Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Identification, Repair & Restoration => Telephone Restoration Projects and Techniques => Topic started by: Doug Rose on May 05, 2014, 06:30:36 PM

Title: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on May 05, 2014, 06:30:36 PM
CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================


I have been seeing many great refurbs by our members. Phones that were left for dead. To me there is no greater pleasure in telephone collecting than finding a neglected treasure and bringing it back to life.

I was asked the other day by a collector, "what was the best refurb you think youever did?" Immediately one phone jumped to mind, my Maroon North Galion. I know you all have seen it, but I'll show it off again.

What I would like is to see is what you think is your best refurb. If your like me, you think of the before pictures, after you are done. If by chase you have a before, send it along with your treasure. This will be fun. Everyone post a phone that jumps to mind of your Greatest Refurb!!....Doug

My original post on this in 2010

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=3509.15

xzzx-bftd-xzzx
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Phonesrfun on May 05, 2014, 06:40:54 PM
That one looks real nice!

I have a 293A that turned out real nice, and I am not the world's most skilled wood worker.  I will find pictures and post them tonight when I get home from work.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: AE40FAN on May 05, 2014, 08:00:30 PM
That is a beautiful phone!  Nice job 8)
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Dennis Markham on May 05, 2014, 08:29:05 PM
I remember that phone from when you posted it originally, Doug.  What a beauty!

This is a good idea for a thread.  I have a couple that come to mind that I have brought back.  But this one was probably the worst phone I'd ever run across.  It was rusty, musty and needed a lot of work.  I had to replace some parts but overall it's the same housing, dial bezel and handset.  Not nearly as valuable as Doug's North, but it is still sitting proudly on my shelf.  I picked up the phone at the Mason, MI phone show back in 2005 (I think).  It was in a box of junk that Ray Kotke was selling.  I actually bought the box for something else that was in the box.  But this phone challenged me.

~Dennis
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Dan/Panther on May 06, 2014, 12:30:34 PM
Really Glad that people take the time to see the potential in a finished project.
Here are two of mine that I think I like best.

D/P
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on May 09, 2014, 07:06:08 PM
Here is another, not really a refurb...but a transformation. I'll include the original link, but I thought this phone was bad brass when I saw it. I actually held it in my hands. I bought all the other phones he had, but passed on this. as he wanted $250 for it. I ended up getting it for a lot less. Cleaned up amazingly well...Doug

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2239.msg29724#msg29724
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: jsowers on May 09, 2014, 09:01:17 PM
I wouldn't say this one was dead, but it sure was ugly. It was a 2-58 light gray 500 and someone replaced the entire dial with a newer black one and smoke had taken its toll on all the remaining parts, turning it a brownish color. The mouthpiece had a gouge in it and the mounting cord had been replaced. I don't think it cost more than $20 in an auction back in 2006.

I started by bleaching the handset, housing and cord in a solution of one part bleach to three parts water, in the bright summer sun for a day. You have to make sure to put Vaseline on the date stamps to prevent them from lifting. Also be sure to rinse off the bleach solution afterwards. It took out the tobacco stain very nicely.

I had a dial face I had gotten in an earlier auction, so I used that and a donor dial and fingerwheel. I also had gotten a light gray mounting cord in an auction and it went on. I pushed out the gouge in the mouthpiece and put some cement on the back to stabilize it. The housing and handset plastics were refinished with Novus 2 after the bleaching.

There are things we always see later that, on second thought, should have been done better. I used a repro number card that was too red looking. I should have used a light gray one, since that was the color these cards were originally. Also the right front foot could have used a little bit of shoe polish to even out the color.

