Westinghouse H-17TU427 w/t rusted cabinet - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Allison Rae · #1 05-06-2026, 04:29 PM

Hello all, Looking for some thoughts on a 1957 Westinghouse 17" portable with a sheet metal cabinet. Set has a strong 17CFP4 CRT, all knobs and the back. The issue is that the set was stored in a damp area and there is a lower section of the cabinet that is rusted out (about 3" section). I do not have a lot of money in this set and though Westinghouse televisions are well thought of in our area since we were near Westinghouse Electrics original headquarters; is attempting this level of an restoration of a metal cabinet worthwhile on this set? We have the equipment and capabilities to fabricate a metal patch and weld it in place but it will be a fair amount of work for a set that I personally do not feel is worth the investment of money and time. Please share any thoughts, we are open to reasonable suggestions on this.

Electronic M · #2 05-07-2026, 09:55 AM

If the location isn't normally visible the repair doesn't necessarily have to be high effort. The easiest solution that keeps fingers out and maintains factory levels of ventilation and structural integrity is probably fine.

If it's visible then things get harder.

Fundamentally from a financial standpoint very few sets are worth any form of restoration, but most of us do it anyway because we like the TV and or process of restoration more than profit.

What's worth doing is ultimately what you feel like doing. Sometimes you restore a set then a minty original comes along cheaper than your efforts, sometimes you sell a rough unrestored set you'll never see another of for some dumb reason and regret it.

Ultimately "what is it worth to you?" is the question to ask your self.

Allison Rae · #3 05-30-2026, 08:28 PM

Thank you for the insightful reply Tom.

Since we are having better weather here I had a further opportunity to look over the rust damage on this set and I feel the damage is too extensive to repair the damage cleanly even with the metalworking and welding equipment we have. I am saving the chassis, and all associated parts and of course the strong CRT but will be scrapping the cabinet. We will be keeping our eyes open for a similar Westinghouse that is not as rusty.