Article WTFA Best solution to restore a vintage plastic radio chassis?

Best solution to restore a vintage plastic radio chassis?

by
Thomas
from The SWLing Post on (#WTFA)

Sony-ICF550W-Front-702x1024.jpgFriday, I brought home an untested, slightly grimy, Sony ICF-5500W. I purchased it through Goodwill for $20.

Sony-ICF550W-Right-807x1024.jpg

I crossed my fingers as I put three C cells in the radio and turned it on. Fortunately, I was rewarded with brilliant audio. I tuned the '5500W on AM/mediumwave and heard CFZM, 500 miles to my north, and Radio Reloj, 860 miles to my south. A quick scan on the FM dial revealed that I could also hear all of my local benchmarks. Whew!

Other than the dial needing a little calibration, and DeOxit on a few pots, it's in excellent mechanical shape.

Sony-ICF550W-Left-792x1024.jpg

I started cleaning the radio last night using Q-tip cotton swabs and a vinegar/water solution.

I'd like to restore the hard plastic chassis' original shine, though.

I was tempted to reach for some Armor All, but stopped myself short. I know it would give the ICF-5500W a nice shine, but would it cause any long-term damage to the black plastic or clear dial cover?

I know there are vintage radio restorers among the SWLing Post readership. Can someone offer advice on what's the best product to use (or not use!) on my ICF-5500W?

If you have experience, please comment!

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