Bleaching doesn't always work on every color or every type of fading. This is one time it worked fairly well.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on May 17, 2014, 10:04:54 PM
I'll end this thread the way I started it, with a phone that exceeded all my expectations of bringing a phone back from the dead....Doug
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on May 17, 2014, 10:16:42 PM
Well, I would strongly suggest that this topic not end, that it continue indefinitely as one of the best ideas for a collection topic that has come to be in quite some time. We have hideous phones, lamp phone atrocities and bad packing topics, all on the negative side of everything phone but this is possibly the first positive topic, or at least one of the few that exist, showing the good that can happen in everything phone. In other words, I vote to keep this topic going, forever.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: AE40FAN on May 18, 2014, 09:15:16 AM
My biggest "transformation" would have to be my spray painted AE34:

Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: JimH on May 18, 2014, 11:14:09 AM
Those are great looking transformations!  I recently bought a WE 10 button 1500 off ebay for what I thought was the bargain price of $16 plus shipping.  It's dated 1-64, and the seller told me the plastics are dated "63".  I know they started with touch-tone service in November of 1963, so this is one of the first.  It was missing the original plate that goes around the buttons, but i had one of the original gray ones.  It is the kind that the number card goes in behind it with a metal clip.  I did the "salon 40" bleaching on it, and I think it turned out pretty nice.  I had a '64 white handset cord that came from a parts phone.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: BDM on May 18, 2014, 12:54:39 PM
AE40FAN, wow nice!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Adam on May 18, 2014, 01:21:21 PM
JIMH, Wonderful transformation on the 1500!  Good job!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: WesternElectricBen on May 18, 2014, 01:45:54 PM
Wow, these look great, once I'm done with my Call Director that will be my "phone back from the dead." Or possibly my 1958 Red 500, it sure was a basket case.

Ben
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Matilo Telephones on May 19, 2014, 06:08:22 PM
Nice thread this.

Here is one of mine. I have done worse, but did not document that I have good before and after pics.

This is a black T65. It is very rare and every serious collector wants one, here.

This one was in a sorry state. Dirty, scratchy, wrong insides, wrong baseplate.

So for years I collected several parts (NOS). T65's in other colors have many of the same parts.

I cleaned it thoroughly. Gave it new NOS cords. NOS number ring, fingerwheel and lense. Collected screws that had not toolmarks at all, cleaned them and gave them a wash in a mild acid to make them really shine.

Cleaned the insides to a new factory finish, but not beyond that.

Made new stickers for the bottom, as original ones are unobtainable.

Polished and polished and polished and polished the outside with displex.

Looks almost new, now. :-)
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Greg G. on May 20, 2014, 12:19:25 AM
I'll nominate this 5302 I got some time back.  Although it functioned as-is when I got it, it was in the worst shape of any phone I've had, and I spent the most amount of time cleaning it up.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=3039.0
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Gilas on May 20, 2014, 01:06:19 AM
Here is a Pekin I got the other day and just finished. 
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: AE40FAN on May 20, 2014, 10:39:30 AM
Gilas,

I watched this auction which I believe ended last week.  Judging by the photo I thought the phone had badly faded to an orange.   Quick turnaround and it looks fantastic!

-Frank
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Gilas on May 20, 2014, 10:48:57 AM
It was in much better shape than I thought.  The guy said no cracks but figured I would find some stress cracks in the handset at least, however there is absolutely nothing.  One of the nicest ones I have seen. No issues with the cords or anything. Goes on Ebay this week to support my candlestick habit.  Now that I have alot of the more common ones trying to obtain the next rung up gets spendy.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Matilo Telephones on May 20, 2014, 11:25:55 AM
Maybe we could have a restoration of the year contest at the end of the year.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: AE40FAN on May 20, 2014, 03:10:49 PM
Quote from: Gilas on May 20, 2014, 10:48:57 AM
It was in much better shape than I thought.  The guy said no cracks but figured I would find some stress cracks in the handset at least, however there is absolutely nothing.  One of the nicest ones I have seen. No issues with the cords or anything. Goes on Ebay this week to support my candlestick habit.  Now that I have alot of the more common ones trying to obtain the next rung up gets spendy.

It's in great shape.  You seem to do well with your flips.  You could possibly double your money...
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: AE_Collector on May 20, 2014, 03:54:43 PM
Quote from: Matilo Telephones on May 20, 2014, 11:25:55 AM
Maybe we could have a restoration of the year contest at the end of the year.

