There was a listing for the past few weeks on my local craigslist for a Stromberg Carlson set with no pictures. From the description it sounded like a console so I passed on it. Then Kevin got his TV-125 (http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=256807) and I figured I better check it out for spare parts if nothing else.

The seller replied with this photo and I recognized it as an early, uncommon set and made arrangements for a visit :yes:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8364730641_6d6a910dc5_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8364730641/)

When I arrived and could see it in person, I immediately noticed it had been refinsihed badly :rant: It was stripped and sanded aggressively - right through the veneer in some areas. Then clearcoated with poly. No stain, toner or grain filler. That I don't mind so much as it can be refinished but the veneer loss is a drag. You may have noticed it still has the original decals. That threw me at first, then I got it into better light and saw the refinisher had sanded around them. There's a wavy band of darker, original finish around the decals.

On top of that, the speaker cloth has been replaced with some modern plasticy stuff more at home in an amp. Also, the tuning escutcheon's original patina/paint (?) has been polished off, one knob is not right and the back is missing.

M3-SRT8 has a similar TS-10 in very good condition.shown here (http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1253094#p1253094). There's also a beautiful blonde at the ETF (http://www.earlytelevision.org/stromberg_table_tv-12.html).

OK so much for the cosmetics, what about the insides ? Well, the seller had been powering the set up and fooling around with it before I contacted him and had it on when I got there. The screen had a full raster with a dark spot in the middle and some static was coming out of the speaker. That ion burn really had be puzzled at the time. How could that happen unless it had been rebuilt with a straight gun ? Later I read up on the 12JP4 and had my answer.
I ended up purchasing it, brought it home and examined more closely in the garage. What a back breaker! Now for the good - aside from the tubes it's 100% percent original inside :)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8368994638_1e1cae7dfb_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8368994638/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8368994294_f8f90eb763_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8368994294/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8368994056_848fa425c8_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8368994056/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8367926135_ac3a0c27dc_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8367926135/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8368995034_aeffe449b3_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8368995034/)

Nice score Bob.....does it got channel 1???

Well, I guess I'm not the world's worst refinisher anymore!:D

Nice set. Good luck with it.

You'll have that looking like a million bucks in no time. Meanwhile I'll still be blasting mouse poo off my 125 :D

I think your dial bezel looks stock, at least according to this combo version on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stromberg-Carlson-TV-Radio-Phonograph-Wood-Cabinet-/271132609199?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D4808349173028681369%26pid%3 D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D271132609199% 26

:thmbsp:
Good to save such a ancient old TV :thmbsp::thmbsp:

Black death run upon screen? So sad it ruins like old TV is wept! :thumbsdn::tears:

I appreciate! :banana:

Nice score Bob.....does it got channel 1???

Yes, it sure does :yes:

You'll have that looking like a million bucks in no time. Meanwhile I'll still be blasting mouse poo off my 125

I think your dial bezel looks stock, at least according to this combo version on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stromberg-Carlson-TV-Radio-Phonograph-Wood-Cabinet-/271132609199?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D4808349173028681369%26pid%3 D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D271132609199% 26

Thanks, but I bet you'll beat me. I have a few project ahead of it like my 630TS. Hmm, good point about the bezel. Every other picture I found showed it darkened.

Well, I guess I'm not the world's worst refinisher anymore!:D

Nice set. Good luck with it.

Thanks!

:thmbsp:
Good to save such a ancient old TV :thmbsp::thmbsp:

Black death run upon screen? So sad it ruins like old TV is wept! :thumbsdn::tears:

I appreciate! :banana:

Thanks :banana: The "black death" will clean off easily :yes: It's just melted CRT gasket material.


I wouldn't normally power a set up without inspecting the chassis, but the previous owner had it running when I picked it up.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8371319561_3715d96938_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8371319561/)

I tried tuning in the FM band and a local video source, but no luck. I got a lot of crackling and noise when I wiggled the tuning knob which makes me wonder if the inductuner shaft might be broken :scratch2:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8372390104_5f3433f259_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8372390104/)

The 12JP4 is actually fairly bright, but has a nasty ion burn :tears:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8372389936_52c6dac067_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8372389936/)

All the 12JP4's i've run across had that burn, it's usually not so noticeable with a picture on the screen.

My Dumont RA-103 appears to have its original Dumont 12JP4 and also has the ion burn. The restored set is a good performer with a nice sharp picture. If you look for it you can see the ion burn but otherwise it is quite watchable. You may just need to clean your tuner, as mine had similar performance before I cleaned. Cleaning made a huge improvement.

