Wurlitzer 200 Top Restoration

[jthiessen]

I recently purchased a 200.  The black top is scuffed and in need of some new life.  Can anyone tell me the best way to restore it?  I looked through the forum and didn't see anything on this.  Sorry if I missed it.

Is there anything I can do about the scuff marks?

Can I use a rattle can of Vinyl Dye?

What about Amor All?

Thanks!

[voltergeist]

Armor All will go a long way.  I wouldn't recommend anything in a rattle can.

[jthiessen]

Thanks.  I'll try a bit of Armor All.  I don't imagine that will do anything for the scuff marks, will it?

[OZDOC]

Products like Armour All effectively add a coating of silicone or wax to the plastic. They give it a wet look that increases reflective contrast in many lighting conditions and 'fills' minor scratches with fluid. The end result is a certain amount of masking of blemishes while cleaning off superficial dirt with the rubbing in process.

Once you've done this the waxes make it difficult to use other restoration methods. And dust can stick to the 'wet' surface. And you need to be careful what you sit on the cover as some of the silicon or wax may transfer.

ABS plastic can be readily painted using automotive acrylic lacquers. Done correctly the paint bonds well. The end result will be even colour over the entire top and you can also vary the reflectivity level by the addition of flatting agent to the paint. Paint will mask a certain amount of superficial scratching, but paint films are very thin. So for major damage you'll need to use the same sort of filling techniques you use when repairing the bodywork of cars. This can be time consuming on textured plastic.

[Rob A]

Armor All will go a long way.  I wouldn't recommend anything in a rattle can.

I on the other hand, would recommend vinyl dye enthusiastically.

http://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=6079.msg29846#msg29846

[jthiessen]

Thanks, Rob A.  I thought I had seen your post in the past, but could not find it.

Any thoughts on how to deal with the scratches?

[voltergeist]

I was not previously aware of vinyle dye.  Results do indeed look good.  I assume it would probably work as well on a Rhodes top(?).

I stand by 'no-rattle-cans' as a rule, though vinyl dye appears to be an exception to the rule.

[jthiessen]

I agree.  Rob A's results look good.  I hope to have similar results.

[Jefsong]

I am thinking of restoring the finish on my 200A. The Vinyl Dye seems like a good idea. Does anyone know how I would go about fixing a small hole in the side of the top? It looks like it was burned by a lamp that was kept to close to it for too long. How would I patch that?

Thanks

[Pigmeat]

I went a little crazy with mine, but I'm very pleased with the results.  My 200A had holes drilled above the left speaker, large gouges on the top, and the words "The Happy Memories" were carved all across the rear side.  Otherwise, the instrument was fabulous.  I decided to completely remove the textured surface so that the lid was smooth as can be.  I was inspired by the new Vintage Vibe pianos.  This is something I would never do again - way too much work! I spray painted it antique white and I think it looks great!

I attached a photo - not the best quality

If anyone wants more details on the process, please let me know.

[Student Rhodes]

Nice!
I believe Bob Mayo had a white Wurli for the '77 Frampton tour.   Matched his Rhodes and Baby Grand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1kk0X4jmAQ

[pianotuner steveo]

Painting a Wurli top always looks nice, but if you gig with it, it will get scratched up. That is the only drawback as far as I can tell.