Zenith 9H984LP radio/phono console (1949) acquired...

[GordonW]

Got a neat old Zenith radio/phono console last weekend. Model number 9H984LP... with the dual "Cobra Arms" phono.

AFAIK, this was the first Zenith unit that ONLY had the "FM100" FM band... the previous years models had both the FM45 (old FM band, centered at 45MHz) and FM100 (modern FM band, centered at 100MHz) bands. This would have been the first year for LP records (33.33RPM)... hence, the SECOND tonearm for them.

Poked around a bit and have already found the Rider folder for it... schematic, layout diagrams and such. Gotta go into it, and probably re-cap it... previous owner said it had to have a replacement power transformer, and that the new transformer gets pretty hot. Also, needs a bit of dial-string-tensioning help.

The one shame about it, is that something got dropped onto the top of the unit, and broke out the dial "glass" (in this case, it was curved clear plastic). BrassTeacher and I will probably wind up trying to custom-bend a piece of plexiglass, and replace it. Other than that, it's in decent shape.

Anyone ever tinkered with one of these? Any pitfalls to be aware of?

Thanks!

Regards,
Gordon.