Power cords for the older sets
 

What is everybody doing for power cords? Almost any set I pick up being 50-70 years old needs a new cord. I have looked and have not found a supplier for the cords yet. There is one seller on eBay but he is selling them for $20 each which puts them out of range for some of the cheaper sets.

they are almost impossible to find, and when someone DOES sell one, the ask way WAY too much, so I have been using these.

https://www.amazon.com/2-Slot-Non-Po.../dp/B00CLHH0J4

they don't fit perfectly, do the job well.

Ace Hardware has these appliance cords https://www.acehardware.com/departme...er-cords/31460

They can be made to work - sometimes the holes need to be widened a touch.

I also have used crimp-on butt connectors, like the kind you find at Pep Boys and crimp one end on a power cord, leaving the other end uncrimped to put on the make TV/power receptacle.

Thanks for the replies hadn't thought of the butt connector sound like a good ideal. What color connector do you use I an guessing blue but I don't have any around to try.

I've used these and never had a problem with them fitting... except on some sets with the original back. I hoard vintage cheater cords for sets with backs.

Have you tried Surplus Sales of Nebraska ?
https://www.surplussales.com/Electri...ecCords-1.html
Tony

they are sold out of most non polarized cords...

They DO fit on the pins, they are just a tad bit more snug than the OEM cords were.

I used that same trick using the red butt connectors to power a Zenith T.O. 3000, that uses that small connector like a Norelco razor. I have an original type, but I yet to locate it, in my cluttered warehouse. :sigh:
I'm always on the lookout for usable cords in the second hand stores. :thmbsp:

In the late 50s early 60s RCA had a " magazine loading audio tape cartridge" system (similar to the Elcassette) and their players took that same narrow pin cord. I know because I got one sans cord for Christmas and happened to have one cord that fit it...

I always keep one or two extra non-polarized cheater cords in supply for myself. I find the one's with the flanges for mounting screws are the best. I never had trouble finding them on the Net and although the prices are not cheap, I think it's totally worth it. I believe in saving money, but IMO $20 to complete a vintage TV resto is not an issue.

If there is enough left of the interlock section, I cut them open with a blade, carefully solder and heat shrink a new cord onto the exposed connectors, then encapsulate with a good epoxy. Strain relief to the back with a hold down and pop rivet or zip tie. Safe and good enough for a personal display model. If I was repairing it for someone else I would make them buy a new cord.

I have thought that if I can't source a cord someday, I will drill a hole in the chassis, put in a grommet, and put a cord right into the chassis just like a radio.

Here’s what I use
 

While these don’t look like the original brown cord they will work. Fit good and are tight. Price is good too.
I bought these from Amazon

ACP1068 USA NEMA 1-15 Two Prong Plug to Figure 8 IEC C7 6 Foot (1.83 Meters) ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCVM56W..._BszdGbW7X4TNW