View Full Version : 80's Zenith at an upcoming sale


TUD1
04-07-2016, 09:28 AM
I found a Zenith at an upcoming sale via Estate Sales.net. Does anyone have any info on it? I'm thinking about borrowing my grandfather's truck again and getting it.

radiotvnut
04-07-2016, 10:30 PM
Looks like a lower end model from about '83-'84. It looks to have a pull-on/volume knob, with non-cable ready (red LED readout) electronic tuning. It probably uses a 9-181 signal module and a 9-186 HV/sweep module.

TUD1
04-08-2016, 08:50 AM
I probably won't bother with it. I want a Zenith that's 40 years old minimum.

zeno
04-08-2016, 09:20 AM
Looks like a lower end model from about '83-'84. It looks to have a pull-on/volume knob, with non-cable ready (red LED readout) electronic tuning. It probably uses a 9-181 signal module and a 9-186 HV/sweep module.

You got that 100%. Cheapest model probably sold at a
big non TV store.
I think TUD1 would enjoy a flat chassis SS set. Still lots out
there waiting to be found. 40 yrs old & often still working.

73 Zeno:smoke:

radiotvnut
04-08-2016, 01:15 PM
I think this is one of the sets that had a lousy picture from the factory and the fix was to disable the auto color feature on the chroma IC.

Years ago, I had a 13" Zenith with this exact same control arrangement. I also had a Zenith console that was a step up from this one. It still had a manual volume/power switch and non-cable ready tuner; but, at least that one had a direct access keypad.

The next model under this one would have been the single knob varactor tuned model. After the Chromacolor II chassis was discontinued, I'm not sure that Zenith made anything bigger than 19" that had a standard two-knob tuner.

zeno
04-08-2016, 03:18 PM
You are probably right on the tuners, I dont remember any.
K line still had pots & buttons, cant remember if real RAT's
came in L line but in some M's.
First 9-181 sets we got was the cheapest 19" with old tuners.
They looked cheap & that orange pix didnt help. We were
pissed & really gave the sales rep a bad time. When better models
came out I noticed they looked fine with the auto off. So I
looked for the difference & its just grounding one spot & killing
the auto in the IC ( hitachi made IIRC ). We modified all the
cheapos then & they looked great.
Told the service rep in Boston & he tried it. Admitted it worked
but "never tell Chicago about what you are doing". They were
VERY touchy about mods & rightfully so. Could have cost the franchise.

73 Zeno:smoke:

I think this is one of the sets that had a lousy picture from the factory and the fix was to disable the auto color feature on the chroma IC.

Years ago, I had a 13" Zenith with this exact same control arrangement. I also had a Zenith console that was a step up from this one. It still had a manual volume/power switch and non-cable ready tuner; but, at least that one had a direct access keypad.

The next model under this one would have been the single knob varactor tuned model. After the Chromacolor II chassis was discontinued, I'm not sure that Zenith made anything bigger than 19" that had a standard two-knob tuner.

NowhereMan 1966
04-09-2016, 01:02 PM
I found a Zenith at an upcoming sale via Estate Sales.net. Does anyone have any info on it? I'm thinking about borrowing my grandfather's truck again and getting it.

Looks like my 1982 Zenith with the 9-181 chassis but the tuner display is a little different, mine is the green LED display, cable ready so I'm not sure on this one.. Mine is showing her age a little but I still watch it and use it a lot. I'd snag it in my opinion.

TUD1
04-24-2016, 09:13 AM
I found two more Zenith's at an upcoming sale, and I'm going to try my absolute hardest to get them. One is what looks to be a 19" table model and one is a Chromacolor. I'm almost certain.

sampson159
04-24-2016, 09:41 AM
the console is a flat chassis set.grab it!!!!this is the very best set that was built.hands down,the best.

radiotvnut
04-24-2016, 09:46 AM
The console looks like a flat chassis solid state set, possibly a four tube hybrid. Either way, you should make every effort to get it. The 19" is a solid state set from the early '80's.

TUD1
04-24-2016, 09:59 AM
Okay! I will try my darndest to get it! Believe me I really want it now!

dieseljeep
04-24-2016, 10:58 AM
I found two more Zenith's at an upcoming sale, and I'm going to try my absolute hardest to get them. One is what looks to be a 19" table model and one is a Chromacolor. I'm almost certain.
Make sure they don't charge you for the dirt and filth all over it. :D

TUD1
04-24-2016, 06:05 PM
I called my grandfather - the only person I know that will let me borrow his truck for TV's, and he said that he would be happy to help me haul this TV. The only problem might be that the sale runs Thursday through Saturday 10-2. These are stupid hours because I don't get out of skool on Thursday and Friday until 3. So I'll have to figure out a way to make sure nobody else gets the TV before I can.

Based on my research, this TV has the 25EC58 chassis.

I suppose this remote would not command the 25EC58 chassis? I don't know what this remote goes to.

sampson159
04-24-2016, 07:57 PM
that remote will work that set if its a remote set.hurry up and get that zenith.i got money that its a plug and play!

TUD1
04-24-2016, 08:50 PM
Don't worry about the TV. Worrying is my job - I'll do everything in my power to get the TV and believe me, after hearing this, I really want it now. I'm already measuring my room to see if I can cram yet another console TV in here. I'll probably have to give my 1984 CTC-120 the boot though.

Electronic M
04-24-2016, 09:07 PM
Stacking consoles is an option...

TUD1
04-24-2016, 10:36 PM
I'm reluctant to stack even table models on top of consoles. I currently have a 1937 Zenith 5 tube radio and a 1960 Zenith 7 tube radio on top of the CTC-25, and that seems to be its limit. The CTC-120 seems to be a little more resilient to weight - I have a 1977 RCA VBT-200 and a 1985 RCA CTC-117 on top of it, and it doesn't look too stressed out. Do y'all think the Zenith Chromacolor has a 23EC15 or a 25EC58 chassis? I really hope it's the former.

zeno
04-25-2016, 09:09 AM
Console is probably a 25EC58 BUT mid year on
these sets were changed over to the upright 25EC45.
Could be a C or D line also. Near identical electronics.
Its NOT a remote set. Remotes have no expossed knobs. There
would be a long up & down window for the channel numbers,
14 position IIRC.

Table model is apx Y line custom series with 9-181 main board.
Solid set but bottom of line & wickid common.

73 Zeno:smoke:

TUD1
04-28-2016, 08:51 AM
Today's the big day - I'm going to pick this TV up at 12:30.

Yurkie
05-22-2016, 12:44 AM
So hows the TV?

TUD1
05-22-2016, 10:07 AM
I made a new thread for it entitled "Zenith 25DC56 Console acquired!"