One day, I was meandering around one of my favorite places, the Parma Antique Mall, when I spied this old vintage stereo in the way back. The price tag said $10. That's a bit more than I pay for anything, so I thought about it, but went home empty handed. A week later I went in to drop some things off in my booth, when I wandered to the back again.... and saw it was still there! So of course, it had to come home with me.
I plugged it in, but could only succeed in getting the display light to come on. The other knobs did nothing. I clipped all the wires and with the help of the kid I watch, we gutted the inside.
I painted it white, and then went in search of the perfect salvaged wood from my stash.
I found some old barn boards and had to splice one to fit. Me being terrible at math and measuring, always feel so extra special when it fits in just perfect after the first cut on the table saw. :)
After cutting all the lathe boards (thanks for bringing me a stash from Courtney's house renovations out in Iowa, Mom and Dad!!!) I used my nifty difty Ryobi nail gun to attach them to the back. Lathe for furniture backing? Oh heck to the rustic yeah!
And the great thing about lathe, besides it's amazing rustic beauty, is it's super lightweight!!!
Therefore, hardly any added weight to your furniture, which is always a plus for me since I'm hauling it in and out of a vehicle and what not.
I actually didn't gut this baby completely, because I couldn't get the actual stereo part out. So if anyone really wanted to hook it back up, they probably could. I love the display window though, and the knobs that my friend Maran pointed out look like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. (They totally, girl).
Check out the saw marks on that old reclaimed wood! There was just a bit of a gap between the front of the stereo and the barnwood, and wouldn't you know it, but a the width of a lathe board fit in the spot perfectly!! Love it when that happens, because it seems like it rarely does!
And by the way.... since when was it BC and FM??? I sure remember listening to some static on AM... but BC?
Any radio hams out there?
So I have to mention the books. These American Heritage books I have in my possession date from the 1950's to the 1970's. Like a hardback magazine, these were a subscription that came in the mail every month. Guess where I found them? Stacked out in boxes in the barn when we moved in. Just loads of them. Some were too bug-eaten and mildewy to save. Others are in almost perfect condition, with just a hint of musty smell. Call me crazy, but I love that old musty smell. I usually keep a small supply of them for sale in my booth at the Parma Antique Mall, and I have lots of them decorating my home. Stacks under a lamp, propped up in front of the fireplace, on the coffee table.... you can pretty much find some in each room somewhere.
Like this? Shabby chic? Rustic?
Pin it! :)
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You are such a clever lady. I love that bookcase. I remember listening to radio programs with my favorite uncle. We only had AM so I don't have a clue about the BC.
ReplyDeleteHi; I am Sandy's husband and a vintage radio collector. Just so you know. The B.C. Bc band is the A.M.Band. BC simply means Broadcast which they called AM then. This stereo is late 40's or maybe 51. FM was used earlier than this but the frequencies were different.
ReplyDeletegreat job! love your imagination!!
ReplyDeleteI just love everything about how you repurposed this vintage stereo, Kammy! Pinned
ReplyDeleteSuch a brilliant repurpose Kammy. AbSooooLutely love it!!
ReplyDelete