I have always thought these little radios were cool. I was able to purchase two of these online but they were not in the best of shape. These streamlined powerhouse radios are also known as refrigerator radios because of the similar physical appearance as refrigerators of that era.
Here are some images of the way they looked when I acquired them.
As you can see this unit is well used.
This little guy had a bad crack that needed to be glued, filled, sanded and painted.
I decided to change the color from the boring cream color to a retro aqua color.
After a lot of sanding and effort here is how this one turned out!
I am very pleased with how this turned out. With the new color and speaker fabric it really pops now. The flash of the camera makes it look light blue but it is actually aqua colored. This unit still works and sounds fantastic!
Here you can see the great little Bakelite handle to carry it around. These units have such great sound. They actually sound like a larger unit.
Here is the next unit I picked up from Craigslist in Sacramento. This unit is non-functioning but I will fix that later.
This unit had a lot of wear. The speaker fabric was dirty and loose. Also, you can see it is missing a knob and the handle for the back. (if any of our readers has a spare handle please let me know).
After some light sanding time for paint.
I chose a classic maroon color that would compliment the gold color. I also had to order a new dial wheel from “Radio Daze”. I think this unit looks great!
Though the knobs are not original they look great! (these knobs are from a Zenith Transoceanic).
Like I mentioned above, if anyone has a spare handle let me know!
These are great little units to put on an end table and just enjoy the experience of listening to music. I plan to drop the maroon one off at the radio repair guy to get up and running.
Hepcats Haven 
Amazing job! These look beautiful? Just curious – how did you get the brass sections looking so shiny and new again? Do you use spray paint?
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Hi Erika, yes I did…that’s my go to when I can’t salvage the metal.
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Hi there, I noticed that you changed the knobs out on the maroon one that you restored. Would you sell the knob from that radio? I have been searching for a knob for mine without any luck.
Thanks!
Kevin
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Hi Kevin,
Yeah, I had to because I only had 1 knob. I don’t know if I kept it. If I find it I’ll let you know.
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That would be great! By the way your restorations are amazing! 🙂
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Thanks Kevin :)!
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Nesesito una perilla de color que desde un whestinghouse refrigerador
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Me piden vender una perilla para mí radio whestinghouse refrigerador, gracias saludos
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