Power cords for the older sets

[jsandlin]

What is everybody doing for power cords? Almost any set I pick up being 50-70 years old needs a new cord. I have looked and have not found a supplier for the cords yet. There is one seller on eBay but he is selling them for $20 each which puts them out of range for some of the cheaper sets.

[Yamamaya42]

they are almost impossible to find, and when someone DOES sell one, the ask way WAY too much, so I have been using these.

https://www.amazon.com/2-Slot-Non-Po.../dp/B00CLHH0J4

they don't fit perfectly, do the job well.

[Jon1967us]

Ace Hardware has these appliance cords https://www.acehardware.com/departme...er-cords/31460

They can be made to work - sometimes the holes need to be widened a touch.

I also have used crimp-on butt connectors, like the kind you find at Pep Boys and crimp one end on a power cord, leaving the other end uncrimped to put on the make TV/power receptacle.

[jsandlin]

Thanks for the replies hadn't thought of the butt connector sound like a good ideal. What color connector do you use I an guessing blue but I don't have any around to try.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by Yamamaya42

they are almost impossible to find, and when someone DOES sell one, the ask way WAY too much, so I have been using these.

https://www.amazon.com/2-Slot-Non-Po.../dp/B00CLHH0J4

they don't fit perfectly, do the job well.

I've used these and never had a problem with them fitting... except on some sets with the original back. I hoard vintage cheater cords for sets with backs.

[Tony F]

Have you tried Surplus Sales of Nebraska ?
https://www.surplussales.com/Electri...ecCords-1.html
Tony

[Yamamaya42]

Originally Posted by Tony F

Have you tried Surplus Sales of Nebraska ?
https://www.surplussales.com/Electri...ecCords-1.html
Tony

they are sold out of most non polarized cords...

[Yamamaya42]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

I've used these and never had a problem with them fitting... except on some sets with the original back. I hoard vintage cheater cords for sets with backs.

They DO fit on the pins, they are just a tad bit more snug than the OEM cords were.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by Jon1967us

Ace Hardware has these appliance cords https://www.acehardware.com/departme...er-cords/31460

They can be made to work - sometimes the holes need to be widened a touch.

I also have used crimp-on butt connectors, like the kind you find at Pep Boys and crimp one end on a power cord, leaving the other end uncrimped to put on the make TV/power receptacle.

I used that same trick using the red butt connectors to power a Zenith T.O. 3000, that uses that small connector like a Norelco razor. I have an original type, but I yet to locate it, in my cluttered warehouse.
I'm always on the lookout for usable cords in the second hand stores.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I used that same trick using the red butt connectors to power a Zenith T.O. 3000, that uses that small connector like a Norelco razor. I have an original type, but I yet to locate it, in my cluttered warehouse.
I'm always on the lookout for usable cords in the second hand stores.

In the late 50s early 60s RCA had a " magazine loading audio tape cartridge" system (similar to the Elcassette) and their players took that same narrow pin cord. I know because I got one sans cord for Christmas and happened to have one cord that fit it...

[decojoe67]

I always keep one or two extra non-polarized cheater cords in supply for myself. I find the one's with the flanges for mounting screws are the best. I never had trouble finding them on the Net and although the prices are not cheap, I think it's totally worth it. I believe in saving money, but IMO $20 to complete a vintage TV resto is not an issue.

[Kirk]

If there is enough left of the interlock section, I cut them open with a blade, carefully solder and heat shrink a new cord onto the exposed connectors, then encapsulate with a good epoxy. Strain relief to the back with a hold down and pop rivet or zip tie. Safe and good enough for a personal display model. If I was repairing it for someone else I would make them buy a new cord.

[Polaraligned]

I have thought that if I can't source a cord someday, I will drill a hole in the chassis, put in a grommet, and put a cord right into the chassis just like a radio.

[Dj3928]

While these don’t look like the original brown cord they will work. Fit good and are tight. Price is good too.
I bought these from Amazon

ACP1068 USA NEMA 1-15 Two Prong Plug to Figure 8 IEC C7 6 Foot (1.83 Meters) ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCVM56W..._BszdGbW7X4TNW