Also watch the high voltage level. It's a good idea to have a good meter to check it. When I fire up a vintage color set for the first time it's the first thing I check.
And to add to what Pete said it's a good idea to have all high voltage covers inplace as much as possible. Use 6BK4C it has better shielding then the early 6BK4's did on any set that uses them for HV regulation.

Thanks for the advice
 

I was going to order an original 6BK4 to be completely original but it makes alot of sense to get the 6BK4C.

Clearly I have to watch myself to not go to far with this "original" theme!

Thanks!

As long as the HV holds at 25kv and you're not hugging the CRT, radiation isn't an issue.

Seriously, does anyone know ANYBODY who got cancer from a TV set? Heck, if it were that dangerous, TV repairment would be dropping left and right.

The currents/voltages used are at the low low end of the X ray scale - IIRC, they can barely get through the faceplate or out of the cabinet.

Along with better X-ray protection the later HV tubes also had modifications for better performance and even physical improvements, such as the 6ME6 (6MJ6?) replacement for 6JE6C horizontal output tube having a plate cap molded into the glass like a 6BK4 so it can't twist off. I would only use 6BK4C/6EL4A and 3A3C.
Some older types of HV rectifier tubes also had problems like sagging filaments causing shorts which were corrected in later versions.

Some older types of HV rectifier tubes also had problems like sagging filaments causing shorts which were corrected in later versions.

This was the reason Magnavox went to the 3CU3, it had a supported filiment structure to prevent sagging.

Thanks for the info. I finished inside of box today.
 

It took me way too long so I guess I am right on schedule.
The box measures: 24" X 24" X 33". I will show outside in other pics later.

Hey Bobby,

There's nothing wrong with investing some cash into a fine vintage set. I have about $700 into a very nice CTC-7 console that has not been powered up as yet. I don't worry about whether the set works or not, or what others might think. If I like the set and enjoy having it, it is worth it to me. The enjoyment in owning it far supersedes the costs involved. More power to you, keep going until this set works. Keep us posted on your progress.

Gilbert

Thanks Gilbert,
 

It's good to be reminded.

When I see the photos here of working roundies it reminds me of how great it will be when my works good!

Finally, the box is ready to go and I hope UPS picks it up tomorrow.

Very nicely done! :thmbsp:

John

agreed, shipped so even the monkeys at UPS might not be able to break it

If I could afford to
 

I would have driven the tube to Iowa myself and stop along the way to meet some of the great guys here.

I asked Scotty at Hawk-Eye which shipper he likes and he said UPS. So, I got my fingers and toes crossed.

I am so excited about getting this tube back!

I can hardly stand it!