1936 Philco Radio Wine Bar

This is a 1936 Model 660 Philco which was purchased on Craigslist in non working condition. ( I resold the works on CL so as not to trash them). It has great art deco lines but needed a full sanding and refinishing. The following are a general overview of the steps taken to transition it to wine bar!

I removed the carriage and speaker leaving only the empty cabinet. The radio had 3 wood posts in the front. Two of these need to be taken off, cut, and portions put back to complete the look.

I cut the tops and bottoms from two of the posts and replaced them. I inverted the bottom portions which worked out fine. The tops portions had to be filed and sanded to be shaped before reinstalling.

The top had to be cut to allow access into what was the carriage area of the radio. This was done with a jigsaw after first removing the back cross brace member. It was then triple hinged to this same cross brace. On older models, the tops were thicker 3/4" veneered wood. (on newer models the tops are 1/4" veneered plywood which doesnt alway allow for cutting and hinging).

The wine holders were pine, drilled with a 3 1/4" hole cutter and then ripped down the middle on a table saw. This provides 2 holders for each piece cut. The front wine brackets were made the same way using a 1 1/2" hole cutter. The shelf was 1/2" plywood which was eventually double covered with cork.

I sanded the entire radio and refinished with dark and light brown Bri Wax. I purchased online the "philco" replacement sticker which was put on the final after waxing. I installed under-cabinet LED lights purchased at Home Depot. I installed a 1/4" plywood back, stained dark walnut.

• I dont have pictures in process order but the final result is a fine looking and functiional conversation piece.

The top had to be chiseled out to allow for installation of a brass recessed opener purchased from Rockler Woodworking. This was done very carefully as there was very little room for error.