[NJARC] Safe Cleaning Materials

[Bob Scupp]

Hi,
A Zenith Model 7-H-920.
Plastic, or Bakelite, material.
What would be a safe cleaning agent for the case?
It is grimy, and a sticker that was on the top left a sticky residue.
Thanks for any assistance.

Jim Curione

Jim-

My name is Bob Scupp and I am an Amateur Radio Operator (K5SEP) and collector/restorer of antique radios including classic Amateur Radio equipment.
I recently subscribed to the NJARC list server because my hometown is Passaic, New Jersey. I am now living in Mountainair, New Mexico, about 75 miles Southeast of Albuquerque. I am a life member of the NM Radio Collectors Club in Albuquerque and member of the Antique Wireless Association.

My mentor from the NMRCC, Jim Steuber, recommended cleaning and polishing these old bakelite cabnets with Armourall. It works quite well because it is formulated to finish, polish and protect plastics, vinyl, etc. normally for car/truck dashboards. It adds the moisture, luster and protection that bakelite needs also. I have used it on several Zenith H725 and other radios with no side effects.

Anyway you have nothing to lose by trying. It may take several coats as the finish is probably very dry. Use either a dry paper towel or cotton towel to apply it. Either one does not need anything else applied to it.

Let me know how it works for you.

Bob Scupp