Rca n2026
 

Hi All:
There is a very interesting set for sale in my area, any thoughts on values?
It looks in great shape in the pictures and its an 1959 RCA N2026 Hillsborough hide-away flip top model. The guy is asking $300 but is open to negotiate.
Thanks

Gregb

$300 seems pretty far out there. More so with an unknown condition CRT. Other than the flip top cabinet it's a pretty common looking late 50's RCA.

Youtube video: RCA Victor presents "The Hillsborough." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4lsT2IZ7DU

-Steve D.

Yup, that's it, Thanks Steve! I am going to see it tonight and will see what kind of deal we can make. If I had to get one shipped here from the states it would cost $300 for freight alone.

Gregb

Well I went and had a look at this set tonight and it is in stellar condition, I will post pictures tomorrow. The CRT tests a little on the weak side but I have my fingers crossed that with a little cooking it might come around. I paid $200 for it which I know you guys down south might think is high but like I said before it would cost $300 or more to ship a set like this here and its not the TV haven around here so to find anything at all is a bonus.

Gregb

Beautiful find!

Nice find Greg!!!

Gregb,

Good deal. That is a very unique set. Don't think there are to many others in your neck of the woods. I doubt most folks who bought one in 1960 ever used the hideaway function more than a couple of times. A friend of mine owns that model. It's a heavy set. Look forward to the photos. Of course, you'll check out the chassis before powering up the set for any length of time.

-Steve D.

When I get to it I will go through the chassis before any power is applied. The previous owner claims the last time it was powered up was about 8 years ago and it was working fine at that time. Your right Steve it is a heavy set, I was surprised when we lifted it. All of the springs and latch are in place and working fine and the grill cloth is perfect. I have it in the garage at the moment will get some good pictures in the daylight tomorrow and post.

Gregb

Pictures
 

As promised here are the pictures of my new baby!!

Gregb

Gregb, you did very well. It may seem like a lot of money to some people for an RCA B&W TV, but that model doesn't show up in that condition very often. I'd have jumped on it if it was local to me.

.

Well it sure does look like it's in fine cosmetic condition. And like you say, it's all very relative to what else you can get for $200, which isn't much these days. Bottom line is that collecting these old TV's is all about personal satisfaction, and how much enjoyment one gets from ownership. Folks often come on here asking for value, but It's so hard to put a "one price fits all" on happiness of ownership. :thmbsp:

The thrill I get out of it is worth every penny to me! I cant wait to get this set going.

Gregb

Nice set! Is that a '62 Corvair behind it?

Canadian built 61 Lakewood wagon, number 157 of 547 made. My other hobby!

Gregb

Greg,

Very nice, clean set. RCA was very clever in that design. Like the Corvair Lakewood as well. Canada is well represented in rare collectables by your efforts.

-Steve D.

Thanks Steve, I try my best. This TV is the first one I have brought home that the wife is excited about and is already planning its spot in the living room. She likes it so much she even talked it up to her Mom, LOL.
I will have to give this one priority over the others.

Gregb

Beautiful RCA Hideaway and Corvair Lakewood. Canada is indeed well represented in your house in the rarity field of industrial legends. :tresbon:

Corvairs are a blast to drive! I used to have a '62 Greenbrier 6-door van.

That' a really fine set and the cabinet is in such great shape, just think of how much work you won't have to do it! I'll bet that CRT will wake up after it cooks a while.
I did the same thing, found a set I liked close to home, drove over to have a look, liked it made a deal and brought it home. I may have paid a few bucks more than some around here would pay but there's just not a lot of vintage sets around Weaverville, NC.
Sometimes when you see a set you like you have to go for it. I'm working on a 1958 RCA 14" portable and it's a tough set to work on with a big shield soldered to back of the circuit board and a completely rotted off yoke cover, it's probably not worth the caps it would take to fix it but it has that cool retro style and the red cabinet matches the interior of my 63 Corvair Spyder coupe.
Nice Lakewood! :thmbsp:
I think I like the Canadian built corvairs better, none of that gloppy looking trunk splatter paint.

I have my fingers crossed on the CRT and I think it will come back. The selection of vintage TV' around here is pretty dismal. Plus the fact that the price's are high here without a doubt a guy just has to pay the price if you like the set. Its not like investing and hoping for a big return, not going to happen.
Like I said in a previous post, I do it for fun and the excitement of getting them working again.

Gregb