Bakelite Crosley Multiband Restore

[BostonDave]

Just looked up the model and although it sure looks like bakelite in some of the photos, the info I'm finding is that the 66TA is not a bakelite radio, but is made of plastic. You may wish to explore this further because plastic is much more delicate concerning solvents and such than is bakelite so the advice for restoring it will be quite different.

[StarMover]

Originally Posted by BostonDave

Just looked up the model and although it sure looks like bakelite in some of the photos, the info I'm finding is that the 66TA is not a bakelite radio, but is made of plastic. You may wish to explore this further because plastic is much more delicate concerning solvents and such than is bakelite so the advice for restoring it will be quite different.

I just assumed bakelite because it looked like it to me... Plastic would make it a little later model, perhaps late 1440s early 50s.?

[BostonDave]

Originally Posted by StarMover

I just assumed bakelite because it looked like it to me... Plastic would make it a little later model, perhaps late 1440s early 50s.?

Yes. I'm seeing dates of 1945-46.

http://www.crosleyradios.com/66ta.html

http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/crosley_66ta.html

http://radioattic.com/item.htm?radio=0094009

The last link there describes it as bakelite, but if you try a google search for Crosley 66TA Plastic you'll get a lot of links that claim it is plastic rather than bakelite.

There are some tests you can perform to check for bakelite. The smell test is as follows: Rub the item in question vigorously with your thumb until you feel the plastic heat up. Then, before it cools, take a whiff. A distinct chemical odor similar to formaldehyde will linger with most genuine Bakelite. This often takes a bit of practice. Some noses find better results when the piece of plastic is placed under hot running tap water before sniffing it. There are other ways to tell from the weight, or the patina or even the type of wear. You can find lots of suggestions for testing on the internet.

After looking up the Crosley I now am beginning to suspect that a Northern Electric I picked up last week and assumed was bakelite may be plastic as well. http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/att...2&d=1241282754

BTW. Nice looking radio and in great looking condition as well. I can see why you bought it.