Zenith Roundie
 

I just found this set at an estate sale today. The cabinet and over all condition are excellent. It works but the colors are all but gone. Any suggestions on what would cause the colors to go away. Also I know you guys could help me out on the info on this set(year made) and if it is rare or not.

Nice set. The sams is 757-4, that puts it in '65 (or maybe '64). I've always liked the way those diagonally spaced tuners looked. Zenith roundies are somewhat rare around here, I've never found one myself. As far as the color, I'm stumped, I'm dealing with a similar problem on a Philco right now.

If you need some help, I can assist you on that Zenith. I live in the 12mi/Ryan area and am not far from you.

Nice set. I'm in the process of restoring one very similar to that right now. As far as the color goes. I would first check the color tubes i.e. chroma amp, burst amp, demodulators, etc. Zeniths are quite robust. If it works otherwise, you may just need a few tubes. Keep us informed with lots of pics. I'd love to see the inside of that set.

very nice. 25MC33 chassis is a 1965 production run. Looks very clean and well cared for. Check the 6JU8, better yet, just replace it. Check the color killer adjustment. Should be an easy fix.

Hey BigOlds... Did you see this post?

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=100995

I have the exact same set, 'cept I had to drive to Toledo!

As to that color issue, it could be something simple as suggested, but I had another color Zenith that I has a helluva time getting color on... In any event, rest assured it is a color set... use my pics to remind you, lol.

Looks like yours has the original picture tube, because the greenish screen matches the tube surround. Mine has a rebuilt tube that's more blue/grey.

More Pictures Of the Zenith
 

Well I got to playing around with the color settings and got the color back. I will not run the TV until I get it looked at. It still has a loud buzzing sound in the speaker. It is not deafening but more anoyingthan anything. I also noticed the power cord gets really, really HOT. Plus there are some green lines in the picture. All in all not bad for a 40+ year old tv. So until I get it looked over here are a few more pictures of the set working. Also thanks all of you for the info and input. Carmine looks like you a Great set too! At least you did not have to go to far to get it.

Very nice.

Hot cheater cord? Is the cheater cord in good shape? Broken wires near the ends means you are pulling 375 watts through a few strands which means big heat generation. Keep in mind that the wires may be broken within the insulation, primarily at bending points like the ends of the wire. If the cheater cord is fine, the fuses in the chassis should be protecting the set. Check to make sure fuses are correct type.
just out of curiosity, what was the end result that brough the color back?

Zenith Roundie
 

That is ONE NICE SET. My parents have one in a combo that they bought new, but it is a very HIGH HOURS set. I worked on it in the 70's while in high school. The one suggestion I would have given the set of symptoms (buzz, no color, and lack of vert height) is to replace the voltage doubler capacitor (160 mfd, 250 volt, I think) It sits in a paper covered can to the right of the power transformer. Your pics are so good I can almost reach under the chassis and unsolder it. :yes: You may find physical leakage of that capacitor. It works very hard during the set's operation.

Another cause of buzz in that set is a less than perfect antenna. i see you using rabbit ears. Get a decent antenna or cable, and watch your troubles go away. May even bring back the color.

These sets are bullet proof. Very well designed.:thmbsp: