[klondike98]

The 39-30 arrived the other day having survived the shipping process.  The chassis work is found at this link. The cabinet is in need of a refinish and some loose veneer needs fixing but the main problem is the two sides of the cabinet have separated from the rest of the cabinet.  The following pic is of the cabinet on its side looking from the back.  You can see the separation where the the groove and tongue are separated.  Pressing hard with the heel of my hand does not force the two pieces together but I don't think anyone has tried fixing it before so I may just need more clamping power.  So... the question for you guys who have much more cabinet experience than I do... should I just try forcing it closed with clamps or try pulling the whole cabinet apart and putting it back together.  Its pretty solid except for this.  Thanks!!!
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/enuivhi374j322....jpg?raw=1]

Here's a few other pics of the cabinet as received.
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a312ocd5i0stki....jpg?raw=1]

[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/to48int8s63bi5....jpg?raw=1]

[Fred Taylor]

I would open the gap up more and put some elmers wood glue in there and let it run down in the joints and then clamp it down. That should do the trick.  

[klondike98]

Thanks Fred! I think I"ll also see if I can close the gap with some clamping first to be sure I can so I don't make it worse by getting glue in there and then not being able to clamp it closed for some reason. Don't want to glue the gap open

[Paul Philco322]

Elmers is fine stuff. I have built telescope mounts and used it extensively gluing plywood in some cases layer plywood together to make platforms etc....no problems. Bonds have lasted close to 30 on my old ones. Gorrila Glue has some wood glue product out but not sure about it, never tried it yet.

That is a sharp looking set, like the escutcheon and the dial glass. Bet it will sound good too. Best of luck.

Paul

[klondike98]

Elmers it is Paul, I've always used their wood glue on my projects. I also like this style radio. I did a 39-25 not too long ago and it came out nice. This one's electronics are in a little rougher shape than the 39-25 but thats another thread.

[Arran]

 Unless it is really coming apart I would try using a hypodermic needle with some yellow carpenter's glue and inject it into the cracks. I have a feeling that the reason why the gap won't close is a slight amount of warpage, but some good clamps will fit that, make sure you clamp the side you are not gluing as well so you don't accidentally pop it loose by clamping the other side. For the loose veneer on the inside or elsewhere you will probably have to use some blocks to clamp it down evenly, I would just wrap some chunks of plywood in saran wrap or stick them in a plastic bag so the block doesn't get glued to the veneer. Don't use Gorilla glue, if you mess up with Gorilla glue it's polyurethane so it's especially nasty to fix, yellow glue is water soluble so if you screw up you can clean it out easily.
Regards
Arran

[klondike98]

Thanks Arran. Thats the approach I'm taking. I use Elmers wood glue. The other problem with Gorilla glue is that it expands slightly as it cures, not enough to expand the joint but it seems to come out of the edges of the joint excessively and as you said is tough to get off.

[klondike98]

OK, the gluing/clamping is done and the corners and veneer are now secure.  
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/77ge7wbanm3wl1....jpg?raw=1][Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h8rwbt03658w06....jpg?raw=1]

The push buttons took a little more effort to get out than the 39-25 I worked on before but I finally got them broken up enough to get the pieces out.  The spring clips used to bring a buck each from Ed at Renovated Radios but this time when I ordered the new push buttons he didn't need any more clips.    I'll save 'em for the future though.

[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/smj7t6w4oqehf2....jpg?raw=1]

On to the stripping....

[jerryhawthorne]

Onward and upward, enjoying your pictures and progress.
Jerry

[klondike98]

I just realized I finished this radio a while ago but did not finish the posts for it.  

I repainted the metal escutcheon although it came out a little lighter than I had hoped, maybe a redo at some point.  A new dial cover from Mark Palmquist.  Mark includes the little rivets to hold it in place and I had trouble getting them inserted (fumble fingers) so I used a bit of buss wire and threaded them in place, then deformed them with needle nose pliers just enough to hold.
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/opmrav74hx93dm....jpg?raw=1]

Usual stripping and toning process (see... USPS is good for somethings...especially those free boxes):
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mkoteb2zt5b52s....jpg?raw=1]
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fbrcbp9n10ov6l....jpg?raw=1]

The final product minus some call letters to be made soon:
[Image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/s16d0upkwz8lt9....jpg?raw=1]

[OldRestorer]

Looks marvelous!

[KCMike]

 Great job.

[Kenneth F. Besso Jr.]

  UUUnnn believable-----you are the (meat),,,,,,,I just can't believe the work that you do,,Carry on,,,Cheers to you