John and I actually just had a discussion about that. We weren't sure if it was a real good idea or not considering the amount of work put into each and every one of them. They are all winners and to try to pick one out of a large group that is better than the others may not lend itself well to a competition where you can only see a couple of before and after pictures. The pictures don't tell the whole story at all.

But, we may be wrong. What do others think? If this turns into much of a discussion I will seperate the discussion out of this topic into its own topic.

Terry
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Matilo Telephones on May 20, 2014, 05:29:31 PM
You have a point there. It was just an idea. I like before and after pics, so I thought we could stimulate that. There are other ways to do that.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on May 20, 2014, 08:32:00 PM
This collection of "Notable Refurbs"  post above can be seen in the CRPF Gallery at this link:

CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)


This link is also permanently available at the top of the very first post in this topic making it easy to find as more "notable refurbs" are posted here and added to the current collection of the first 12 posted in that gallery.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: unbeldi on May 21, 2014, 06:57:25 PM
Restoration of an April 1955 vintage WE 500DR-50:

original post: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=10094.0
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: unbeldi on May 21, 2014, 07:24:20 PM
Here is a restoration of an ivory 354 housing and base that came badly looking without a handset for about $25. A new handset with cord was about another $25. The rest was simply work.

Base plate:  M3 4-54 9R-I-57
Housing: M3, ? 5 55
Handset: F1/F4 (T1,U1) 1955
Dial: 6D, 8-55
Ringer: B2AL 5-54
coil: IND 101B, II 54
capacitor:  195A II 54


Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: HarrySmith on May 21, 2014, 08:33:03 PM
I have done a few that were in rough shape but this Stromberg Carlson 1543 has to be the worst!! I picked this phone up at the show in Maitland Florida a few years back in a box of phones I bought. Cleaned up nice and sold it on eBay!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Matilo Telephones on May 22, 2014, 03:55:34 AM
Wow, Harry. Was that 1543 retrieved from the sewer?
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: HarrySmith on May 22, 2014, 08:50:09 PM
I do not know where it came from but I bought a whole box so I figure it only cost me about $4.00 so I did ok with it!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: BDM on May 22, 2014, 08:55:47 PM
Nice job Harry. I gotta admit, I probably would have carefully dropped that phone into the trash. But hey, nice job. A little effort goes a long way!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: HarrySmith on May 22, 2014, 09:25:22 PM
Thanks! I considered tossing it but I do like a challenge ;D
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: JorgeAmely on May 22, 2014, 09:43:03 PM
Not as dramatic as others, but challenging nonetheless.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: JorgeAmely on May 22, 2014, 09:47:52 PM
In keeping with Terry's preference for AE models, before and after.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Gilas on May 22, 2014, 09:53:26 PM
Jorge your refurbs always amaze and inspire me. 
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: BDM on May 22, 2014, 09:55:47 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: AE_Collector on May 23, 2014, 12:07:34 AM
Quote from: JorgeAmely on May 22, 2014, 09:43:03 PM
Not as dramatic as others, but challenging nonetheless.


I had one like that too Jorge!

Terry
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Matilo Telephones on May 23, 2014, 12:56:17 AM
Quote from: JorgeAmely on May 22, 2014, 09:43:03 PM
Not as dramatic as others, but challenging nonetheless.

Did you put another color shell and handset on it, or is it just the lighting? Seems they are of a different color.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on May 23, 2014, 05:44:33 AM
Jorge.....WOW! You are the King. Stunning. I know where my vote would go.....Doug
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on May 23, 2014, 07:12:15 PM
CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Nick in Manitou on May 23, 2014, 10:07:21 PM
The CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY is great!  Real inspiration!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: JorgeAmely on May 24, 2014, 12:03:02 AM
Quote from: Matilo Telephones on May 23, 2014, 12:56:17 AM
Quote from: JorgeAmely on May 22, 2014, 09:43:03 PMNot as dramatic as others, but challenging nonetheless.

Did you put another color shell and handset on it, or is it just the lighting? Seems they are of a different color.

Same phone before and after.
New shiny phone = Old phone + lots of sanding.

