Fablon
 

Hi.
I was given a very rough Pye P75. The veneer was peeling on the top and the cabinet de laminating. I didn't unfortunately take any pictures of the set in that condition.
I removed all the veneers at the top and blended in the veneer as best as possible at the speaker aperture. I also glued the de laminated plywood as best as possible.
It's now been covered with fablon and although not perfect it is quite presentable. It needs a dial glass and the correct knobs. The set works very well.

Re: Fablon
 

Sticky Back Plastic! I didn't know you could still buy it. It always seemed to wear through with repeated wiping.

Re: Fablon
 

Yes, Wilkinsons still sell it, albeit a different brand.

There's no way I'd use it one of my radios, you understand... but yours looks amazing! ;)

I used to tart-up the odd tatty 1980s telly with the stuff occasionally. It could look very good and be durable enough too, but you had to watch for shrinkage. I think the trick was to ensure it wasn't even slightly stretched when you applied it.

Thanks for a useful tip, Trevor.

Nick.

Re: Fablon
 

Well done Trevor!

Re: Fablon
 

Poundland sell a version of it, though only in a limited range of finishes. It's certainly OK for a quick'n'dirty job, or to make a valueless unrestorable wreck a bit more presentable.

I must say Trevor's set doesn't look bad at all.

Re: Fablon
 

I've never actually had to try it, but one of the applications for the plain black version of this stuff that I have heard reported is covering the laminations on later Leak amplifier mains and output transformers. They were sold with something very like it doing that job, but the original material can get damaged. I'm told that Fablon is a good replacement.

You can see the original material in Lucien's picture of the Stereo 20 output transformers here https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=52492.

Cheers,

GJ

Re: Fablon
 

The radio looks excellent Trevor but the cabinet heat might cause the Fablon to shrink back from the edges.

A real "blast from the past". I had forgotten all about Fablon but then I struggled to think of its main competitor but I think it was Contact.

Peter

Re: Fablon
 

Hi Trevor. I used Fablon to spruce up the top of my office desk. It looks very convincing and has worn quite well. The problem can be shrinkage and curling at edges, if not folded over.

Steve

Re: Fablon
 

Here's Wilkinsons' range:

https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/decorati...-plastic/c/501

Re: Fablon
 

I like the look of your radio Trevor, Forgot about Fablon, I wonder how it would compare sitting along side a set which I restored using Danish Oil ( see picture)?
John

Re: Fablon
 

In the 1950's, dad used some on the extension speaker cabinets he made using speakers from old radios. Red with black and silver stars! Very contemporary for the times.

Re: Fablon
 

Hi
Well the radio was nearly destined to the bin. It really was rough, the speaker cloth was ripped and badly discoloured too. The thing that saved it was the fact it worked straight away. I did the electronic restoration first in the endeavour of finding a better cabinet. I used to use Fablon on refurbished TVs with success. The edges can be sealed with clear varnish to stop lifting.
The set's not for general use so should be fine..... Another one saved.

Re: Fablon
 

Flock is also available, great for the insides of boxes.

Re: Fablon
 

Or early PYE transistor radios.

Cheers

Make T

Re: Fablon
 

Glad you did save the radio, interesting how you sealed the edges, I wondered how you achieved that.
John

Re: Fablon
 

Great job. Many vintage hifi receivers used it in the later 70s and early 80s.

Re: Fablon
 

I used it on a Ekco TSC91 cabinet a long time ago which had been stored in a damp cellar in Bath and fell apart and the front splintered into pieces beyond proper restoration after I had it, I did it
just for somewhere to keep the insides together. Everybody laughed when I told them what I had done, but it didn,t actually look too bad.

Re: Fablon
 

Hi the stuff wilkinsons sell is by DC Fix. DC fix also do a vinal covering said to withstand up to 75c i dont know if wilkinsons is the same but have used this to cover a damaged kitchen worktop it lasted 3 years before i melted it with a hot baking tray out the overn at 200c yes it melted ( in the dog house again ) Mick

Re: Fablon
 

Nice! I never thought Fablon could look that good! I guess this could work on those GEC radios with the painted on wood grain effect that always wears off. I also have a Pye P75, it too was revolting when I got it, someone had daubed it in what can only be described as ‘turd brown’ paint... top that off with mould and mildew as well! luckily for that one the paint came off with stripper (back when you could get proper Nitromors!), and I was able to refinish the veneer with Halfords spray lacquer, and for a first attempt at cabinet work it doesn’t look bad! Much better than the heap it was, and they do sound good too, so well worth the effort.

Regards
Lloyd

Re: Fablon
 

Hi.
I got my roll off Amazon, for eight quid, genuine Fablon at that too!!