My vintage Videosphere restoration project is making good progress! In this post, I’ll share my step-by-step plastic polishing technique and examine the fascinating retro TV tuner technology from this iconic spherical television from the 1970s.
Finding the Right Plastic Polishing Compound
After researching various options for restoring the plastic shell of my Videosphere, I purchased Polac (also known as Vonax), a polishing compound specifically designed for plastics. While somewhat pricey at $24.20, the large bar should last through many restoration projects.
Creating a DIY Videosphere Polishing Setup
For my vintage Videosphere restoration, I created a simple but effective polishing station using tools I already had. I attached a 3.5-inch cloth polishing disc to an electric drill and secured it in a bench vice.
Effective Plastic Polishing Method for Videosphere Restoration
After much experimentation, I developed this vintage Videosphere restoration process that produces excellent results:
- Sand deep scratches with wet & dry 320/400 grade sandpaper
- Progress to 600 grade wet & dry paper over the entire plastic surface
- Move to 1200 grade wet & dry paper for finer polishing
- Finish by dry buffing with Polac compound as recommended by Abrasiflex
Examining Vintage TV Tuner Technology
As part of my vintage Videosphere restoration, I’ve been investigating the original tuning mechanism. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to use the existing tuners in my restoration project. Below are images of the original VHF and UHF tuners from this 1970s television – fascinating examples of technology from over 30 years ago!
For more information about vintage television restoration techniques, check out Antique Radio’s plastic restoration guide or join the discussion at VideoKarma’s vintage TV restoration forum.
The JVC Videosphere was one of the most iconic television designs of the 1970s, inspired by the space age and featured in numerous science fiction films of the era.
Next up in my vintage Videosphere restoration journey: finding a modern replacement for the tuner system and reassembling the unit. Stay tuned!