The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently acquired a COROLA player that I'd like to give to my Grandson however before I do that I want to improve the look of the finish. It's in really good shape except for one side. The cabinet is metal that has a faux wood grain finish. Has anyone had experience repairing this kind of finish? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

I wish I could give good advice on your request but I can't. With that said, if that is the worst side, it really does not look bad. I would be proud of your gift and enjoy it just the way it is. I suppose that is my best advice.

If the finish was really bad I would approach fellows from antique car clubs and ask who does faux wood grained dash boards on 1940s cars in your area. It would be really difficult for an expert to match just that one side and leave the rest alone. I suspect it would be an all or nothing project.

I gave the same machine to my son for his fourth birthday. Wow, that was thirty five years ago!

Jerry Blais

Thanks for your reply, Jerry. Good suggestion to contact someone who has worked on car interiors of that era. The rest of the Corola is in remarkably good shape. I would like try to clean the finish up a bit but I'm reluctant to do anything other than a wipe with a soft cloth. I hope your son kept your Corola. The one I have works well and is quite loud for such a small, simple machine. I would like to find a replacement for its crank. the one that I have is badly worn where the crank touches the side of the case.

I just want to point out that the machine is a Carola.

George P.

What does the crank look like? Someone might have an old one that could be repurposed to fit.