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Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 5:13 pm
by Dedrums
There's an antique dealer around my way I usually visit every other weekend. For 2 years now this baby has been sitting in the corner collecting dust,but way to pricy at $200. I saw her today with a bunch of crap on it and crying for me to take her home.So my wife steps in and talks the owner down to $60 yea . So my question to you do I leave it green? I think it looks pretty cool. If you look close at the first pic under the tone arm on the wood is engraved "1988" wonder what that's about?
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 5:20 pm
by Phonofreak
I can see why this sat around for over 2 years. The 1988 could be a stock or an inventory number. It is factory original. If this was my machine, I would strip off the green paint and refinish it to red Mahogany, as originally finished. Also, you can get the correct, replacement knobs.
Harvey Kravitz
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 5:22 pm
by Django
In the late 60s and early 70s there were a lot of people using the "antiquing treatment" on all kinds of antiques, (basically a weathered paint look). It is ironic that it was often used to "antique" genuine antique or collectible items, thereby making them less authentic or collectible.
The number is probably just a manufacturing identification. I like the New Bedford dealer tag. Lots of history there.
Since you asked, my answer would be no, the green and door pulls have to go.
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 8:12 pm
by VanEpsFan1914
I motion that we officially call this color "Ex-Lax and Seagulls."
So yes, I say refinish.
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 8:46 pm
by tomb
I have a Columbia that they converted to a oak finish. I will probably strip it and finish it in original finish. Tom
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 9:56 pm
by audiophile102
VanEpsFan1914 wrote:I motion that we officially call this color "Ex-Lax and Seagulls."
So yes, I say refinish.
I agree. It's time to buy bags of fine steel wool and furniture refinisher. Good luck with the project.
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 10:05 pm
by estott
I don't mind the drop pulls - the X is a bit on the plain side
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 10:38 pm
by VanEpsFan1914
Those enormous drop pulls will be a problem if it's refinished--if someone wants to put original style knobs on, then there will be a mark from the hipster handles.
As for plain, 100-year-old red mahogany refinished to high gloss shellac is never plain, IMHO. Refinished machines can be real showstoppers if done right--betcha it will draw more attention than an alligatored machine from the average viewer.
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 8:18 am
by Retrograde
If there was a jacked up baby blue Gem with gold fittings I'd be hearing how wonderfully creative and brilliant this machine is rather than how to refinish it back to original. Right?
Re: Just had to do it !!!
Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 8:36 am
by Hailey
Retrograde wrote:If there was a jacked up baby blue Gem with gold fittings I'd be hearing how wonderfully creative and brilliant this machine is rather than how to refinish it back to original. Right?
Exactly my thoughts.