[gadget73]

JeffHS: I figured it was more of a case of dirty controls rather than any serious circuit problem. I guess I wasn't clear on that, it just seems that adjusting it has little result on the picture. It kind of shakes and jumps as its rotated but thats about the extent of it. Messing with the height control is very erratic, and definitely indicates a dirty control. Volume and tone controls are very scratchy, tuner needs a lot of fiddling with to make it lock channels, and the horiz hold is real touchy too. I was going to dose all the controls with a quality contact cleaner before going any further. Probably I'll do the tube sockets too. The picture tube actually wouldn't light when I first powered it, the heater wasn't working. I wiggled the connector on the back and it came to life, so I'm figuring this thing is loaded with bad connections. Nothing I wouldn't expect out of a piece of 54 year old electronics.

Also no doubt it sat around for years. I think probably not in a basement though, it was way too clean on the outside. The finish on the doors seems to indicate some sun damage. I bet it was in the house, probably being used as a plant stand or something.

I think you're right about the UHF badge covering a hole. There is a space inside right between the tuner and video chassis that lines up with the badge. Makes sense the UHF tuner would go there, since it really can't go anywhere else.

Regarding the external UHF converters, I found one and used it on an old Motrola tabletop I had for many years. I dont recall what happened to that TV but the converter I got for like $2 at a flea market. It didn't work so well but I grabbed it more because it was an interesting piece than anything else. I don't remember the brand or anything. I don't have it or the TV I used it on either. Probably both consigned to the dump for "i need more room in here" reasons.