Hi all ..there has been some recent discussion on what to use if your radio has the original finnish and you do not want to remove finnish but keep it "as" is or stabelize it... For instance I have the Clapp-Eastham HR and HZ units with cases that have the finnish that has "alligatored" really bad...I don't wana strip them ...I am a stickler for original material..There are those of you who have way more experience than I..I have tried automotive paste wax..but it really does not seem to do much..I do not want to use something like "lemon oil" it is nothing more than minneral oil and soaks into wood...eww Any suggestions and where may I get material....THANKS

I have taken my first excursions into working with wood cabinets that need help.
One had already been stripped, but the other seemed to be in the catagory you described.
I first treated that one with de-gloss, which removed the shine and would allow lacquer to stick to it.
This worked well because I then added more coats of lacquer to it and it came out OK.
I used brush on lacquer. The result was an attractive glossy finish, but the down side was that it was not mirror smooth. I think I will try spray on lacquer next.
I used lacquer instead of polyeurothane because lacquer is original. I understand that polyeurothane is easier to use.

Best Regards,

Bill

If the finish and stain are basically good but "alligatored" you might consider something like Formby's Refinisher which does not strip the finish, but dissolves the old checkered varnish, lacquer, or shellac while removing gunk and grime. I'd had good luck re-doing antique furniture with minimal fuss. After it dries, you can always apply a new gloss or semi-gloss coat if needed. Use 0000 steel wool and rubber gloves. It gently dissolves the cracked and checkered finish and refloats it. Follow directions on the can.