I have an Atwater Kent radio model number 55. It has a woodgrain painted finish on it and the speaker as well. I have no choice but to refinish it because there is some serious rust on both items. Does anyone have any idea how to restore the woodgrain finish to retain it's original appearance? Is there someone out there who succesfully does this kind of refinishing? Any help is appreciated!

I had the same problem. I managed, after several attempts on test materal to get a darn good finish. Then did it on the radio. read this, http://mimi.essortment.com/woodfauxfinish_rgoo.htm
then check out this web page, http://www.diynet.com/diy/la_walls_floors/article/0,2041,DIY_13992_2269131,00.html
I purchaced the brushes and the "grainer" on line the "gel stain" is avalible at home depo. any good latex flat will work for the base, use a dark ocher or red oxide for your base. the darkest walnut for the grain.
the whole project cost about $35.00 but it was worth it to learn the technique.

Steven, restoring the A-K cabinet to its original grain finish makes sense and it's the right thing to do.

However, if you were like me, and had a lazy streak, you could consider non-woodgrain finishes. 55s came in several different color schemes. Mine has a red, almost Chinese orange, top panel, and the rest is shiney black. The finish isn't great, but it's all original with no rust, so I'm satisfied to leave it.

The finish on my AK 55 was beyond repair so I sanded it, primed it and painted it gun-metal grey. It's nowhere near original, but it sure is pretty...