Have you ever looked at craiglist? I'm visiting my parents in MN and happened to scan the local craigslist, noting that 1950s consoles are even cheaper here than back home in WA.
Here's a $25 Philco:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/da...023554606.html
Here's a $25 something or other:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/cs...048097082.html
Here's a $25 Sentinel:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...088980691.html
No chassis, but for $30 here's a groov-u-licious Trans-Vue cabinet:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...032367767.html
Free something or other tabletop (yeah, it's painted, but . . .):
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ws...047883904.html
I don't claim these are treasures, but you could haul home the whole pickup load for less than the price of the overpriced Sylvania with the electrolytic can duct-taped to the side of the chassis.
If you limit yourself to looking on eBay, you're doomed to pay eBay prices.
Just my $0.02.
Phil