The Electric Piano Forum

General => The Wurlitzer Electric Piano => Topic started by: miguellacorte on November 09, 2021, 04:23:31 PM

Title: Wurlitzer 200 main metal base restoration?
Post by: miguellacorte on November 09, 2021, 04:23:31 PM
Hey guys! I'm in the process of restoring my Wurlitzer right now. I would like to clean the metal part that is under the cabling, the power transformer, amp and speaker assembly. I was wondering if you had any tips regarding this? Would it even be a good idea to chrome it?

I've attached a picture of the "main metal base" just so you know what I'm talking about.

Title: Re: Wurlitzer 200 main metal base restoration?
Post by: pianotuner steveo on November 10, 2021, 04:09:02 PM
I believe it's aluminum, I wouldnt waste the time,effort and money trying to chrome it...especially since nobody will ever see it except you..
Title: Re: Wurlitzer 200 main metal base restoration?
Post by: jam88 on November 18, 2021, 07:42:48 AM
Quote from: pianotuner steveo on November 10, 2021, 04:09:02 PM
I believe it's aluminum, I wouldnt waste the time,effort and money trying to chrome it...especially since nobody will ever see it except you..
It's actually zinc plated steel. There really isn't a way to restore the look of the existing zinc plate, because it would remove the thin 'clear chromate' conversion coating that protects the active zinc plate from corroding in atmosphere. 

In the 1970's, one could find a job-shop plater that could strip and rack-plate one piece for a reasonable cost, but that ship sailed a long time ago. Thank the EPA, OSHA, China and powder coating.

Of course you want the rail to look good. Now days, we own these pianos out of passion. We want them to be perfect, in and out, right? An alternative to replating the rail: Eastwood offers spray paints that replicate different plated finishes. This might be a solution. (Be sure to remove the new coating at grounding points, obviously.)  https://www.eastwood.com/ew-clear-zinc-aerosol-12-oz.html

Finish the rail with a new foil warning label printed on your printer  https://www.onlinelabels.com/materials/metallic-foil-labels?campaign=Metallic+Labels&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuYDFnPeh9AIVVHtvBB3OxwrNEAAYAiAAEgK_v_D_BwE

Decades ago, I bought a 200 from a notable player in New Orleans. The rail was victimized by the NOLA humidity (pictured). I didn't bother restoring it then, but if I owned it now, I'd refinish it.
Title: Re: Wurlitzer 200 main metal base restoration?
Post by: pianotuner steveo on November 24, 2021, 03:07:16 PM
But why bother?
It just seems silly to me...
Title: Re: Wurlitzer 200 main metal base restoration?
Post by: miguellacorte on January 25, 2022, 08:26:54 PM
AGHHH JAM88, you're the best!!

The labels idea is great, haha! Will try to find a way to remake also the original authentication serial-number metalic plate. Any ideas where I can find digital designs for both the foil labels and the metalic serial-number plate?  ;D

Btw! I re did my metal base with rust oleum metallic finish as well as aluminium primer, can't be more satisfied with results!

photo here: https://imgur.com/a/TjGk5mA