I decided while I dilly-dally about what I eventually want to do with my January Jumpstart, I might as well get started with the down and dirty business of stripping the unit of all its extraneous and non-functioning interior. So with tools, vacuum and a foolish optimistic enthusiasm, I officially began my project.
Upon opening and inspecting the unit, I discovered 5-6 arachnids of various shapes and sizes, not including the 10 or so deceased brethren of the eight-legged squatters inside my cabinet. Fortunately for me, I'm not too squeamish about spiders, and I carefully removed them, as they seemed the more frightened party involved (I should at least have sent them an eviction notice). What I was afraid of was the myriad of sharp and rusted protrusions inside the unit. I had to be very careful not to accidentally tear open my hand as I worked to remove the electronic components inside...
There was a lot of the above that went on this afternoon. I couldn't believe how many screws (a few of them stripped and difficult to remove), wires and staples there were to remove. About half the time I was on my back, angled in a weird position, trying to remove some remotely positioned screw, all the while trying to prevent my eyeglasses from falling off my face. I suspect I looked very much like 
Everything inside was caked with years of dust, and I must have inhaled a fair amount of yesteryear's flakey memories while removing the electronic components. I eventually removed enough parts to vacuum the rest.
Vacuum tubes! I'm keeping this around for awhile just to inspect.
Right before they were tossed.
I was surprised to find the untouched warranty card still attached inside the back of the unit.
A few hours later, after plenty of removed screws, vacuuming and a fair share of profanity laced grumbles, I had finished stripping the guts out. 
Looks pretty good! Ready for a new beginning and whatever tomorrow brings. Hopefully no more rain...these ominous clouds are worrying me since the cabinet is outside for now.
You're doing a great job! I can't wait to see this finished as I think it'll be a stunning transformation.
If I could turn back time, I'd have bought at least two of these in the 80s when I was seriously thrifting and they seemed to be fairly prolific. Now, you never really see them very often. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd have been dealing with the detritus. (Ew. Dead spiders.)
You'll also have to show us what you put inside of it and where you put it in your place. I think it's going to be fabulous.
view lucitebox's profile
I appreciate your determination! It's gonna be great!!
view denada's profile
I think it would be cool to mount a small flat panel tv on the underside of the lifting cabinet so that you can lower and hide it from view when not watching it...
view Michael W.'s profile
I'm in the process of converting a stereo cabinet too. Mine was in excellent shape outside so I felt almost sick with the amount of ripping and pulling I had to do to get the non-working stereo componenets out. Now I have my stereo and cds inside and I've wired the speakers but that's about as far as I've gotten. Can't wait to see what you do next!
view open_skies's profile
I see these at Goodwill all the time. I never really paid them much thought before. Now I will be paying more attention!
view sarah nin's profile
My parents had a modern like Telefunken unit, much like this one for a good many years before giving it to a family friend in the early 70's when my Dad bought a brand new component system in Japan right before retiring from the Air Force.
Would love to find a unit just like it in good shape and use it to store more modern components inside.
view ciddyguy's profile