Author Archives: stellartv

57 Predicta Barberpole Resto – Initial Inspection

We just received this very complete 57 Philco Predicta Barberpole for repair. While the customer lives in Las Vegas; he purchased the TV from a seller nearby us in Walnut Creek so it was easy to arrange delivery. These are the initial pictures- overall cosmetic and working condition. Just some notes: the screen cover isContinue reading “57 Predicta Barberpole Resto – Initial Inspection”

The Predicta from Heck

ntroducing tonight’s luminaries, including from right to left: The Leaning Tower of Impedance, Electrolytic standing in as vertical feedback capacitor, “Stairway to the Stars” Couplate, and last but not least, Resistor; playing the part of Fuse. The show will certainly be delayed as it appears the Union of Tube Manufacturers has gone on strike.

On the Bench: ’58 Philco Predicta “Barberpole”

Restoration wrap-up on a Philco Predicta Pedestal TV.

On the Bench: ’51 Zenith Porthole “Aldrich”

Rich from New Zealand sent in this beautiful ’51 Zenith Porthole for restoration. Aesthetically gorgeous, and very complete. This model is known as the Aldrich. Upon removing the back cover, first thing that I saw was a brightener attached to the CRT which is usually an ill omen. I hooked up the Beltron to checkContinue reading “On the Bench: ’51 Zenith Porthole “Aldrich””

Vintage TV Hoarder Estate, Day….. 4?

Who would have thought: a couple months have passed since the big TV hoarder’s estate sale off in Rocklin. Three entire days of discovering gem after gem and clearing out nearly every TV set, picture tube, and related part there… that there was yet more nestled in the back of the estate company’s storage locker.Continue reading “Vintage TV Hoarder Estate, Day….. 4?”

Custom GE Color Conversion Update #2

Another update on the custom GE “Franken-TV” for Hepcat Restorations! See the first two installments if you haven’t already. Part 1 Part 2 Shane came up with a pair of very cool Grundig satellite tower speakers off of a high end Grundig Hi-Fi console, and inquired whether we could adapt the TV to use theseContinue reading “Custom GE Color Conversion Update #2”

Sparton Mirror-Lid TV (1949)

Feeling ultimately modest about your electronics? You can’t beat this 1949 Sparton Mirror-Lid TV from 1949. Very Deco, and very understated, but have you ever seen a TV set on which you’re looking at a reflection of a vertically-mounted picture tube? An echo of pre-WWII television design; mounting the picture tube vertically allows the cabinetContinue reading “Sparton Mirror-Lid TV (1949)”