Very late model 23" Zenith Chromacolor II
 

Here is a Nov. 1979 Zenith 23" delta gun set w/ Space command. I got it at a local thrift store for $5. It uses the solid state Chromacolor II chassis but does not say that on the front panel...I guess since it was being produced at the same time as the System 3, they did not want to call attention to the fact it was an older model. These 23" tubes have to be the BEST of that type ever made! The picture is me on a recent television feature report for the "cowboy reporter" segment on Ch. 7.

All I had to do to fix the set was to set the normal/set-up switch to "normal" and adjust the vertical height.

Here is the control panel...this has to be among the very last using the motorized tuner. All space command functions work great.

Zenith must have been the last to make a set using a 23" delta CRT. I think they even made a 23" in-line CRT. Those 23" delta CRTs would probably make great replacements for 60's sets.

I've seen one or two 23" inlines. Made in about 1977, I remember. Interesting they'd make same-size deltas and inlines side by side.

Nice score there Chad! Was 1979 the last year they made the Chromacolor II's?

Nice score Chad!!!!! I remember selling those tv's! Zenith did a few models with the Chromacolor chassis WITH the in-line tri-focus System 3 tubes. I know they did them in 19" but unsure if they went larger. I prefer the Delta tubes anyway altho my 1979 System 3 does still have an outstanding picture. Anyway.... NICE! (and I wish our thrift stores priced sets that cheap!)

I have found one of the 23" inlines, too...can't remember what date it was made, though.

Here's a 23" Zenith on the local Craigslist (for free). Below is some of the ad copy, I find it funny haha.

"FREE 23" Zenith TV & TV Stand. TV Does NOT work. Stopped working a few months ago - but fix it and it should work great!!! "

That's like, my car is out of gas but should run if I fill it up. Well, DUH!!

Anthony

What's strange is, I can remember being a kid around 12-13 and seeing these Zenith sets at K-mart. That would have been 1984-85. Even then, I knew the design was sorta outdated, but these sets were entry-level priced. I recall seeing one like posted above with legs on it. Lots of bars bought them.

Man I'm getting old. :worried: