Posted 10 years ago
Radio-Tony
(67 items)
Found this Old Zenith Cube Radio Model 5-R-216 in July at a flea Market the radio cabinet was in 2 pieces and the Veneer was far gone, missing the speaker and Zenith Lightning Knobs, and front right cabinet trim, did a full restoration and kept everything as Original as possible, added new Veneer and fully restored the chassis.
The 2 first photos are how the radio was found. The Zenith Model 5R216 was Zeniths low end Model at $19.99 in 1938
The Chassis is one of the smallest that Zenith made.
You "dun real good". This is the type thing I would do on something I really liked. Does it sound fairly good now?
Oh, a question! You veneered this. Assuming you are Amer. can you easily find very thin veneer up there & where?
Thank you for your comments, the type of veneer I used was very thin with a peel and stick adhesive backing when placed into position you iron on to stick, it's a very hard and tedious process.
I used Aluminum Foil as a Template, I placed a sheet of foil on the radio side Grill and front face, then cut out the openings with a razor blade, then placed the pattern on the veneer traced out with a pencil and cut out the pattern with a Exacto-blade. I found the veneer at a local Hardware store.
Thanks R-T. I always used solid wood for my projects but have passed on a few veneered antiques because I can't get it here. Nice to know it's easy to get (up there at least) for future possible projects.
You can also by sheets of veneer on ebay, for a very good price.
R-T, my problem is that I can buy it there & have it sent to my shipping agent in MIA, but have to pay $18.75 at my end & drive 7 miles to pick it up. That's why I shy away from restoration projects that involve veneers unless it is a special project. I appreciate the feed-back but it has to be a really good project to be worthwhile. Of course I may pick up some small item that I can hold until after I am on Uncle Sambo's Plantation. I'm just glad to know I can buy veneer at hardware stores up there. Lowes?
Ya Lowes most likely has it, I got mine at Home Depo.
Good luck!! and thanks so much for your comments
I see where Lowes & Home Depot have stores in St. Thomas & there is a Lowes in St. Croix. I go to both islands whenever fairly often when 1 of our planes is going there. Nice to know it's available if I need it.
beautiful work!!!
I believe any tube radio no matter how big or small or high end or low end should get another chance
Great job! Not sure how I missed this when you first posted it....