Dave

There are some great pictures of this cabinet and back in an old etsy auction (http://www.etsy.com/listing/61716003/1947-tv-cabinet-by-stromberg-carlson). They confirm that the tuning escutcheon is correct as Kevin suggested :)

I wonder if reproduction grille cloth is available in this pattern :scratch2:

I also wonder if Amptech Systems (http://www.amptechsystems.com/reproductions.htm) could fabricate a reproduction back ?

http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5725037/il_fullxfull.192848103.jpg

http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5725037/il_fullxfull.192848350.jpg

We can. John has the same set with its original back.

Wow, and that was only the cabinet that sold. Where are these things when a guy needs them. I hate to think of what a one-off reproduction back could cost. But that's just me being very cheap.

In my opinion the ion burn is very forgivable on this rare set and I wouldn't replace it. It's just part of it's character. The set is truley a unique and worthy of a detailed resto. I have no doubt you can do it Bob!
Joe

Hi All;
By the Time that Bob get to restoring this Set, it will be like an "old Hat" to Him, He will have done so many of them, that He will have lost Count.. And so will we.. But, who Cares, He makes Such Great Video's, and We all want more.. Thank You Bob for the Great work You do.. And the inspiration, that You give to the rest of us who are only on a first set or two.. You are a guide to those of us who are blind, But, looking for a way in the Dark.. The Dark world of the unknown that Brings Back to life, the Sets that some would say are Lost forever and they turn out better than ever..
THANK YOU Marty

That this set has SOMEHOW managed to survive w/the Gawdawful refinishing job, nasty Black Goo on the screen, Ion Burn, etc, is quite remarkable in & of itself, when you think about it...

Some people see that Black Goo and just run off screaming and waving their hands in the air. ;)

Bob, This seems to be a good repo grille cloth for your set! Not exact, but pretty close!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-RADIO-GRILL-CLOTH-VINTAGE-INSPIRED-1930s-40s-SMALLER-SIZE-111-47-/390526997704?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5aed3914c8

Thanks, that does look pretty good. I better go for a larger side for when I screw up. Boy do I hate installing grille cloth!

Some people see that Black Goo and just run off screaming and waving their hands in the air. ;)

I can't wait to pull the chassis and get it cleaned off :)

Here's a closer look at the veneer loss. I've seen pretty good repairs just done with painted on faux wood grain. I guess I could give that a try.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8381136353_897446ff64_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8381136353/)

Thanks, that does look pretty good. I better go for a larger side for when I screw up. Boy do I hate installing grille cloth!



I can't wait to pull the chassis and get it cleaned off :)

Here's a closer look at the veneer loss. I've seen pretty good repairs just done with painted on faux wood grain. I guess I could give that a try.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8381136353_897446ff64_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8381136353/)

I agree. Sometimes grille installation goes like a breeze, other times everything goes wrong!
As far as the finish, I find that darkerening those bad spots is the first step to making them dissapear. Then a little stippling-in if necessary. You've done impressive cabinet work befor Bob. I see this one as an easy job for you!

They are pretty sets. I have a rare version with a matching Turntable/Tabletop setup. It has the very first 3-speed Webster-Chicago turntable in a drawer. It was an easy cosmetic and electronic resto:

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj7/300cSRT8_photos/Stromberg-Carlson%20TS-10%20Resto/Stromberg-CarlsonTS-10Resto015.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj7/300cSRT8_photos/Stromberg-Carlson%20TS-10%20Resto/Stromberg-CarlsonTS-10Resto004-3.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj7/300cSRT8_photos/Stromberg-Carlson%20TS-10%20Resto/Stromberg-CarlsonTS-10Resto003-3.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj7/300cSRT8_photos/Stromberg-Carlson%20TS-10%20Resto/Stromberg-CarlsonTS-10Resto003-2.jpg

Shemp & Moe approve!

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj7/300cSRT8_photos/Stromberg-Carlson%20TS-10%20Resto/Stromberg-CarlsonTS-10Resto009-1.jpg

[QUOTE=M3-SRT8;3059375]They are pretty sets. I have a rare version with a matching Turntable/Tabletop setup. It has the very first 3-speed Webster-Chicago turntable in a drawer. It was an easy cosmetic and electronic resto:
QUOTE]

Very nice! That set and the Philco 48-1000 are two of the best examples of that early post-war modern deco look with tabletop TV sets.

Was that ion burn caused by the "OFF DOT"?

SR

I found it hard to believe, but the 12JP4 doesn't use an ion trap so the burn is inevitable.

Awesome find! Congratulations!

