Philco 41-280 help

[John L]

I have just purchased an antique Philco console radio, a 41-280. It is really a very nice design, and looks like a juke-box, perhaps better than any other console radio I know of.

Here is what I have got to work with.







Surprisingly, the console is in pretty good shape, with the exception of some missing veneer within the second picture, and one little piece further down the side of the cabinet. It is the black paint that is the first stumbling block, but it is a spray can job, and is peeling in many places. I think perhaps using an air blower attached to my air compressor may get a sizable portion off the surfaces.

I have been told that the radio works, and the amplifier looks to be all there and the tubes are Philco too. It looks nice, and easy to restore.

Also, the radio's face plate needs to be replaced, along with the cracked push buttons. I have already found a place, Radio Daze where I can replace them.

But first of all, I would like to get some input from those who have already preceeded me, to offer the best way to strip the black paint and strip the old finish.

As for the old finish, is it shellac? or is it something else?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks up front.

John