You can see more pics here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/Amelyenator/AE80InDawnGray

Terry, a.k.a. AE Collector can make this happen!

Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Dan/Panther on May 24, 2014, 12:42:29 AM
Jorge;
That is some great work.
I always felt Finlover was tops, but you really give him a run for the buck.
I guess Finlover is more into his music now. I fully understand that, I love playing my guitar.
D/P
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on September 06, 2014, 04:06:30 PM
Here's an interesting D1 that Doug Rose did a very nice job on restoring.

More photos of the "after" D1 are posted (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12590.0) on the forum in it's own topic. Cost on eBay, $55 plus $11 shipping.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on October 23, 2014, 07:46:50 AM
Kenton K has both a notable find and a notable restoration in bringing this 302 back from the dead, or raising it once again to the light of day from the dark world in which it lived for who knows how long. 

This phone inspired quite a few comments in its original forum topic "Took a Gamble: Color 302? (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12738.0)"



See all of the above phones in one place at:

CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on October 23, 2014, 09:54:59 AM
Once again, one of the best painted phone turnarounds I've seen yet!

Great job, Kenton!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on October 23, 2014, 06:07:32 PM
I second that emotion....best I have ever seen...Doug
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: WesternElectricBen on October 23, 2014, 07:03:01 PM
That sure was a sad looking phone, but it looks fantastic now!

Ben
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on October 23, 2014, 07:22:13 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on October 23, 2014, 06:07:32 PM
I second that emotion....best I have ever seen...Doug
Did you mean "motion"?
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: JimH on October 23, 2014, 07:43:59 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on October 23, 2014, 07:22:13 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on October 23, 2014, 06:07:32 PM
I second that emotion....best I have ever seen...Doug
Did you mean "motion"?
I think Christian is too young to remember Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on October 23, 2014, 08:01:13 PM
Never too young for Smokey, just not old enough to remember.  When music was music. 60s and 70s was a amazing time on the radio. My kids know good music as they were raised with it always on in the house. ....Doug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sti_tuBiv5g
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Kenton K on October 23, 2014, 08:18:34 PM
Thanks guys! What an honor.

KK
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on October 23, 2014, 09:10:05 PM
Even though I grew up listing to Chicago and .38 Special that my parents played (a bit of what my dad grew up with and a bit of what my mom grew up with) I haven't been around long enough to hear 60s/ 70s/80s music straight from the radio, just my parents' favorites, so I don't know the majority of the music that was popular at the time.

I wish music was like that today; I've been growing up listening to rap on the radio. >:(


Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: twocvbloke on October 24, 2014, 04:26:11 AM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on October 23, 2014, 09:10:05 PMI wish music was like that today; I've been growing up listening to rap on the radio. >:(

Buy an AM radio, construct a small AM transmitter, couple that up to a computer that is playing what people today call "oldies" and there you go... :)
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on October 24, 2014, 06:55:58 AM
Classic Hits ..... not Oldies. No AM radio needed. All you need is good taste in Music. Cool band out of England you might have heard of...maybe.....The Beatles..they had a few hits.....Doug
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: wds on October 24, 2014, 08:12:47 AM
Here's an example of removing an awful paint job and revealing nice original paint.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on October 24, 2014, 08:16:06 AM
Dave...that did you use? I have two "blue" 202s that I want to strip off just the blue. Beautiful job!!....Doug
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: wds on October 24, 2014, 09:39:44 AM
Just paint stripper, but I moved fast.  As soon as I applied the stripper, I wipe it off so it doesn't get into the paint underneath.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Babybearjs on November 18, 2014, 04:38:00 AM
hey guys, how about this....  not really notable, but it did come back from the dead!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on November 18, 2014, 05:18:18 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on November 18, 2014, 04:38:00 AM
hey guys, how about this....  not really notable, but it did come back from the dead!

Do you have a "before" picture for comparison?
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Contempra on November 18, 2014, 10:24:47 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on November 18, 2014, 04:38:00 AM
hey guys, how about this....  not really notable, but it did come back from the dead!

