Quote:
Originally Posted by Penthode
I know others disagree with my approach, but if the electroytics have not been abused eg powering up the set after decades of in activity, I try to retain the original electrolytics. Of the five pre-1950 RCA televisions in my possession, I have had to replace only two electrolytic cans. The rest survived. I do give the set an extended bench test to confirm all is well and if there is any doubt, I would replace it.
My 1947 RCA 721TS I restored four years ago is used regularly and retains all of it's original electrolytics. I bought the set in around 2015 and the previous owner said the set was retired in about 1960 to his parents attic and had not been powered in 55 years. I carefully and slowly reformed each electrolytic capacitor and replaced only the paper capacitors I deemed necessary before powering up. I don't use series light bulbs or variacs. When the the time comes "wham" on goes the power. I check, recheck and check again everything before the first power and I have never had a set in the last 40 years explode in my face. (I first worked on your chassis in 1969).
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I have a 721TS that I restored about 3 years ago that had an original stand. I was owned by one family as well and I bought it from a couple who were retiring and downsizing. One of them told me she remembered the day her father brought the TV home and although it stopped working in the late 1970s, it had remained a fixture in their living room until she inherited it. They cared for it as lovingly as her dad did and I was lucky to get it for around $135! I restored it, not with respect for original parts but with new components. It hasn't been turned on in a couple of years. I'll get back to it one of these days.