So im looking at yet another old project, mainly as its cheap and in good condition. But ive hear that these old sets were real workhorses, so theyre reliable and easier to work on than most. Hast been tested no cord. This is a good drive away from me so.. Were these a decent set, overcomplicated?

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5876/ao1sparton.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/171/ao1sparton.jpg/)

The very early 50s were still a developmental period for tvs. I also seem to run into more weird issues with most sets from this period, mostly due to bad resistors. I read somewhere that for some reason or another (Possibly the Korean War?) electronics from the very early 50s used lower quality resistors.

The sets that are real dependable workhorses tend to appear from '57 on up.

I found a Sparton on the side of the road last year, with a fried 5U4. Replaced the tube and the shorted cap that melted it down, it actually worked perfectly! CRT was really weak, but it played like it was new as far as the chassis was concerned. Needless to say, I was very surprised. No one wanted it, so I chucked it in the trash.

It would be an above-average set; Sparton had a good reputation. I've worked on some of their radios but never a TV.

If it's on Craigslist, I'd hurry up and do it...As long as it's on this side of the mountains!

Actually I misspoke, what I found was a Sentinal. Always get those confused.

If it's on Craigslist, I'd hurry up and do it...As long as it's on this side of the mountains!

Well I just dumbly bought a cute old g.e table top this afternoon that was set up as a tench best for different crt's. Last used in the early 80s I was told. Its covered in wood chips(no case) but with tons of clips and crt end caps and a cycle gauge for some reason..ive no clue what i just bought, but i do believe that will be my project for a bit now.

If you want this sparton its in tumwater washington, but its been near impossible getting ahold of the guy lately it seems. 50 bucks.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/atq/2774485394.html

Thanks for the lead, but I've been busting my budget buying at the Duffy estate. Cute set, though. The only TV I'm looking for right now is a 1957 21" RCA in a cube-shaped black metal cabinet.

But I did buy the PACO ST-35 FM tuner on Everett Craigslist for 10 bux tonite - seller even threw in the SAMS for it!