it ain't done yet.