Renovation materials

[phillg]

Hi all,

I'm renovating my first phono, an ambitious first phono project. It's a Seeburg 100B and it's now completely stripped down. I've removed most of the previous "renovation"-- a previous owner has painted over the original DINOC with a really nasty black gloss paint job and painted the mech cover bright blue but the exterior paint has ruined the DINOC.

My gut reaction, since it's my first renovation, was to go with whatever's easiest (which would be to paint)... but most people don't want to buy a painted phono. I've seen some pretty nice -- but also some pretty horrendous -- finishes and my concern is that the nice ones are fairly polarising - people either love them or really hate them. I know this is going to provoke some pretty strong reactions (that's the point!) but I'm after opinions. I'm now thinking that restoring the phono-- using veneer-- makes far more sense. I'll have to source some paper-backed zebrawood veneer, but that's doable. Someone must sell it!

So, thoughts?

Phill

[six9gs]

Hello Phill, Although similar to veneer stuff, I'd encourage you to check out "wraps" as a possible solution. They seem to mostly be used in automotive applications, but seem very versatile, highly customizable and practical in actual use. Just check out some youtube videos about them. When I get to that point with my 2 jukes, that is what I am currently planning on using, especially on the chrome parts that are rather expensive to re-chrome. Anyway, check it out, you can get wraps custom printed and within a reasonable restoration budget. I don't think wraps have been around too long and that, in my thinking, is why they have not been used more in restoration projects.

Regardless, Good Luck to you and let us know how it comes out. Since I'm going to be reviving/restoring one, it helps to see what others have done and the success or failure of it.

Terry!

[phillg]

Thanks Terry,

I actually saw your post on wraps... my concern is that they're going to take a bit of a beating (my Wurlitzer's chrome is *very* scuffed from use) and I'm concerned that the wrap will get torn pretty quickly, especially on parts that get a lot of "finger traffic" like the electrical selector. Fortunately, the chrome on my machine is pretty good so I'm not so concerned about that but it did occur to me. I'll be fascinated to see how it works for you so please let me know how you get on.

For the sides, which tend to take less of a beating, my concern is how 'lifelike' the wood grain is and whether it'll look good or not. In my head, I'm sticking linoleum to the sides of the phono-- which is making me shudder inside-- but that may well not be the case! I'll have to get myself to a store that sells it so I can get a feel for what it looks and feels like I suppose. That said, the original was DINOC and most of the wraps seem to be DINOC as well, so there shouldn't be much difference.

The other thing, especially for me, is that the original wood has been scraped and scratched so needs a lot of filling. Veneer will cover that up (after I've filled in the holes and sanded) but the wrap will just stick to it and because it's so thin, will ultimately highlight any bumps on the surface, ruining the illusion. The problem is that I won't know until I try it...

Phill

[jukenorman]

You could go for a wood graining painted finish - google it, it's not particularly difficult to do especially since the original Dinoc finish was a very simple grained design. You can practise on a scrap piece of wood first until you get the hang of it.
Norman.

[juke46]

Some years ago our Nephew wanted a jukebox.  We gave him one (and then another). He has now reached his "freebie" limit.  Maybe I should have not put a credit button on it so he could pay for it in nickels, dimes and quarters!  We had a really rough Seeburg B to restore so I made it red and black for our old high school colors using red/black laminate.   We always called that stuff Formica which is actually the name of a company that made (makes) it among others. Laminate would be the proper name I suppose. It is very durable.  I'm unsure why I took a picture when the mech cover was off but it is now on the machine.  I'm not too good with laminates, routers and such but it came out OK.

After that experience we began a search for an "old, out of production, laminate Called Boomerang. We had a nice Seeburg J but the cabinet finish was really horrible and ruined. Boomerang laminate was very popular in the fifties. We found a local company that had just enough Pink Boomerang hidden away, from a job, and it looks really great on the J (our opinion, of course).  I was concerned the thickness of the laminate might be a problem with fitting the machines back together but it all worked out well. I do not have a picture of the "J" but I could roll it out and take one if someone is really interested in boomerang laminate.  Apparently some "special order" boomerang laminate was manufactured when the fifties diners and such stuff made a come-back for a few years.

imageshack.com/a/img922/34/LgTHAb.jpg

[Ron Rich]

Hi Phil,
Looks fine--except for one thing--possibly--Can't really tell as it may be a "reflection"-- Looks like the "bomb" is still attached to the front of that mech. If so, remove and discard it--do not replace it ! (C-2, the .1 condenser connected across the motor terminals) Ron Rich

[phillg]

Ha, that's definitely not my phono, this is what mine looks like right now...

i.imgur.com/TY0l5o5.jpg

Phill

[Ron Rich]

Phill,
Who's phono is that one you posted on image shack ?? Ron Rich

[phillg]

That wasn't me-- that was juke46 (no name supplied). I believe those were the team colors.

I'm still trying to work out what to do, but I'm leaning towards zebrawood veneer for now to keep it closer to the original factory state. I'll have to choose soon as I'll need to order the veneer if that's the way I go.

I'll need to repaint the base of the mech though-- it's been painted a few times (I suspect it was originally on a BL and repainted for a B) and the paint is wearing, although the record holder seems original.

Phill

[juke46]

Ron,
That was me (juke46) with the red/black Seeburg B picture without a mech cover. I certainly may have forgotten that capacitor! It has been some years ago since I did that machine. Thank You! The machine was one I gave to a Nephew. I may have removed that capacitor but it been a long time ago since I did that machine. I will email him to avoid powering it up until I get over to check it.

Thanks once more Ron for your amazing knowledge and sharp eyesight! It could be a reflection but we'll see just to be sure.

[Ron Rich]

PLEAZE, follow our "rules (see the introduction page)"--sign your posts--I'z an old man-getz confuzzed ezzzalie !
Ron Rich