Philosophical Question regarding restoration

An earlier response to one of my question, that I could add a preamp, crossover and horn to enhance the sound on my 2150, has got me thinking. What are people's thoughts on original vs updated vs restored. As an example, if you buy an antique, the patina is everything. Keep it original or the value will plummet. Buy an old car and repaint it but keep it the original color and you are fine. In the case of the jukebox, I've already replaced the cartridge, but I figure it can be put 'back to stock' pretty easily. However, here is the situation I have.

The 2150 is not exactly the belle of the ball when it comes to looks. It's ok, but not great in my eyes but darn right ugly in my wife's. A big part of that is the sides. The sides are a formica like laminate which is supposed to look like maple with a mahogany border. Over the years it has gotten beaten up, so while it was probably never a real 'looker,' now it has minimal appeal. Given that my main avocation is woodworking, I started thinking about replacing that formica veneer with a wood veneer of curly maple and a ribbon mahogany. When done the sides would actually look like as intended but would have a ton more life and pop. However, this is a change that really is not reversible since I don't want to go through all the time and effort of a complete tear down to make patterns for new sides. I've had enough challenges just getting this thing operational and don't want to risk messing it up. So, is this akin to stripping an 18th century antique and putting poly on it or perhaps removing the original serial number matched engine in a 55 T-bird with a new engine? Or is the jukebox world more interested in overall look and sound than in everything having to be completely original, regardless of the shape it is in.
Thanks
Brooks

HI Brooks,
IMHO, before "enhancing" a jukebox sound system, on must consider the whole system from needle to speakers, and, very importantly, cabinet design. Most models were designed to achieve "maximum bang, for the buck", without having the cabinet "rattle". Adding remote speakers, is, my answer here--- As for re-doing the cabinet,might as well "go for it"--once again IMHO--
Ron Rich

Riley,
While I could care less about "cosmetics", I sure feel differently about "originality" in the operation of them--I fix them for a living, and it is much easier to repair a non-modified unit, then a modified unit ! In most cases, a person "modifying" a unit leaves no documentation--this leaves the next person "in the dark", having to re-engineer it to figure out what's wrong.
Sometimes this can double the time required, and since I charge by the hour--the price doubles also ---
I charge the following way:
One price per hour--if you leave it here, for repair.
Add 1/4 , per every "phone call" axking "is it ready" ? If a "yet" is added to that phrase, add some-more !
Watching me work also adds money--more if "questions" are involved.
"Helping", unless asked, to do so, adds even more.
Ron Rich

Personal feelings, I got over the 'restore as original" phase 31 years ago when I started setting up retro locations with 1950s machines.

What was considered acceptable sound in an era when the average American household has an AM table radio and one-tube record wrecker as their means of sound reproduction, was totally obsolete by the early 1980's.

Crude tonearms and primitive cartridges that tore up records could be sort-of covered up with the limited response of the typical jukebox speakers of those days, but if I, or the customers are going to really enjoy the sound of these machines as anything more than a curiosity, they have to be upgraded.

Once the arm-pickup problems are dealt with, the rest is not that far off. The tube amps need only slight modifications, a proper crossover and real tweeter to get closer to true hi-fi.

As for cabinet refinishing; do whatever you like...but please, avoid those awful Elvis, Fonzie and Betty-Boop graphics! .

Rob

My opinion has always keep the jukebox as original as possible, renewing the 110/115 volt wiring to make it safe.

What I dislike is someone modifying a jukebox (usually late 70's) so the records can be seen playing, when the jukebox was not designed for that.

I am currently working on a 1966 Rowe Ami model JAO Bandstand that someone prior to the current owner who had cut out a large hole (not even neatly) in the upper title rack and stuck bits of cut down title racks around it.

Regards
Alan

OK. I may decide to go ahead with this since I have another veneering project and will need to buy some things for that.

As for crossover. Any suggestions on tweeters and crossovers considering the stock amp and speakers and upgraded ceramic cartridge I am dealing with? Preferred crossover frequency, manufacturer, tweeter, where to buy, things to avoid, etc?

Thanks
Brooks