This. It will look 'lost in time' classic if it's not shiny.

I recently bought a gallon of 100% pure Tung Oil to re-do a few gun stocks and butcher blocks.
The key is to be patient and let each coat gas-off (dry).
On one gun stock I've got 11 coats and it's been sitting for two months so far.
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If you'd like to try it I'll send you and 8 oz. container...no charge. ;)
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Wood Finishes | Tung Oil | Real Milk Paint ®

Thanks for the finish advice guys, but this isn't my first radio restoration. I'll be finishing it in toned nitro lacquer. Here are a couple of shots to show you the wood around the base and trim which is normally toned a darker color. It's just a white base wood, and should be recolored.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1423939137.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1423939151.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1423939160.jpg



With regard to refinishing it, I'll clean up the last bits of what is left on the cabinet and give it a good final wash with lacquer thinner. I'll use Crystallac which is a clear grain filler, then a seal coat of shellac. After that I'll cut the finish, and then spray a couple coats of clear lacquer. I'll then add some Behlen's NGR dye to the lacquer, mask, and then spray the toned sections. A few coats of clear lacquer and then I'll block sand, couple coats, blocks sand etc until the finish is a nearly "piano finish." I'll rub it out one last time with 0000 steel wool, and then use Howard's paste furniture wax to polish it. It'll have a nice warm glow without being too shiny.

Thanks Dave, you've got a real nice one yourself! That's exactly what I am looking for to put in the alcove below the speaker.

are you getting the toned nitro from guitar reranch?

How is the sound coming from that beauty?
I can imagine that it's quite nice.

I use Behlen's Qualalacq and Behlen's NGR dye for mixing my own toner.

got ya...

It's what I would call a "player" right now. It sounds OK, but needs electronic work. It'll be a nice sounding set for sure when it's done. This particular era of ten tube Zenith radios is very well regarded for their sound.

"...tube..."
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You mean "valves" don't you? ;)
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I had a "tubed" Nordmende 100 years ago...just like this one.
Never should have sold it.
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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1423943105.jpg

I don't have any German radios. I've heard they can be difficult to work on, but are excellent radios.