I'm hoping to make the missing slats and side molding for the cabinet tomorrow morning. These 49 zeniths are the hardest to find. The switch to light up the clear prisms are so cool to me.

Worked on the case a little more this weekend, since the weather was nice. I finished making the slats and the top side molding, with vent cutouts.

This is the top side molding.

Wow!! That looks great :thmbsp:

So I still only have 4000v at the second anode and can't find any obvious signs of why. Voltages at the horizontal output, damper and picture tube all test pretty close to the values listed in the schemstic.

Could be insufficient drive signal to the horizontal output tube. Do you have a scope ? Also I believe there is a 470K resistor on the second anode that may have gone way up in value. Could also be as simple as a weak 1B3 rectifier tube.

I already replaced that 470k resistor that was inside the 1b3 tube socket. I also tested my 1b3 tube and it tests good on my tester. I have the horizontal drive control at it's max setting and get as high as 5000v, instead of 10k.

I disconnected the doorknob cap, to see if it was shorted and pulling down the hv; but there was no change. I think I'm left with changing the flyback with a nos one a friend gave me.

Finally made the molding that was missing around the side louveres. Still working on the flyback issue.

Decided to take off the remaining flaking aquadag and spray on a new coat.

Picture tube is now recoated!

I found the little sliding focus range switch, which allowed me to make the picture sharper and much easier to view, but still only at 3000-4000 volts to the second anode. Still trying to figure out what's pulling that down....

Nice to see your progress.

Flyback help!!
 

I'm wondering if I should try my zenith flyback replacement. This one cleaned up pretty good, but still wonder if it's weak? Do flybacks become weak or is it a situation where they either work at or not?

Could be going south, but I'd make sure all the horizontal adjustments, B+ voltages, and H output tube voltages/currents/waveforms are right first.

Well if you have a replacement then swapping it in to see if that fixes it isn't all that hard, but first, have you swapped the 1B3 Rectifier yet?

Yes, uve tried three different 1b3 tubes s and no change.

Did you check or replace the doorknob cap? That can load voltage down if leaking

I did a continuity check to see if shorted, but nothing. I don't have another to sub in to see if it's lesky. I believe it's the common 500mmf Orange cap.b I tried the set with it disconnected and no difference. Do you think that's it? Where can I find another?

Not sure I had high voltage taken away from doorknobs but I think if disconnected it would work if it was shorter. Try the fly replacement

Ok thanks. I may pull out my b-k tv analyst and give that a whirl too. I'll also try replacing the flyback!

So I finally got around to working on the cabinet some more. I grain filled the veneer and replaced some missing trim pieces. I applied some red mahogany stain and some mohawk brown mahogany toner. I ran out of toner and would like to apply an even coat over the entire case to give it a rich look. This is it so far...

It looks good!

Ok, so the cabinet is now finished. I'll wax it and polish it in a week or so. Now back to the chassis....

Front view.

Nice job! I prefer a finish a little darker and richer over lighter.

The originally finish was darker, just like how I did it. I try to get every set as close as I can to the original colors.

Looking at the picture of the flyback, it looks to me as if there is a burned spot on the hv donut. My guess is a short.

Looks Great!!:thmbsp:

I need an update! I picked up the 10" version over the weekend. The cabinet and chassis have seen some moisture.. But everything seems to be testing OK. Your thread has given me some good inspiration!

Well, my high voltage is still low and my vertical collapsed. I think an electrolytic cap shorted. For now I put it back together to take a break from it. I moved on to restore a Crosley 810 and I'm currently stumped on my RCA 9pc41 projection tv. I'll get back to it again, I haven't given up on it. Sometimes you've gotta walk away from a difficult set and move onto another to keep interested in the hobby.

I found one of the missing maroon knobs I need on eBay today..might have to get back to this soon or another 16" porthole console I got recently!

Which maroon knobs do you need?

Radiotronman,
I sent you a private message.

Kamakiri, I need the volume and contrast knobs for this set.

Paul,

Here are the pics of the blonde volume I have..

Backside of knob..

Now I'm looking for this contrast knob in maroon color. Does anyone have it?

This is the back of the knob I need. The knob measures just shy of 2-1/8" in diameter. I want to get back to finishing this set soon!

If you don't find one I bet you could paint it to match. Only the outer edges show so i don't think it wouldn't be too noticeable