Hello,

I have an Atwater Kent Model 20 Compact in reasonably good shape,
with the exception that the finish on the front panel is gone and is mostly a rusty brown.

Part of me says to take it apart and refinish it, however the other side
says leave it alone as some people value the original finish or lack there of.

I am seeking opinions of veterans on this subject.

I have also refinished the chassis of the RCA R52 power amp and supply
as it was in such bad shape... bead blast and new paint.
Rebuilding cap can and transformer cans etc. in this case there was not
much option.

I guess my fundamental question is when should one refinish and when ons should
leave good or bad enough alone?

Many Thanks,

Wayne

Hello Wayne, I guess it's up to you whether to re-finish or leave your set, there's good argument for both points of view and you might get other opinions. As another option, the Atwater Kent 20C seems to be fairly common in the US, perhaps you might find a good original case at a swap meet, EBay, etc. and just swap it over. You'd end up with a good looking original unit, perhaps resell your old case and recoup some of the cost. Cheers, Don Black.

: Hello,

: I have an Atwater Kent Model 20 Compact in reasonably good shape,
: with the exception that the finish on the front panel is gone and is mostly a rusty brown.

: Part of me says to take it apart and refinish it, however the other side
: says leave it alone as some people value the original finish or lack there of.

: I am seeking opinions of veterans on this subject.

: I have also refinished the chassis of the RCA R52 power amp and supply
: as it was in such bad shape... bead blast and new paint.
: Rebuilding cap can and transformer cans etc. in this case there was not
: much option.

: I guess my fundamental question is when should one refinish and when ons should
: leave good or bad enough alone?

: Many Thanks,

: Wayne

Hi Don,

Thanks for the reply.

The case itself is in reasonably good shape, I'll only clean it and maybe
use some oil soap to do so.

It is the metal front panel that is pretty rusty. I'm still at odd as to leave it alone or to refinish it.

I'm afraid a new coat of paint will lessen its value....
whatever it is and make it look to new. On the other hand, the look of the front panel
makes it appear that it was not cared for.....

Oh well......

Best Regards,

Wayne

: Hello Wayne, I guess it's up to you whether to re-finish or leave your set, there's good argument for both points of view and you might get other opinions. As another option, the Atwater Kent 20C seems to be fairly common in the US, perhaps you might find a good original case at a swap meet, EBay, etc. and just swap it over. You'd end up with a good looking original unit, perhaps resell your old case and recoup some of the cost. Cheers, Don Black.

: : Hello,

: : I have an Atwater Kent Model 20 Compact in reasonably good shape,
: : with the exception that the finish on the front panel is gone and is mostly a rusty brown.

: : Part of me says to take it apart and refinish it, however the other side
: : says leave it alone as some people value the original finish or lack there of.

: : I am seeking opinions of veterans on this subject.

: : I have also refinished the chassis of the RCA R52 power amp and supply
: : as it was in such bad shape... bead blast and new paint.
: : Rebuilding cap can and transformer cans etc. in this case there was not
: : much option.

: : I guess my fundamental question is when should one refinish and when ons should
: : leave good or bad enough alone?

: : Many Thanks,

: : Wayne