From what i see, all that I know is, it seems to be a multi-line for me. I don't have a model like this yet :(.. I can't help you more babybearjs. Nice piece..
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Babybearjs on November 27, 2014, 01:46:03 AM
somewhere in my pile of "pictures On Disc" is the original photo. I'll have to dig that out...
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on December 23, 2014, 12:14:24 PM
CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================

This is definitely a notable refurb . . .  that seems to have required a little bit more than being just buffed out.

Original post is on the forum at Buffed Right Out! (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13320.0)
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on January 25, 2015, 12:15:46 PM
CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================

Here is a notable refurb by WEBellSystemChristian . . .  which took him just a couple of days to bring a dingy red SP 500 back to life, spectacularly!

Original post for this phone starts here on the forum at Red 1956 WE 500 from Ebay (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13466.msg141259#msg141259)
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Babybearjs on January 25, 2015, 06:35:11 PM
love the 302! nice job.... like the gold/silver matte finish... very unique!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: JorgeAmely on January 26, 2015, 05:49:26 PM
... snip

Here is a notable refurb by WEBellSystemChristian . . .  which took him just a couple of days to bring a dingy red SP 500 back to life, spectacularly!

... snip

Next time, warn us about the excellent picture to be displayed, so I have a chance to put my sun glasses on.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on October 04, 2015, 04:13:46 PM
Here is a notable refurb by oyang who spent a  lot of time and money to take a perfectly good table lamp and turn it into a working phone . .   ;)

Original post for this phone starts here on the forum at stating his intention, his next challenge of Turning a table lamp back into a WE 50AL (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=14943.0) which includes many replies and work in progress photos.

The results are quite notable and definitely work and a phone worthy of being added to our back from the dead topic. Very nice restoration, indeed.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Welsh on October 05, 2015, 05:50:58 PM
Just asking but is there a reason there are no wood phones in this thread? I have one that had squirrels nesting in it. LOL not sure if I can bring it back or even if i can get the parts I have to replace.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on October 05, 2015, 06:06:04 PM
Welsh....Here is a woodie I did recently, I just didn't think it was notable. It was in tough shape. Came out really nice. I just finished it today with a receiver with a cloth cord with pins that screw into the terminals on the bottom of the box..Welcome to the forum....Doug

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=14947.msg155155#msg155155
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2015, 08:47:55 PM
Welsh,

There are really only two "requirements" so to speak to get a phone into the "Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs" topic and that is

1) Must have both before and after pictures, preferably taken from the same angle or perspective for comparison

and

2) The after has to have that WOW! or pop factor showing a phone significantly and/or amazingly better than as found.


This is a very good slide show put together as an example of both points.

http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4


Members, right Doug, sometimes forget to take before photos and without those, the magic is not seen in the final product.

As for wood phones, it may just be my recollection but it seems those who restore old phones tend to want to keep them looking "old" rather than refinish, re-stain and polish the heck out of them as those who work with desk sets do. If you have before photos of a dead wood phone and what it looks like after restoration, start a topic with before, in process and after photos and it could be added to that topic. Hope that helps you understand the intent of that topic. I am sure many phones that have been shown fully restored didn't make the topic because the before photos were not taken.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on October 06, 2015, 07:52:47 AM
John...outstanding slide show!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Dennis Markham on October 06, 2015, 09:19:35 PM
Beautiful job, John.  Great slide show!  There are some great phones shown here---brought back from the dead.

~Dennis
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: HarrySmith on November 24, 2015, 08:38:49 PM
Very Cool, that is my favorite thing, taking a nasty old piece of junk and returning it to it's former glory! The side by side before & after shots are amazing!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on December 29, 2015, 10:28:06 AM
Here is a notable refurb owned and submitted by Autonut who spent some money to have this phone refurbed by Ktownphoneco, a/k/a Jeff Lamb. Don't know what Jeff did to this phone but it turned out nice. Is that a new shell or did he patch the hole. Curious minds would like to know . . .    ;)

Original post for this 1946 NE Metal 302 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=15387.msg159945#msg159945) phone is in the "Barn Freah" topic but it certainly deserves posting here, in the Notable Refurbs. A very nice restoration, indeed, by Jeff.

