WILLIAM SKAGGS
RESTORATION PROCESS & WARRANTY INFORMATION
RESTORATION PROCESS
About me: I’ve been collecting old radios for over 20 years now and
still find it to be exciting when I hear it working after many years. I have
restored more then a few hundred radios both wood and plastic. I don’t hurry the
process. If I can’t do it right I would just as soon not do it. Therefore when I
sell or give a radio to a friend or a charity I want to be proud of it just as
if it were to go into my personal collection.
Wooden cabinets: Most of the old wooden sets have some kind of
veneer damage. I re-glue any loose veneer to minimize any more damage then I
glue any joints in the body of the sets. I will then concentrate on the missing
veneer. Many years ago an old gentleman described to me a process that his
sister used in the 1920’s to repair the wood veneers on pianos. I think I have
improved on this simple process to the point that most of my veneer patches will
not be visible.
I will then strip off the old finish without using any sandpaper. Once this is done I start lacquering the set. I will tone (color) my lacquer to achieve the correct shade for the radio. When the color is right I start the clear coating with a wet sanding every five coats. I will build up 25 to 30 coats for a final polishing to achieve the correct luster from satin, semi gloss or high gloss. This process takes upward of a month to complete. I use wet sandpaper ranging from 200 grit to 12,000 grit to polish at the end.
Usually the grille cloth will need to be
replaced, I try to do this with the correct new reproduction cloth but if that
isn’t available a nice replacement will be used.
Plastic cabinets: Receive the same type of attention. Any cracks
are stabilized and chips and breaks are filled and sanded so when the radio is
painted there is no sign of a problem. I have never had a damaged area reappear.
After painting, the cabinet is clear coated with automotive two-part epoxy.
Electronics: All the capacitors are replaced with new stock, all
the tubes are tested and the resistors are tested and replaced as necessary. The
set is then aligned and tested on the workbench for at least eight hours. I want
it to play when you plug it in and turn it on. I want you to have years of
enjoyment from your old radio.
Payment: PayPal is preferred but I will accept Postal Money Orders
and personal checks. All forms of payment must clear my bank before shipment is
made. No Western Union or wire transfers will be accepted. Please do not pay
until I give you a total including shipping. I will add a small fee for packing
materials.
Shipping: I will double box all radios without exception. I use new
bubble wrap and am extremely careful when packing your radio. Insurance is
required on all sales over $100.00. I ship with the United States Postal Service
and prefer Priority but will ship ground when needed. International buyers are
welcome but must pay via PayPal and the item must be shipped USPS Priority with
confirmation.
Warranty: All my radios get an unconditional 30 day warranty. If you don’t like your new radio. All you need to do is email me and return it in the same condition as in the photos in my attic page. You are responsible for all the shipping charges. When I receive it and verify that it is indeed my radio I will refund your original purchase price. I will not renegotiate the price after the radio is received by you.
Questions and clarification of these terms can be handled by way of email.
Bill Skaggs
r8i0@cableone.net
228-265-3000
Long Beach, Mississippi