They're not that scarce...

[Findm-Keepm]

Zeniths were solid, I remember replacing only one. It had some ceramic disk caps soldered to the flyback terminals that had shorted, burning a hole in the phenolic board along the side of the fly, and taking out a thin wire coming from the fly. Tube Zenith sets had HV regulator problems, vertical problems, and convergence assemblies that would burn. That and the occasional oddball video problem (negative, ghosting, or lack of contrast) sums it up.

Doug (drh4683) can tell you more about Zenith color sets than I ever could - I was never a "dog" tech when it came to Zeniths, as Dad had his cadre of fellow techs he would consult. It was quite a cooperative spirit in the TV repair business, no competetion, because there was always TOO MUCH work to go around. I remember thinking (as a teenager) that Dad shouldn't help these other shops, as they were the competition. Dad set me straight, pointing out all the help he received - loaner service literature, loaner chassis' for parts, repair tips, and even troubleshooting assistance for no more than a thanks, or perhaps a cup of coffee. About the only taboo was bad-mouthing the other shops, as the "fellowship" was tight. If a shop failed, it was because the owner invested in too much new equipment, or hired incompetent or arrogant techs. Lots and lots of good guys in the business back then - honest, giving, and funny. I learned a lot about electronics and even more about life from those characters, and they are still dear friends, even into their 70s.

Cheers,