=======================

And, the Photobucket Gallery has been updated.

http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4

Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Dan/Panther on December 29, 2015, 01:14:24 PM
I never get tired of looking at these photos.

D/P
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Phonesrfun on December 29, 2015, 01:32:51 PM
A year and a half ago I said I would post some pictures of my 293A restoration of a few years ago.  I guess I never did.  They are posted elsewhere in this forum, but here for this topic I am posting them again.  This is not notable on the same level as Dan/Panther's early 500, but it is notable for me with my skill set.

This is of the 293A Christmas phone my wife got for me from a fellow collector.  I had shown interest in buying the phone from him and my wife overheard that conversation.  A few weeks later, I went over to his house to make him an offer, and he had already sole it!!!  How could he??  He knew I wanted it, and he sold it without even calling me to let me know! 

It turned out that he sold it to my wife and I found it under the Christmas tree!  My phone friend is a very religious person, and he told me that it really bothered him to lie to me when he told me with a straight face that someone else had bought it and he even made up a pretty good story to go with it.

Anyway, without further adieu, here are before and after pictures of that.

PS:  I must give credit where credit is due.  The beautiful nickel work was done by Dennis (dencins) who is active on this forum and does excellent nickel plating at a very reasonable rate.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Nick in Manitou on December 29, 2015, 01:48:15 PM
Phonesrfun, that is beautiful!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on December 29, 2015, 01:54:20 PM
Really nice Bill....sure is a beauty!....Doug
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on December 29, 2015, 02:15:18 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on December 29, 2015, 01:32:51 PM
A year and a half ago I said I would post some pictures of my 293A restoration of a few years ago.  I guess I never did.  They are posted elsewhere in this forum, but here for this topic I am posting them again.  This is not notable on the same level as Dan/Panther's early 500, but it is notable for me with my skill set.

And now it's in the Photobucket Gallery (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4), #25 of 25 phones.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: dsk on December 29, 2015, 02:17:59 PM
It is really a jewellery to hang on the wall.
dsk
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Phonesrfun on December 29, 2015, 04:20:43 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on December 29, 2015, 01:54:20 PM
Really nice Bill....sure is a beauty!....Doug

Thanks, Doug!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on January 10, 2016, 10:32:44 PM
CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================

Here is a notable refurb by HarrySmith . . .  which took him just about a year to bring back from a bad paint job to a very nice phone!

Original post for this phone starts here on the forum at January 2015 Find of the Month Nomination (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13371.msg141378#msg141378).

A full discussion of this phone, as it was being restored, can be found in Harrysmith's AE 35 Restoration (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13991.0) topic.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Buzby on January 10, 2016, 10:57:22 PM
Harry, that is an amazing refurb. Congratulations on being immortalised.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: dsk on January 11, 2016, 04:47:16 AM
Where did you get all that elbow grease?  You have done a great job!
dsk
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: HarrySmith on January 12, 2016, 10:01:06 PM
Thanks guys! It was a lot of work and turned out better than I expected. I am very happy about it. I can't wait to see what kind of money it brings.
I need to ask a favor. I have been trying to combine the before & after pics but have not been able to do it. Can someone here with better software than me please combine these into one nice picture? I would really appreciate it!

=================

EDIT: images combined
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on June 13, 2016, 07:39:07 PM
While this phone was brush painted and dirty, it turned out very nice thanks to the remarkable smooth metal surface found under the black paint. After two months of off and on work, it turned out well. The phone is posted on the forum at this link:

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16336.0
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Doug Rose on June 14, 2016, 05:51:54 PM
I went back into the ATCA Archives looking for a phone that I had that was like John's miracle 302 and came up with this tough to find 205 that I got on CL from NH about 10 years ado. I thought it was a lost cause, but I was more than happy with it in the end....Doug
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on June 25, 2016, 01:44:13 PM
b3tamax11 originally posted this phone, before and after, here but since it was taking on a life of its own, I split that post and its discussion off into it own topic, where more photos and discussion of the phone can take place, at:

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16409.0

and the before and after photos of the phone posted in that new topic are attached here to show the great job he did restoring this phone.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on October 02, 2016, 01:46:18 PM
CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================

Here is a notable refurb by Roody . . .  of a rare Jade Green AE 50 that he found at a flea market for an extremely high $10! Cleaned up very nice, indeed, both inside and out.

