Admiral 12X12 Transformer 80B21 Replacement
 

I have a 1949 Admiral 12X12 that I would like to try and restore, but it appears as though the main transformer has internally shorted. I have been trying to locate a suitable replacement, but I'm not entirely sure what my options are here, and I fear that due to its age it may be nearly impossible to find one. The transformer has a model number of 80B21, and upon doing some of my own research I found a Thordarson catalog from 1965 that listed their 26R20 as a replacement transformer, but I have been unable to find either transformer for sale online. If anyone knows where I can buy a replacement for this transformer or would be willing to sell me one I would greatly appreciate it.

How did you determine that it is shorted? The built-in rectifier socket can make it difficult to test

I have a scrap chassis that has a good one.
PM me for more details.

It smoked when I turned the set on

That often but doesn't always mean transformer shorting.

If it smoked from overload from bad lytics and you pulled the cord fast enough it might still be okay.

It's really important to power these sets with a variac or dimbulb tester to prevent smoking the power transformer when the lytics are badly shorted.

How about with the rectifier tube removed? Will it still smoke?

Just checked, it still smokes with the rectifier tube out.

Sorry to hear that. Kinda is the final chapter to its story...