Well I'm on a roll.

Droped by a local antique mall this afternoon and purchased a bakelite Motorola 65x11.

I plugged this rascal in and was surprised of the quality sound and reception this unit produced.

My research tells me this is one of the first post WW2 bakelite radios.

I brought in home pulled out the chassi. Did a little cleaning to the set.

This is the first bakelite I've owned. I'm mostly into the 1920s and German sets.

I attempted to clean and polish the cabinet. It must've had 50 years of cigarette tar.

It did clean up okay but I was wondering if any of you bakelite experts have a home remedy for cleaning and polishing.

Thanks!
Funken
:music:

I've used Meguier's Body Scrub & Meguier's pure Carnauba Wax to good effect... You go over the set w/the Body Scrub, it is like a rubbing compound, takes off the dead, oxidised layer. It will look like pure divine hell at this point, but you ain't done yet. Now, go over it a time or 2 w/the wax, it will positively GLOW.

I use Meguier's wax on my autos. Great stuff.
I'll stop by the auto parts store for the other product.

I'll let you know how my project goes.

Regards!
Funken:beerchug:

It's listed in Sams Photofact folder #4-8 from 1946 - let me know if you'd like a scan, since I have that one.

Well the ole Motorola 65x11 cleaned-up beautfully. After cleaning the unit with rubbing compound I polished it with Kiwi oxblood shoe polish and buffed to a shine.

I bet this antique dealer would crap if they saw it now.

I payed $24.

I should recap the unit but for now I'll display it on a shelf.

Thanks guys!
Funken
In the snowy Midwest