Disassembling a 14-Inch RCA Deluxe - Videokarma.org TV - Video

DaveCT · #1 03-16-2008, 07:06 AM

Help! I recently picked up a nice red 1958 14-in RCA Deluxe (model 14P9033). It's a real beauty and in great shape. So, I sat down to start the restoration of it, and.... I can't seem to get the chassis out of the cabinet (I hope this isn't a bad omen).

This is a very tight set, so the chassis/picture tube are crammed into it. And according to the Sams, the chassis and picture tube are removed together by sliding it out the front end (not the back end). I've followed all the instructions in the Sams, removed the screws holding the front cover and chassis, and the screw holding the guide rail. I've removed the front cover, but when I pull the chassis/CRT forward to slide the assembly out, it moves about an inch and the stops. I don't know why. I don't see anything hanging it up, but then again it's hard to see anything between the CRT and the cabinet because there's so little clearance. I don't want to force the CRT because I would have to put pressure on it.

I'm totally stuck, and any help/adivce would be appreciated!!

Dave

kx250rider · #2 03-16-2008, 11:50 AM

The Sams is usually pretty accurate on those things, so I would wonder if it's something like maybe a wrong screw (too long) in one of the rubber feet, or maybe the picture tube was replaced at one time, and the mounting band has been installed wrong so something is sticking out?

I've worked on a lot of those metal 50s portables, and it's often a hassle to get them apart. I usually have to remove the speaker first, so take a look and see if that's in the way. Wish I could be of more help, but I don't remember anything specific on the 14"ers.

Charles

Old1625 · #3 03-16-2008, 12:27 PM

I remember that happening with one I had back in the early '70s. Not sure I remember exactly what I did to get it past that 1" mark obstruction. If the feet are attached independently of the retaining screws for the chassis they might interfere. Also IIRC there is a track along the top that guides the assembly and keeps it centered, as well as providing extra reinforcement for the carrying handle. There may be a stray screw that needs removing. The name of the game is just careful inspection. Use a good flashlight and examine everything along the edges of the vertical chassis that might be catching a protrusion on the inside of the case.

Don Lindsly · #4 03-16-2008, 12:39 PM

Lay the TV, screen down, on a padded surface and slide the cabinet upward. Look it over and you wll see what's blocking it. Often it is simply a tight fit and needs some coaxing. Make sure the speaker is disconnected.

DaveCT · #5 03-17-2008, 08:29 AM

Thanks all for the replies. I'll check the feet but I'm not optimistic. And with respect to using a flashlight for inspection, everything is so tightly fit that I can't get a beam of light between the pix tube and the metal case and see anything (what's the thickness of a photon?...). With regards to the speaker, I won't be able to remove it until I get the chassis out.

One option for me is to remove the pix tube mounting band and then pull the tube out separately. I've actually never done that for fear of overtightening the band when I replace it. Any advice on how to safely tighten the mounting band?

Thanks again,

Dave

Old1625 · #6 03-17-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveCT

......One option for me is to remove the pix tube mounting band and then pull the tube out separately. I've actually never done that for fear of overtightening the band when I replace it. Any advice on how to safely tighten the mounting band?

Thanks again,

Dave

I wouldn't try to remove the picture tube in that way. You may be opening up a whole 'nuther can o' worms there. You will probably need first to remove the deflection yoke, and they sometimes don't come off that easily after being there for such a long time. If you do take that path be sure you dress in heavy coveralls, protective headgear, goggles and gloves. If the tube experiences too much stress or is accidentally struck it could implode, throwing broken glass everywhere. There is also a shock hazard in handling CRTs, as they can store a charge for a very long time. I've seen one lying face down in a box for 20 years and had the thing knock me on my ass when I brushed my hand across the HT port.

I think the face-down method mentioned is still your best bet.

kx250rider · #7 03-17-2008, 12:07 PM

It also seems to me that on some of the metal portables, I had to turn the chassis a few degrees sideways as it passed the speaker. I agree that removing the tube first isn't the best bet, but if you think you can do it without busting the neck, it might be the only option. At least then you'll see what the obstruction was, and can work with it better on reinstallation.

I hope that all these suggestions aren't just going to frustrate you further...

Charles

DaveCT · #8 03-17-2008, 07:50 PM

Eureka, she's apart!!!! A big thanks to Charles for suggesting that the foot screws might be too long - that's exactly what the problem was. Once I removed them, the chassis and pix tube slid right out. Apparently, some previous repairman must have lost the originals and substituted something way too long. How aggravating!

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions, and especially for the safety concerns on removing the mounting band.

Now, on to recapping this sucker...

Dave

fsjonsey · #9 03-18-2008, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveCT

Eureka, she's apart!!!! A big thanks to Charles for suggesting that the foot screws might be too long - that's exactly what the problem was. Once I removed them, the chassis and pix tube slid right out. Apparently, some previous repairman must have lost the originals and substituted something way too long. How aggravating!

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions, and especially for the safety concerns on removing the mounting band.

Now, on to recapping this sucker...

Dave

Congratulations! I've had similar problems, one time i found a wood screw someone had used had been driven through a paper capacitor!

Old1625 · #10 03-18-2008, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveCT

Eureka, she's apart!!!! A big thanks to Charles for suggesting that the foot screws might be too long - that's exactly what the problem was. Once I removed them, the chassis and pix tube slid right out. Apparently, some previous repairman must have lost the originals and substituted something way too long. How aggravating!

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions, and especially for the safety concerns on removing the mounting band.

Now, on to recapping this sucker...

Dave