General Electric Model 202

Manufacturer: General Electric
Model: 202
Release Year: 1946
Case: Plaskon (not Bakelite or Catalin)
Schematic: Covers models 200, 201, 202, 203 and 205
Power: 105-125 VAC/DC @ 25-60Hz
Transformer: No
Speaker Type: Perm. Magnet
Voice Coil Resistance: 3.2 ohms
Nominal Impedance: 5.12 ohms (5 ohm speaker)

Today we're going to go through a General Electric model 202 from 1946.



This one is in fairly good condition and has all it's original parts save for a single capacitor that has been replaced at some point.



The first thing that had to go was that monster multi-section 50uf/50uf electrolytic filter capacitor. I didn't bother trying to track down a high-dollar replacement for this cap since it's nothing more than two capacitors sharing a common negative. It's both cheaper and easier to simply purchase two of the correct value capacitors at the correct voltage and simply tie their negative leads together.




The case on this radio is not Bakelite or Catalin but rather Plaskon. Though it's a bit easier to work with than Bakelite, the finish can still be fogged without proper care, the difference here though is that the finsh on Plaskon CAN be revived almost to it's original brilliance with a plastic polish called Novus #2. I do not reccomend using Novus #1 on the cabinet as this will also fog the new finish you worked so hard to get.

Novus is available from Radio Daze

I actually found a 4 step system for reviving the finish on these radios, and it's a bit unorthodox.

REMEMBER! BEFORE CLEANING OR POLISHING ANY PLASTIC OR PLASTIC TYPE CABINET, TEST ON AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST!!!
(Such as the bottom of the cabinet)

Step 1: Clean any surface dirt with a mild soap and water. I used Ajax dishwashing soap myself but any mild soap will do.

PERFORM THE FOLLOWING STEPS ONE SECTION AT A TIME!!!
(2,3,4, repeat, 2,3,4, repeat until you've done the whole radio)

Step 2: Deep clean/polish using Novus #2. If there is an area that is particularly dirty you can use Novus #3 before using Novus #2

Step 3: To get that deep luster back, apply a LIGHT coat of lightweight mineral oil. I use Smiths Honing Oil but that's a local brand. Even though this seems to fly in the face of how plastic works, the cabinet seems to "drink in" this oil. Let is set for a minute or so then wipe it down with a CLEAN, SOFT, LINT-FREE cloth. Keep rubbing it until the oil is almost gone.

Step 4: Spray with Pledge furniture polish. Since I'm not a chemist I can't even begin to explain why this happens, but somehow the oil bonds with the Pledge creating a deep rich shine that is very close to factory original, and cannot be achieved if either step 3 or 4 is omitted.






(the white specks are dust. The bane of photographing outdoors I'm afraid).



It does still need a bit of work on that grill. Someone has painted it in a cheap gold paint which needs to be stripped, cleaned and re-electroplated.