How much would a philco predicta be worth with its original antenna? I saw one yesterday about 5 miles from me for 130 dollars and it appeared to work but i didn't leave it on long enough to find out ( it was already plugged in I know i shouldn't have turned it on...) If I got it I probably wouldn't work on it now or any time soon I would want to wait until I have more experience repairing sets I might even resell it for the same price to a collector just to get it out of that antique shop...

It depends on the model and condition, but I have seen just the antenna go for more than that on ebay.

yes, seems like a good price. Gotta CRT checker?

No CRT checker I thought to bring it with me but I didn't since I did not expect to see any tv's.
It seems when I'm looking for them I can't find any but when I'm not they're everywhere!

An on-off button alone just sold on ebay about 2 weeks ago for $90

You guys are making me really want to go get it!.!
I might see if I can scrape up enough money to get it but I'm only 15 and I only work a few days a month. My mom says that I would have to sell my hot rodded zenith if I got a predicta...
Choices

Here's two ideas regardless of which model it is, or what condition it may be in. Since it's in an antique store, you might be able to negotiate for a better price. Also, some antique stores do have layaway. Good Luck, young man! :thmbsp:

Yes if it is an antique store, ask for a discount, most of them have 'automatic 10% off over $100' policy. $130 is a fair price for a set that lights up, even if it's a more common Debutante.

As much of a bitch they can be to work on, there are not usually found that cheap. You will probably grow to hate it and love it at the same time. I'd move on it if I were you.

Offer $100 and see what they say. Sometimes, if it's an antique mall, they will call the owner and see if they would accept a decent offer. It's worked for me many times.

Ok ok you guys talked me into it I will try to get it this weekend!

Hi All;
Joseph, maybe You can work out some kind of a deal with Your Mother, find something else She would like for You to do or to get rid of.. You didn't say if the HotRod Zenith is a TV or a Radio.. If its a Radio, see If you could keep One of each.. Or Maybe find another collector who would be willing to keep it for You until either You can have both or You are out on Your own..
THANK YOU Marty

My zenith is a TV that she has been wanting me to get rid of for the past two years. But I havent because it only needs a few parts or so I think...

Hi All;
Having a set that is Almost there or seems almost there, is good to gain experience on, especially when first learning about Old Tv's..
I had a basement full of Old 1950's TV's that I worked on when I was a kid..
THANK YOU Marty

Joseph, we are all eager arm-chair shoppers and I see everyone encouraging you to get this Predicta. If money is an issue, I would not buy it in a panic, thinking that it's the last one you'll ever see. Predictas were made in large numbers and there are many of them floating around.

On the other hand, there could be an advantage to buying one locally, especially if you have seen some light on the screen (indicating that the CRT is not a total dud).

If you do get it, you would be wise to set it aside until you have restored some easier TVs and feel confident you can do a proper job. These articles have some restoration notes that give an idea what you would be getting into:

http://antiqueradio.org/philc12.htm

http://antiqueradio.org/PhilcoH3412LPredictaTelevision.htm

Regards,

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html

I called the owner and got them down to a price I can afford;)!

Phil,
I most definitely will not be working on this set at all untill I have more experience working on sets since I know how hard these are to work on. Thanks for the advice

Is it a 21" or 17" ? , what zenith do you have and what parts do you need ?

mike

I think it was a 17 inch set but I forgot to take a picture when I found it...

I don't remember what model the zenith is but it is one of the sets with the vertical chassis that blocks the entire view of the CRT except for the yoke. all I think it needs are a few tubes ( forgot which tubes too) one paper cap and a electrolytic cap that I have been meaning to put in for a while. It also needs the brightness contrast vert. hold and horozontal hold hooked back up

I hot the set its a 21 inch set hoping the CRT tests good!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/18/5y2una8e.jpg

Congratulations!!!! A Predicta "Holiday" was well worth it, imho. :banana::yes:

Absolutely. Nice buy!

If you got that for $130 or less you did really good! Looks like it has all the knobs which is often not the case.

The stuff on the inside of the screen is just mold on the plastic, it'll clean right off, I don't see any cracks in it.

If you got that for $130 or less you did really good! Looks like it has all the knobs which is often not the case.

The stuff on the inside of the screen is just mold on the plastic, it'll clean right off, I don't see any cracks in it.

no cracks whatsoever and I got it for under 130. I do have one question how do I remove the plastic screen over the CRT?

Remove the brass 'bowtie' underneath the front of the screen being held on by two brass screws. Unhook the spring from the decorative brass colored plastic trim and remove, and then remove the two screws in either side of the CRT 'neck' holding on the thin metal strap. This holds both parts of the shell together.

When you reassemble, replacing the decorative plastic trimpiece can be a bear if you try to hold it in place while hooking it back onto the spring. Easy way is to hook both ends back on the spring and 'slide' the trimpiece back over the shell until it snaps into place.

Hi All;
Joseph, Great catch !!! Glad You got it..
Go look at Bob Andersen's site and check out His Predicta's..
I don't know which one, but one has the removing the collar you are asking about, its always better to watch someone else do it first, so You have an Idea of what to do..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7IWvY5_Cbk&list=PL4aHiwoXvLGBprX4XdN2y62xYCp5PgZx_&index=1
Half of the caps being replaced, will make it easier on you..
It won't be long before this will be The TV for your Bedroom..
THANK YOU Marty

I plan on reading everything I can find on the web about Predicta's and early PCB's and their problems. I do have a few more questions though when I do feel comfortable to remove the PCB would it be worth while to to replace all of the resistors and networks on the board since they are such a pain to get out and can novus plastic polish be used on the plastic screen cover?