The Explorer Rides Again

[rp2813]

I recently discovered an interesting clock, the Telechron model 8F03 Explorer which was produced during the mid to late 1930's.  With just a glance, this clock will tell you the current time anywhere in the world.   I found one on eBay and bought-it-then.  It required a new cord and I had to change out the rotor to get it running.  The original walnut finish had deteriorated to a sickly shade of green, and the walnut veneer had peeled away from the front of the surround.

 

I had never refinished anything made of wood, and decided it was time I gave it a try.  Here's what the clock looked like when I got it (a close look shows it was set for a location in the Eastern time zone):

 

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The Back

More of the ugly green finish.

 

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Detail

Another trouble spot

 

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Step One

After removing the clock from the surround and gluing the front veneer back on, it was time to strip the wood.  What I thought would be a time-consuming process was fairly quick and easy.  I brushed the stripper on, waited about ten minutes, then scraped it off with a putty knife.  Per the instructions, I rinsed off the residue under cold running water and used a slightly abrasive wet sanding sponge to produce a smooth surface.

 

The result:

 

[rp2813]

The Front

After stripping:

 

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Step Two

Applying tung oil.  Slather it on generously and let it sit for about ten minutes, then buff.  I did this twice, waiting the specified 24 hours in between applications.

 

The back (it looks more dull than it really is):

 

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The front:

 

 

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Reassembled

I polished the bezel and cleaned the glass, and used Rustoleum "Oil Rubbed Bronze" paint on the back cover. 

 

The flash captures every flaw, none of which are all that noticeable under normal circumstances, and the flash also makes the bronze paint look black. 

 

The back:

 

[rp2813]

Money Shot?

Here's the front.  The missing paint at the top of the face plate isn't as glaring as the flash makes it look.

 

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More

Another shot of the front.  Note that the clock has now been configured for the Pacific time zone.  There's an interesting little trick to keep the outer global time ring from rotating while the hands are adjusted.

 

Owners of these clocks often placed them atop short wave radio sets as a means to know when to tune in to international  broadcasts.  In these days of chatting on line with people all over the globe, this clock once again comes in handy.  It measures 6.5" x  6.5".

 

The flash photo below captures a mended area of the veneer at bottom center.  It's barely noticeable (and I won't bore you with the details) under average lighting conditions.

 

I currently have this clock on my desk, but will likely move it to a shelf in the den and get rid of the blah battery powered wall clock that's in there now.

 

I'm pleased with how the Explorer turned out, considering it was my first attempt.  I've been advised that applying tung oil on a yearly basis going forward will deepen the finish and the luster.

 

 

[this post was last edited: 2/11/2012-03:11]

 

[mixfinder]

Time For a Change

Your work is impeccable Ralph and the clock turned out very well. You are more disciplined than I am having the patience to read direction and do as it says. The clock is so interesting and now you'll know when its martini time anywhere in the world. I am enjoying the clock you restored for me and it carefully holds the piano down so it doesn't roll out of place. Just like the 4B you restored the finished product gleams.

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Kelly.  This was a fun little project over the past few days, and a learning experience.  I think the clock is a great conversation piece.

 

[polkanut]

Ralph,

I think you've found your second career.  The restoration looks fantastic!

 

[westie2]

Beautiful job on the finish.  It is like day and night difference from the first picture to the finished restore.  Good work!!

 

[whirlcool]

Your clock looks as good as new! Congratulations on the great job.

 

[petek]

What a jewel. First time I've seen one like it. .

 

[pulltostart]

Ralph - you done good!

 

Lawrence

 

[maytagbear]

Beautiful restoration, Ralph,

I would imagine that such a clock would have been very useful when it was introduced, in the late 1930s.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[danmantn]

Wow, wish I had that talent. I love old clocks, but sadly just let them be as I don't want to risk destroying them by taking the apart. I'm good at that part - putting stuff back together, not so good.