A full discussion of this phone, as it was being restored, can be found in Roody's AE 50 Restoration (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16757.0) topic.

The side by side photo is in the PhotoBucket Gallery slide show liked above.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on December 25, 2016, 05:20:53 PM
Finally put the before and after photos together, the best I could. The whole sage of this refurb can be found at this link:

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16425.0

. . . including additional before and after internal images at the end of that topic. (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16425.msg178768#msg178768)
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: skyrider on January 02, 2017, 02:07:26 PM
Outstanding job, this telephone really looks great. How much work did you have to do on the dial? You should be very proud.
Bill Compton
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on January 02, 2017, 02:26:16 PM
Quote from: skyrider on January 02, 2017, 02:07:26 PM
Outstanding job, this telephone really looks great. How much work did you have to do on the dial? You should be very proud.
Bill Compton

Thanks, Bill. The dial needed light cleaning, oiling and 5 wired soldered into place (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16425.msg174403#msg174403). I'm glad they didn't paint the dial as well as the stick.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on January 19, 2017, 07:50:12 AM
This recent post by Pourme is another great restoration bringing a cruddy D1 back to life

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=17478.0

Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on February 16, 2017, 01:41:33 PM
Thanks to AE_Collector, the excellent work done by forum member Dycom on the "faded" Orchid AE40 he won on eBay about 4 years ago (as documented in Auction Contest #78 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=8068.0) was posted in the current Orchid AE40 topic (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=17673.msg182614#msg182614) including Dycom's explanation of what he did to get the faded AE40 back to its near original color and condition. That restoration is certainly worthy of being recognized as a truly notable refurb.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on April 25, 2017, 10:54:05 AM
Here's my WE 1234G. It's almost done, except for a handset, and the reassembly of some internal components.

The before picture is actually of the other upper housing I still need to restore, but they looked virtually identical before. In the 'during' picture, I showed the now-restored upper after I stripped it down before powdercoating. The lower housing and backboard were from a donor phone.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=15282.0
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on June 30, 2017, 04:55:03 PM
ThePillenwerfer, in a new topic posted today, not only included excellent before and after photos of his British ATM T3903 project, but also included a very detailed description of what he did to restore a severely damage and distressed telephone. His work certainly rises to and exceeds that which would make a phone project an excellent addition to the Notable Refurbs topic. The restoration topic can be found at:

     http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=18395.0

and the before and after images attached below.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on February 04, 2018, 11:53:52 PM
wds posted a new topic covering the restoration of his Deveau Candlestick.

His work certainly rises to and exceeds that which would make a phone project an excellent addition to the Notable Refurbs topic. The restoration topic can be found at:

          http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=19758.0

and the before and after images attached below.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: HarrySmith on May 01, 2018, 06:30:11 PM
I would like to nominate FabPhones Muraphone restoration. This was an ugly phone returned to it's former glory.
Topic is here: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20359.msg208547#msg208547
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Nick in Manitou on May 02, 2018, 08:37:29 PM
Quite a transformation!
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: FABphones on May 03, 2018, 03:40:08 AM
Gosh, thanks guys.
I really could do this all day every day. I just wish I could find more of these old phones to work on and revive.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on July 26, 2018, 10:44:04 AM
Quote from: Jim S. on July 26, 2018, 10:17:39 AM
I think this is a "notable" refurb.
JMO,
Jim S.

Never thought of it as a notable refub being a low value phone but being a good example of removing discolored plastic, it's being posted here now.

The after image is missing the finger wheel and handset cord but the intent is to show the notable color restoration using chemical sanding to take the phone from what was a burnt orange to its original bright yellow.

