Motorola VT-71 (TS4H)
 

I have restored several radios in the past and I'm finally comfortable enough to dive into this VT-71 I picked up at a funky clothing store in Las Vegas 7 years ago. Its sat at my mothers house until the day came I wanted to restore it.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...1/100_2840.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...1/100_2841.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...1/100_2852.jpg The set is in pretty good shape and is complete aside from it missing the metal back cover and the aluminum bottom plate. I just ordered a set of capacitors for this television from JustRadios last night. http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...1/100_2862.jpg http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...100_2858-1.jpg[IMG][IMG]http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...100_2864-1.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...100_2860-1.jpghttp://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...1/100_2854.jpg
On top of the capacitors I plan to replace the selenium rectifiers, out of tolerance resistors, any bad micas and I want to replace the ballast with the panasonic capacitor setup posted elsewhere in this forum. I just hope the 7JP4 is still good.

You may want to check out these threads when you get a chance.

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=134239

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=124246

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=103616

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=109379

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=110760

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/view...p?f=3&t=155458

If you need new decals for the front, I have a few sets for the cost of postage.

Coincidentally, I'm just wrapping up refinishing one of these cabinets. I'll post some pictures in my TS-4H thread soon.

Good luck with the capacitor ballast. I'm curious to hear how they work out. I went with a glass Amperite one and they do get quite hot.

That is a generous offer that you made to fox_rivers. I hope you can send them to him.

Did you make the decals or did you buy them? The reason I ask is because I have 5 of these little guys, one is blonde, and I will eventually need some. But I am not trying to drain your supply. If you make them, I would like to compensate you for some you can. If you bought them please let me know where you got them.

I have restored one of my 5 so far and have not done the cabinet yet. I got the CRT mask from Ed (Blacksmith). If someone has his website, please post a link. I can't find it right now and have to run.

BTW, another reference.

http://antiqueradio.org/motvt73.htm

And two threads that I did.

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=144209

http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=248722

And here is Bob's

http://mail.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=245840

You can get the gold decals from these places

http://www.radiodaze.com/product/6081.aspx

http://www.radiolaguy.com/MotorolaVT71bk.htm (scroll to bottom)

The blonde set uses dark brown decals rather than gold. No one makes those so I made a custom set myself and could make more if anyone needs some.

Here is the gentleman that makes reproduction CRT foam mountings for the 7JP4 in the Motorola VT-71. His name is Ed Schutz and this is his website:

http://www.renovatedradios.com/parts.html

Thank you miniman82!

You guys are so helpful and kind! Thank you!

No problem, this is what the community is for!

Coincidentally, I also bought that repro CRT mask for my set and while it is expensive, you can't really do a proper resto without it. I recommend buying one, since the original is always melted to the CRT. I still need knobs for mine, but am holding out for a used set because I refuse to pay $40+ for 4 pieces of plastic.

I'll hold off on the mask till I can afford it. For the meantime I'll make something temporary out of some sort of foam.

I feel the same way about the mask as you do the knobs. I know the reproduction masks are difficult but still....its just foam to me.

Thanks for the info Bob. I should just get them and have them "In Stock". I think the blonde cabinet is in the best condition and the markings may be still OK.

I wanna refinish the cabinet at some point in the next couple of days. Whats the best way to strip and refinish it? I've heard in the forum that its best to use a hand rubbed lacquer. What products and methods would you guys recommend to accomplish all this?

Here's what I used.

Zinsser Magic Strip Citrus-Action Gel follow by Zinsser After Wash to strip off the old finish. CitriStrip works great too.

Minwax Mahogany Gel Stain.

Constantine Mahogany paste grain filler

Deft Sanding Sealer

Mohawk Brown Mahogany Ultra Classic Toner Lacquer. That's to make the top and bottom strips a little darker than the rest of the cabinet. That's how the original finish looked on mine.

Finally, Deft gloss lacquer. After it cures for a few weeks, I like to rub out the finish with #0000 steel wool then pumice and rottenstone abrasive powders. You can just stop with the steel wool for a satin finish or pumice for a semi-gloss.

That probably sounds like a lot of work and stuff to buy, but you'll end up with a great looking authentic finish.

We should rename the website TV SHAMBALA.:D