I've picked up a couple of RCA tombstones, a 8T and a T8-18, both 1936 models. I like these grand looking RCA tombstones and I'm looking forward to restoring them.

The T8-18 did not have original grillcloth and the 8T appears to have the original grillcloth which is a blond/tan "swirl" pattern. I've seen photos of various RCA tombstones in this 1935 - 1936 period and I've seen some with this swirl pattern and others with a "wheat" pattern. Did RCA use certain paterns in particular tombstone models, or did they "mix and match" between models? Is the wheat pattern strictly used in 1935 models or used in other years?? I just want to be sure I use the correct grill cloth in the T8-18.
I've checked with Antique Grillcloth website and they do not carry either pattern as it's difficult to reproduce. I'm thinking I may have to find an old ragged RCA console to part out and cut up the original grill cloth. Did RCA use the same grillcloth in the consoles as they did in the tombstone? Anyone have/know the console model # with the wheat or swirl pattern?
Just trying to stay original....
Thanks in advance,
Britt
Chesapeake, VA

Wbaradio! I have a RCA C9-4 console, bought from the original owners son. His father bought it new in 1935. It has the WHEAT pattern grill cloth. DAN!!

My T8-18 has what I believe is the original grille cloth and looks just like this one from the radio attic archieves

Oh dear (sigh).... I was afraid you were going to say that the "wheat" is the original cloth. I have an RCA 5T...cloth was in perfect condition, but a breeze through the window blew the blinds in a position out past my radio and back to rest on it (while I wasn't home to notice) and rubbed a hole clean through the cloth... I've been searching "high and low" for replacement...

If anyone finds it anywhere, PLEASE drop me a line. Thanks.

The 1936 5T and 8T had the same pattern which is a "swirl" pattern. The earlier 1935 T8-18 had the wheat pattern. You can't find a repro pattern anywhere. What I did was find a junker console 6T with the swirl pattern. I hope to "soak" the grill cloth off the back board to use on my 8T. The wheat patter is on some "C" pattern consoles....that's probably you only hope to get it original.
Britt

I have an original RCA 8T tombstone ... it has a nice wheat pattern grille cloth. Maybe two patterns were used as stocks ran out ...

I have seen both styles of cloth used in the 8T. I really like this set as it has great looks, very majestic, and it has excellent reception on all bands. I picked up another 8T that has the wheat pattern that needs a lot of work. I was able to pick up a ratty 6K3 console that had the same swirl pattern grill cloth as in my first 8T. The console was falling apart, but the grill cloth was good, so used it in my 8T.

I have an RCA T10 and the original cloth was the wheat pattern. I've searched high and low and there is no wheat pattern reproduction being made. I'm kinda bummed. It really tough to find any kind of quality cloth with any kind of reto design. Most are just the sterile, plain patterns. Maybe if some of these companies started getting requests for the old style cloth, they might recognize that there is a market among the restoration crowd.

If the manufacturers have 500,000 requests for maybe several miles of the cloth they'd replicate it.

Just FYI, the 7T also uses the wheat pattern. Keep an eye out at yardage stores that have an old stock section, never know when you will find something useable.
I always look in the Goodwill for clothing that might have a vintage radio pattern. You might just find a garment that has a wheat pattern on it. A sweater, maybe a cloth placemat thing, , linens, or whatever.

I've been busy looking for fabric. I've been searching curtain and furniture fabric sites. I think I found a few good ones that are reasonable in price. The second one looks awesome.

http://www.buyfabrics.com/p-23451-p7221 ... abric.aspx

http://www.buyfabrics.com/p-24257-crink ... abric.aspx

http://www.buyfabrics.com/p-6064-biltmo ... abric.aspx

Two more.....

http://www.buyfabrics.com/p-2979-twisp-flax.aspx

http://www.buyfabrics.com/p-13230-queen ... abric.aspx

I have the original grille cloth from a 6T-1 that uses the wheat pattern that I thought would fit your T8-18. Unfortunately its too small.