The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I purchased my HMV 102 portable in January, it was in the closet for the last couple of months. I noticed the front of it has about 5 small bubbles in the covering. What is the way to repair this to flatten the bubbles and prevent further bubbling? Do I apply heat to melt glue underneath or what?

You could try using a domestic iron, but don't iron directly onto the rexine, or you'll flatten the patterning. Put a clean white cloth over it first.

If that fails, I use thinned PVA adhesive, and a hypodermic syringe. The mixture needs to be just thin enough to allow it to be drawn up into the syringe. Slide the needle horizontally into the bubble, and squeeze gently until you see the liquid swell the bubble, then immediately withdraw the needle and press the excess adhesive out through the hole.

Whatever you do, don't slit bubbles with a razor blade, the resulting scar can never be hidden.

Barry

Thank you for your tips...I used a domestic heating Iron and was actually amazed at the results. The bubbles seem to be glued back down and looks like it did before.