1953 Zenith - What to do now?

[Phil Nelson]

Replace the old paper and electrolytic capacitors, beginning with the electrolytics in the power supply.

http://antiqueradio.org/recap.htm

If you look at the TV articles in this section, you'll get an idea what's involved in reviving old TVs.

http://antiqueradio.org/restoration.htm

Executive summary: it takes more than replacing one or two little parts, if you want the TV to be safe and reliable.

If you have never repaired an old radio or TV before, I suggest getting a cheap tube radio and practicing on that. Don't zap yourself with high voltage: it can kill you.

Meanwhile, as miniman82 suggests, it's better not to play it any more until you have at least checked the power-supply electrolytics.

Phil Nelson

[wa2ise]

What Phil said. Before a cap leaks too much or shorts out, causing a (hard to obtain replacement) part to burn out.