Mangy mutt followed me home

[Phil Nelson]

Did you ever buy a TV just to spite someone? This was on craigslist as, "First TV on the block, $10." The owner had already promised it to a lady who planned to paint it and glue a picture of Lucy on the screen. I said I'd double her money and also pay the other lady $20 to find a less desirable TV to ruin. The owner said "Deal!" and kept the whole $40 for herself.

This is just about the dirtiest TV I've ever found. The seller said they watched it for years, and I believe her. I also believe it was retired to a shed or garage where a little birdie got inside and pooped down the front of the CRT.

That crusty critter in the last photo must be an old-timey CRT brightener. Not the best sign, but my expectations were already low.

The TV had an overpowering smell. Not old tobacco tar, but cheap perfume or maybe a deodorizer like Febrize. (Their house was full of dogs, and the carpets looked like . . . well, use your imagination.) I drove home with the windows open, even on the ferry ride. Couldn't bear to bring it into the garage until I had sucked up the worst dirt with a shop vac and swabbed everything inside and out with mineral spirits.

I guess it is a 30A1 (?).

Yeah, it's mangy, but at least I foiled the crafters! I've never had an Admiral, so it's a chance to do something a little different. One of the days I'll scrape off the rest of the crud and get to work. I really like the petite console size.

Phil Nelson