Thanks. I went with decojoe67's suggestion and picked up this grille cloth. Actually, it's not really grille cloth as it's rather heavy but definitely better than what's in there now.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8421200084_709b6d1d23_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8421200084/)

Thanks. I went with decojoe67's suggestion and picked up this grille cloth. Actually, it's not really grille cloth as it's rather heavy but definitely better than what's in there now.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8421200084_709b6d1d23_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70039806@N00/8421200084/)

Glad I could help Bob. It at least has the general idea of the original. The reddish color in it actually works with the cabinet color. I think it'll look fine.

I finally got around to pulling the chassis on this beast. Hey it's only been 3 years :rolleyes:

It was getting late and I didn't have a chance to take photos under the chassis. I'll do that tonight.

So far it looks to be in good condition and pretty much all original.
https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/603/31610101550_c1238d3dff_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qah2US)066 (https://flic.kr/p/Qah2US)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/385/31610104920_ee01748a9c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qah3UY)

https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/573/31835714442_3342881488_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QvdmLj)

That melted gasket material sure is a mess! Any suggestions for cleaning it off ? Hoping to avoid using a gallon of paint thinner :yuck:

https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/700/31835715892_a6ab8a26a6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qvdncj)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/563/31835713512_b01ed9336b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qvdmuh)

Here's the underside - heavy sucker!
https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/261/31959000156_423b4ab8f2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QG7ej5)

Odd place for a tube ?
https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/482/31879476261_24d0bd5c58_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qz5DCr)

Hope the power delay relay is still good.
https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/606/31958997046_0c38838656_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QG7dos)

I don't trust candohms :no:
https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/667/31879472581_dfddcf2dfa_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qz5CwZ)

The tuner shaft feels sloppy so I'm assuming the worst - the shaft is broken :tears:
Not sure how to get it open to confirm. Seems like the CRT is in the way of removing he screws on the side.
https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/289/31958993526_219d630db0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QG7ckL)

Cool set. It looked liked Dumont made the tuner obviously, but seeing the underside it looks like Dumont made the whole thing. That'll be a great performer once restored.

Heat likely was the cause for that gasket material turning into a lava flow. So I conclude cleaning it on a hot summer day in a 110 degree attic would be helpful. :D BTW I still don't have my model 125 finished. Way too many projects and not enough hobby time. :sigh:

Heat likely was the cause for that gasket material turning into a lava flow. So I conclude cleaning it on a hot summer day in a 110 degree attic would be helpful. :D BTW I still don't have my model 125 finished. Way too many projects and not enough hobby time. :sigh:

I know what you mean. I'm getting ready to move

Acetone had little effect so I got to thinking maybe it's the same gasket material as the Motorola VT71. Bingo, water slowly but steadily dissolves it :)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/636/31170793144_dc2b8865c1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PussQ1)

To get in the tuner pull the CRT (remove dial scales if in the way), remove the lamp holder/indicator needle assembly, remove ~6-8 screws from top cover and you will see the tuner shaft compartment. You may be lucky and only have the shaft off it's pivot/bearings. I had a thread on inductuner shaft repair let me see if I can dig it up....

EDIT: Found it!: http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=266158&highlight=inductuner
It's been a year and my repair has held up to occasional use.

Thanks for the link. After some chipping away and persuation, I got the CRT out and inductuner opened.

https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/464/31220111954_3fb2fa4d2e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PyPeAj)

https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/386/31686252050_94b3e7c819_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qh1jNw)


The shaft is broken and first slider popped out. It's cracked near the front which seem to be the weak point.
It's still holding together pretty well but the sliders don't make good contact. Spraying some degreaser into the mechanism helped a lot.
https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/396/31686239830_41653b9fc4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qh1gaQ)

I carefully popped the slider back in and by applying just the right pressure was able to get some reception.
https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/344/31686236630_83243514f3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qh1fdE)

https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/542/31686233550_370c520182_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qh1eiy)

Not bad considering all the old components in it. It's going to be fun recapping in stages and seeing gradual improvement - I hope!

Looks like the CRT has ion burn.

Looks like the CRT has ion burn.

Yes, that's typical of 12JP4 CRTs. They use a straight gun and no ion trap. Not sure what they were thinking :dunno:

Not bad considering all the old components in it. It's going to be fun recapping in stages and seeing gradual improvement - I hope!

My favorite type of restoration. Get them going, restore in stages, watch 'em pop back to top notch performance.:smoke:

Yes, that's typical of 12JP4 CRTs. They use a straight gun and no ion trap. Not sure what they were thinking :dunno:

Hard to understand since there were Aluminized tubes available at the time, including the 12KP4.