just scored a Motorola 12t3

[kvflyer]

Certainly you would only want tubes NOS, not capacitors. Modern capacitors are very inexpensive and will last longer than us most likely. But before replacing tubes, capacitors should be replaced. They are the culprits. Often, leaky (read shorted) capacitors are what stress tubes and can cause them to fail. You most likely will not need very many tubes. At most, maybe a Horizontal output and oscillator, damper tube and maybe a vertical output tube. But address the capacitors and electrolytic capacitors first. Do you have access to a tube tester?

[suede]

Originally Posted by kvflyer

Do you have access to a tube tester?

A tube tester?, I actually bought one just recently. So go with modern caps then?

Please excuse my ignorance on this matter. All ive ever done is refinish cabinets, some rewiring and the replacement of bad looking tubes on old radios before. As i said, im a complete newby, but want a winter project.