atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Antique Telephones Can I repair a broken case?

I just bought a great WE5302 at a garage sale. Unfortunately, one corner is broken and missing about a 1" chunk of plastic. Any suggestions on how to fabricate a new corner? I assume I will paint it after my repair.

For curious ones like Jeff, the 5302 looked like a 500 set. In the 50s, WE fabricated 5302s from old 302 stock by fitting them with a 500 look-alike case! Early 500s didn't work as well out in the country and retrofitted 5302s were also $3 cheaper than new 500s. WE also estimated they would save over $200,000 per year getting subscribers to opt for a 5302 instead of a 500. Fascinating trivia!

Maybe JB-Weld??

Bondo?

Thanks for the ideas. Its sort of what I was thinking. I know there is fiberglass cloth too. But does anyone have any hands-on experience? I once filled in a small chip on an old vintage handset but this problem is larger. I just want to make it not be the first thing that you look at. Its like a sore thumb that sticks out.

Perhaps a fiberglass bathtub repair kit would work.

Some restorers I know take another housing, and put pieces in a blender or use a rasp, to obtain "sawdust" of a similar material. Then mix with two-part epoxy, and pour it into the space that's missing.

Before doing this, you need to take cardboard and create a form on the inside and outside surfaces, that you pour the mixture into.

I believe that a fellow collector has a bunch of NOS 5302 cases. Contact me privately, and I will see If I can locate the guy.

Update:

I have found the person who has used ones, for $5 and NOS for $20. Let me know.

Arthur, that is one tempting offer! That also means that any 302 phone can be converted to become a 5302! I'll have to think hard about it. That's because here's what I did and I'll try to post a pic soon.

1. Using plumbers epoxy putty, I made a form of the outside of the good corner.
2. Securing the form to the broken corner, I filled the gap with JB Weld.
3. I reinforced the JB Weld with a thin fiberglass repair patch. That is because I have worked with fiberglass patches before and they are strong.
4. I removed the form and and smoothed the repair (extra fine sandpaper and steelwool).
5. I polished the entire housing with toothpaste (it works as a substitute for Novus #2). The SB Weld is black but I will probably finish the job and paint it.

Buying another cover is tempting but there is some satisfaction in bringing this phone back from the edge!

P.S. My wife says I should have sent it to Used Phones since they repair any phone free! :rofl:

I'd love to see how it came out

Dave, that sounds like a great method. If possible, a few pix would be a help to others in the same situation.