Several Radio Questions?
I collect and fix 40s and 50s Chevy radios for fun.
1. Does anyone know a source for wire for restoring Chevy radio? I have many radios with missing or frayed wires. I am looking for sheilded wire and the cloth covered wire that are good replacements.
2. Can anyone share the secret of cleaning out a radio? The insides can get messy. I have used some spray cleaners, some alcohol wipes, and even tried just wiping them. There must be a better way. I have seen some good restorations
3. I need a good simulation for the cad finish on the radio chasis. Any suggestions?

My Email is OestreichDAOL if you want to answer directly, otherwise just post.
Remember the Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm before the radio plays?

Denny, have you tried the cad. spray that Eastwood sells, I haven't but it is advertised on their web site.

Try this for cloth wire:

wire web page

I have bought wire from other sources. Most any place that makes replacement wire harnesses will sell cloth covered wire.

Brian

Denny,
I suggest dry compressed air to begin with. It will get most of the dust and dirt. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask 'cause this stuff will have a bit of lead dust and sharp particles not nice to get in the eyes.

One of the best cleaners that I have found is brake cleaner. I have not tried it on electronics but it seems to be agressive. Some of the carburetor cleaners might also work. I would do a test on some of the wax coated electrolytics to see if they will be cleaned and not eaten. I don't think that you can get any of the cleaners with chlorinated solvents anymore. These were the best. I use products made by Berryman if I have a choice. B-12 is the carb cleaner.

One way I have cleaned electronic panels was to spray them down with WD-40 works whether you have a dirty panel or a wet and dirty panel, then wash away the WD- 40 residue with a TV tuner spray or dry compressed air, some of the old well logging panels used tubes and components like a radio, maybe it will do ok for you also.

Just a caution on trying to clean the innerds of a radio. Trimmers do not like ANY liquid. IF transformers don't like air or liquids as the inner connecting wires are minute and also stablized by glue. The old method of cleaning electrical is now prohibited, something about health hazard, pollution, contamination, ect.