Minty Motorola 9T1 restoration

[edison64]

I noticed that there are several yellow branded Motorola tubes in that set, it would have originally came with all white logo and apparently it must have been serviced at some time because the yellow logos if I remember right, service or warranty work was denoted by yellow logo tubes. Are the date codes very similar on both tubes?

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by edison64

I noticed that there are several yellow branded Motorola tubes in that set, it would have originally came with all white logo and apparently it must have been serviced at some time because the yellow logos if I remember right, service or warranty work was denoted by yellow logo tubes. Are the date codes very similar on both tubes?

The yellow branded Motorola tubes are Sylvania sourced. They're probably original. That must be the first model run where Motorola had the tube supplier print their logo on the OEM tubes. The earlier models were equipped with tube branded with the supplier's name.

[decojoe67]

Nice example of the 9T1 Bob, and nice work, as always. That's one of my fav early compact TV's. I love how the CRT seems to be bulging out of the set. Interestingly, one can't call this one a '40's set because it came on the market in 1950. One of the last of the 3 year run of small electrostatic sets. The only issues with these 8" models is that the CRT's are often found weak and are very difficult to locate. I had to buy a parts set for mine for the CRT and to complete the knob set with brass inserts. The red knobs are very unstable Tenite that want to shrink and lose their medallions. The other issue is that the plastic-weave grille cloth wants to wrinkle and pull from the speaker board. I fixed mine and then it wrinkled again. It's very comfortable to watch compared to the 7" models. Good luck with the resto!

[compucat]

I have the wood cabinet version of that set and it is very watchable from across the room. These electrostatic sets are quite reliable once properly restored.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by compucat

I have the wood cabinet version of that set and it is very watchable from across the room. These electrostatic sets are quite reliable once properly restored.

Nice. You can call that one the "top-of-the-line" 8" in '50. The key with these Motorola'a, like you wrote, is a PROPERLY restored chassis. A minimalist resto on these chassis's will often leave you with "pie-crusting", intermittent arcing, and/or jittery picture.
The best early electro chassis's proved to be Sentinel (also often used by Crosley and Silvertone) and Emerson. The worst are the Philco's and Hallicrafters due to HV fade.

[compucat]

Originally Posted by decojoe67

Nice. You can call that one the "top-of-the-line" 8" in '50. The key with these Motorola'a, like you wrote, is a PROPERLY restored chassis. A minimalist resto on these chassis's will often leave you with "pie-crusting", intermittent arcing, and/or jittery picture.
The best early electro chassis's proved to be Sentinel (also often used by Crosley and Silvertone) and Emerson. The worst are the Philco's and Hallicrafters due to HV fade.

When I restored mine in addition to a full recap, I replaced all the resistors in the sweep and high voltage circuits. I wanted to have a set I could use regularly and have on and off over the years. Mine was made in 1949 and had the picture tube replaced in 1954. These Motorolas may have been economy sets but they are well made. I always wanted one of the Bakelite Admirals but the twice I bought one it got smashed in shipping. I’ve accepted the fact that no one knows how to properly ship a Bakelite TV.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by compucat

When I restored mine in addition to a full recap, I replaced all the resistors in the sweep and high voltage circuits. I wanted to have a set I could use regularly and have on and off over the years. Mine was made in 1949 and had the picture tube replaced in 1954. These Motorolas may have been economy sets but they are well made. I always wanted one of the Bakelite Admirals but the twice I bought one it got smashed in shipping. I’ve accepted the fact that no one knows how to properly ship a Bakelite TV.

Don't feel bad, I had 2 7" Philco Bakelite shipped with damage. The only way to do it is to have the chassis and cabinet sent separate. Yes, the 8" Motorola's can be marked as '49's, but you'll see them in ads from 1950.