Hi,

I'm new at restoration & radios in general. My RCA
61-8 is missing the protective back covering. I
have picture of it to make a new one but didn't
know what it was made of. Plastic, cardboard, or
thin wood? Anyone know what the late 40's backs
were made of? Thanks.

Hi Dave

Radio backs were usually made of a hard, pressed cardboard. Often these backs included a loop antenna. Be sure your radio has an antenna coil or loop on the back.

Norm

: Hi,

: I'm new at restoration & radios in general. My RCA
: 61-8 is missing the protective back covering. I
: have picture of it to make a new one but didn't
: know what it was made of. Plastic, cardboard, or
: thin wood? Anyone know what the late 40's backs
: were made of? Thanks.

Thanks for the tips, guys! I have my work
"cut out" for me. :)

Hi,
You're looking for something much like modern "peg board", the stuff you plug those little metal hooks into inorder to hang up your tools. It's also about the right color, available, and has built-in ventilation. A piece should serve until you can find something else out of which you can cut the proper pattern.

Greg

Hi, Dave,

I've found that the matte board used for framing pictures is a nice, thick material suitable for radio backs, and is available in many colors, both with a white core, and with color that is the same throughout. Matte board is readily available at hobby stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael's and picture framing shops may be willing to part with some, albiet at higher prices. The pegboard as mentioned will work, but is a better temporary fix for safety since it's usually 1/4" thick and not much like the original.

Dean