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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?

:roll:

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?

:roll:

Exactly my thoughts.