The topic on this restoration is here:  http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20820.0

Thanks for the suggestions, Jim.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Contempra on August 15, 2018, 05:28:05 PM
Nice restoration Teleplay .There's no low value  when the time comes . When we like a phone , it's always funny to work our piece .
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: HarrySmith on August 15, 2018, 08:34:36 PM
Very Nice John. Definitely a notable refurb.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: FABphones on April 02, 2019, 03:28:45 AM
I know I said the last PTT24 I bought was the last one I would add to my collection, but this one caught my eye. I had been looking for a PTT where the paintwork was so far gone I could justify taking it all off and polishing up the metal. I think I've found my niche with these phones, I know them inside out. Literally. I totally love this one. I just know it is going to renovate very nicely.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=21102.0

Finished! I put some hours into sanding the stripped metal body of this PTT24 by hand. Done plenty of experimenting with polishing products on this girl too.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Contempra on April 19, 2023, 12:22:15 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on May 23, 2014, 07:12:15 PM
CRPF "NOTABLE REFURBS" GALLERY (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/slideshow/Notable%20Refurbs?sort=4)

==================================================



DEAD LINK...
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: FABphones on April 19, 2023, 12:50:19 PM
Quote from: Contempra on April 19, 2023, 12:22:15 PMDEAD LINK...

Dead photobucket link. Many photobucket images have been lost - a good reason for attaching photos to CRPF and not linking offsite.

Thanks for pointing that one out. Post marked accordingly.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on April 19, 2023, 03:15:26 PM
Quote from: Contempra on April 19, 2023, 12:22:15 PMDEAD LINK...

Fortunately nothing was lost other that the slide show I created in Photobucket using the images already posted throughout this topic.

As you may remember, Photobucket enacted a ransom payment to allow stuff on Photobucket to be linked to other sites. I was not going to pay a good sum of money each year for that to happen.

As such, the slide show link went dead but none of the images were lost, along with the text describing each restoration.

I can't say the same for many other images where the primary hosting site was a 3rd party site (google, Imgur, Picasso, Photobucket, etc) which went dark for any one of several reasons causing the external links to the posted on the forum to really go dead causing the loss of a lot of good repair and restoration topics created during the first 8 or so years of the forum. That info is indeed lost forever.

Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Contempra on April 19, 2023, 10:07:45 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on April 19, 2023, 03:15:26 PMFortunately nothing was lost other that the slide show I created in Photobucket using the images already posted throughout this topic.

As you may remember, Photobucket enacted a ransom payment to allow stuff on Photobucket to be linked to other sites. I was not going to pay a good sum of money each year for that to happen.

As such, the slide show link went dead but none of the images were lost, along with the text describing each restoration.

I can't say the same for many other images where the primary hosting site was a 3rd party site (google, Imgur, Picasso, Photobucket, etc) which went dark for any one of several reasons causing the external links to the posted on the forum to really go dead causing the loss of a lot of good repair and restoration topics created during the first 8 or so years of the forum. That info is indeed lost forever.


Oh , ok , yeah i understand .
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: TelePlay on April 23, 2023, 01:03:23 PM
Quote from: Contempra on April 19, 2023, 10:07:45 PMOh , ok , yeah i understand .

Actually, when I discovered that PhotoBucket was going to ask for ransom payments, to access images hosted by them,  I took a lot of my time to downloaded all of the existing images from that PhotoBucket slide show into this topic on the forum to preserve them for posterity:

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=17486.0

and locked the topic so no atta' boys, "wow" type likes or discussion of the phones is allowed in this archived array of phones brought back from the dead.

So, more than nothing lost, a lot gained by my looking forward to knowing what would happen the day PhotoBucket cut external linking to accounts that did not pay their ransom.

Seems few, if any, members are bringing "barn fresh" phones back to life these days - or just not taking the time to document their restoration projects on the forum as was done up to a few years ago.
Title: Re: Bringing Phones Back from the Dead - Notable Refurbs
Post by: Jon Kolger on April 24, 2023, 08:51:17 AM
Thanks for your time and effort to save these images!