Thorens TD-145 MKII plinth resto question

[Westlind]

Hi Gang! I just became the proud owner of a Thorens TD-145 MKII - a fine turntable, but a previous owner thought it would be a good idea to engrave his DL# into the plinth (and on the side, not the back Ugh!) This is the one with the brushed aluminum plinth (at least, I think that is what is is).

Here's my question - the engraving doesn't look too deep, and there are some other dings as well. My inclination is to remove the plinth and sand out the engraving and the dings, and polish it up. It looks like relatively thick aluminum that could withstand a careful resto, but I wanted to check with the greater community before tearing into it. Is this solid aluminum, or is it aluminum-coated plastic? And, how much of an ordeal will it be to remove it from the plinth? I'm inclined to do so anyway to give it a good thorough cleaning, but would love to find out if there are any pitfalls to this approach.

Thanks all in advance!

Dennis

 

[Westlind]

Thanks! In that case, I'll plan on stripping it and veneering the plinth.

 

[Westlind]

Actually, it is aluminum. It's aluminum sheets wrapped around MDF. I've managed to sand the DL number out and take out the major scratches, and will follow up with some polishing. Plenty of metal there to work with. Removing the chassis from the plinth was really easy. Update to follow.

 

[bberkom]

If there's anything to fill once you're done sanding, I'd use bondo instead of wood filler, especially on metal that's to be painted.