Admiral CRT

[skillybob]

Well every journey begins with the first step, and this is mine. I've restored several radio consoles in the past but I have never ventured into TV land. I was able to get this Admiral console unit locally so this is my beginning. The unit is really not what I wanted, having a radio and phono unit , I just wanted the TV, but the selection around here is pretty slim so I bought it. I hope the members of this forum will help me with a few Noob questions. I have pulled the chassis (a 20z1) and have it on my workbench. At this stage I am just taking pictures and cleaning it the best I can. There is a high voltage lead going to the CRT (12LP4A) in what looks like a suction cup. How do I pull this lead off for cleaning or should I just leave it alone. I'm afraid I might damage the rubber cup and don't know if any more are available for sale if I do trash it. I was able to check for continuity on the filament of the tube but I don't have much else in test equipment at this time. I was thinking of getting a tube tester for the CRT and wondered what would be a good choice - I'm looking at a B&K 465 - is this a bad choice? Maybe I don't even need a tube tester - what do you think?