Well, it was the damper tube after all. Been busy here with work and all and finally got another damper tube. Put it in and the set came right up - horizontal on frequency and all!
Probably should have subbed it out when all of this started, but figured it couldn't be something as simple as a tube, now could it..
Well, it's now got a new horizontal output tube and a rebuilt horizontal section, so I shouldn't have to worry about that for a while
Have to get a spot cleared in my basement so I can get this monster down there and work on it instead of in the garage (It's cold in Joliet this time of year!).
Going to go fire it up again, check the horizontal current, and do a quick setup of focus, screen, etc
A very heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered assistance. I'm sure this stuff seems like a cakewalk to you guys most of the time, but to a newbie staring at a set that just <bzzzzzt> crapped out, it can be quite daunting. Your information was very helpful and hopefully stimulated the thought process for the next time I've got a set to work on. I only hope that one of these days I can 'pull my weight' on these forums.
Jim