Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Discussions about the care and repair of cabinet issues and grille cloth.
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Motorola minion
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Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22039Post Motorola minion »

We will start with the most common of cabinets containing Zenith's best electronics '59-'63

Both shown below are 1959 models SF2565 and SF183 (missing its companion speaker/amp)

Beginning with the feet, water damage and veneer break-offs are common when dragged across carpeting. The pictures speak for themselves. Further handling of anything heavy, in this condition, makes it far worse.

I have no intention of selling a $500 console with this disgraceful damage. I like doing structural wood-crafting, so I have an appropriate upgrade to present.
SF2565 foot.JPG
SF183 foot.JPG
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Re: Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22040Post Motorola minion »

Next are the SFF2565 (the Grieg) Extended Stereo with 7F31 amp, late 1961 model with casters, a minor improvement CR would say. It weighs enough to demand casters too!

The 1963 MH2635 (the Schubert) with reverberation, sporting a fine-looking base with casters. Too bad this model has a single-ended but hotter 3B32 amp.
SFD2565 caster.JPG
MH2635 base.JPG
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electra225
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Re: Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22042Post electra225 »

That is a totally appropriate upgrade that appears to have been factory equipment. Where would you "break" the veneer on a cabinet like the first picture you posted? Besides fixing the damage to the cabinet, casters certainly help moving a heavy cabinet, particularly on carpet. :D :D
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Re: Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22125Post Motorola minion »

Half-inch cabinet plywood is close to the soft maple grain.

Finish color may be a bit lighter but overall, it needs to look close to factory.

You can see where the hole for 5/16" shipping skid, just like an RCA has.
SF2565 foot repair.JPG
SF2565 foot repair 2.JPG
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William
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Re: Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22127Post William »

It's looking good, Dave.

Bill
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Re: Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22179Post Motorola minion »

I used some cabinet grade plywood and closest stain I could find. I'm not a finish expert by any means.
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Re: Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22180Post Motorola minion »

I found a quality tag which I haven't seen before. One of the earliest versions of this most ubiquitous Zenith cabinet probably needed a good quality program to get started.
QC-tag.JPG
I'm not a finish expert so this is the best it can look based on my selection of leftover stain
SF2565 foot repair 3.JPG
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Re: Zenith EA cabinet repairs

Post: # 22192Post electra225 »

Great work, Dave! IT looks just fine to me. Down that low on the cabinet, the slight difference in stain won't show that much. Definitely better than it was for sure...... :D :D
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