Zenith G2439RZ "Monroe" restoration

[kvflyer]

Hi Bob,

Nice set! I am glad that someone deserving that set like yourself is now the owner.

I have a 12" version of the same TV. I forget the model but I also have one of the two pull knobs bent on mine as well. Yes, they are made out of what dad called "Pot Metal" and will snap easily if one tries to bend it. I checked as well and the little knob situation is the same on my set, 5 with the Horizontal Freq having no knob. My cabinet is not perfect but won't need to be stripped. It will take some time until I get around to it because I have to clear out junk from this house and get ready for a move to Florida. I already have bought a house there so lots to do here.

[Red Raster]

Originally Posted by cwmoser

"there is no cure for porthole fever, so make room for the next one. Some would walk a mile for camel, i will drive hundreds for a porthole. " True. I am on the prowl for another porthole Zenith TV too. Please don't fish in my back yard :-)

We would love to see pictures of your Graemere model.

Carl

I may have got my limit and for now am in a hot pursuit for a nice 721ts, Here are some pictures.

[bandersen]

Nice portholes! I've bee looking for an RCA 721TS/CS for a while now too.

[John Marinello]

Bob,
You may have to consider converting that set to a glass CRT, 16DP4. That won't be easy, because there are a few tubes in the way. I used to know a guy with 3 of them. Or maybe a 16GP4, but that's a 70-degree tube. Maybe Moyers has a yoke for a '51 Zenith?

A good 16EP4 can be a real stinker to find.

[cwmoser]

Bandersen, how is the restoration on your Monroe Porthole coming along?
You got a nice looking TV. Cabinets of that vintage are exceptional.

Carl

[Komet]

Nice set Bob
Unfortunately in Italy the Portholes are extremely rare, much of there are imported from the U.S.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by John Marinello

Bob,
You may have to consider converting that set to a glass CRT, 16DP4. That won't be easy, because there are a few tubes in the way. I used to know a guy with 3 of them. Or maybe a 16GP4, but that's a 70-degree tube. Maybe Moyers has a yoke for a '51 Zenith?

A good 16EP4 can be a real stinker to find.

I'm definitely open to subbing in a different CRT if I can score one. I don't have any other 16" circular CRTs at the moment.

Originally Posted by cwmoser

Bandersen, how is the restoration on your Monroe Porthole coming along?
You got a nice looking TV. Cabinets of that vintage are exceptional.

Carl

Sorry, I haven't touched it yet. Actually, it's still out on the back porch. I have to finish off some other projects first and clear some room for it. Don't worry, I'll be sure to post plenty of details once I start on it.

Originally Posted by Komet

Nice set Bob
Unfortunately in Italy the Portholes are extremely rare, much of there are imported from the U.S.

Thanks. I live just a few miles from where this set was made and it still took me a few years to find one.

[tvdude1]

When buying a porthole zenith, better off with a 16gp4 chassis. This crt is much easier to find than the 16ep4 which is rare to find. Will keep my eyes open for you for this tube.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by tvdude1

When buying a porthole zenith, better off with a 16gp4 chassis. This crt is much easier to find than the 16ep4 which is rare to find. Will keep my eyes open for you for this tube.

Thanks I really appreciate the effort. I'd be happy to get a good 16GP4 (or any other compatible CRT) as well. I would just need to modify the yoke as mentioned earlier.

[bandersen]

I have a chance to get this RCA with a 16" metal CRT that I figure could be made to work in my porthole. I really hate to part out a nice set though.

Anyone interested in the RCA minus the CRT ?

[bandersen]

I just received a 16GP4 from captainmoody with strong emission and life test

I hope it won't be too difficult to make it work in this set.

[bandersen]

Here's a little update. I finally cleared a spot for this set and brought it inside
It's pretty darn heavy so I pulled both chassis first. Just as well since I've been curious about their condition. It also gave be a chance to tip it on it's side and put some felt pads on the feet.

It looks to be mostly original other than the flyback.
The sand coated power resistors are in miserable condition. Two have lost all their coating.

I found what looks like a broken dial cord. maybe that's for fine tuning ?


The electrolytic can ruptured and leaked all over.


Here it is next to my Motorola 12K2.



Finally, I picked up a porthole chassis with good 16EP4 at an estate sale recently I'll use that 16GP4 in an Admiral set.


Potential new 16EP4 CRT and parts chassis

[bandersen]

Here's the flyback in the spare chassis. It looks pretty bad too. I'm not sure if either is original or useable.

[Kevin Kuehn]

Thanks for sharing all these pictures, I love looking at this stuff, especially when I should be working .

[miniman82]

Bob, I have a 16WP4A free of charge if you want it. Tests new.