RCA Victor Special...and I'm new here.

[TheNixer]

Thanks Steve! So this tells me my set was a "budget" set and came in either Mahogany or Limed Oak, very good to know.

[Bob E.]

For "glittery" grille cloth, try a jukebox restoration parts house. Jukes of the era were usually flashier than radios and TV's of the time, and meant to attract attention...heck, they even provided their own lighting to make sure you noticed it! I got some white grille cloth that has gold sparkly threads throughout, I think it is also available with silver. And I'm pretty sure red cloth with gold or silver is also available (but I can't imagine a TV with bright red grille cloth!) Try:

http://www.victoryglass.com/

http://www.jukeboxusa.com/

--Bob

[Tube TV]

This is the 1955 Model .
Unfortunatly this is the only info I have for it .

[Tube TV]

This set used the same chassis , but this was the really budget 21" set , with a black metal cabinet .

[TheNixer]

With my Sams number in hand I took a trip to the largest library in our area only to find out they threw out all their Photofact books several years ago. So it looks like I'll have to buy my schematics from the website. It would have been nice to find them at the library but I suppose beggars can't be choosers.

I've uploaded some color photos of the set so you can get some idea of what kind of shape the cabinet is in. I noticed part of the top of the TV (the part that isn't the lid) is also veneer, so a good part of this cabinet is veneer. It looks like the stuff is glued down really well so this could be a bear.

It's obvious this is the mahogany finish but you wouldn't be able to tell looking at it from the front only. In fact I'm a bit worried some of the front frame has discolored and dried out past the point sanding would fix. The lid that hides the controls has also buckled a hair, and I noticed it's not one whole piece of wood. It's slats, like a wood floor would be. Getting this set in the light makes it look a little worse for the wear than I thought!

I'm not discouraged too much though. I would like to know how you guys get movies to this set. I noticed on one web page (Eric's Vintage TV's) he uses a wireless video sender. Is that generally how we do it? If so, does anyone have a link of an exact setup they bought? The TV isn't ready for this yet but I did wonder how it was done.

Bob E, thanks for the links! I've been looking over those sites for the past few days.

Tube TV, thanks for the photos!

[bgadow]

If you haven't ordered it yet I bet one of us could set you up with the Sams file. I have a bunch of duplicates around that age. Do you have the file number?

You can hook up your dvd player without too much trouble. Usually need an adaptor. You can have a lot of fun showing off old shows on an old tv.

[TheNixer]

The Sams number is 322-11. I still haven't found the number 21S632 on the TV anywhere, but judging from the description and information you guys have given me it must be a 21S632. Thanks for the help!!!

[Tube TV]

Does the top lift up on it ? I noticed the channel selector shaft is toward the top. How do you change channels on these sets .

Ebay has those RF modulators , they sell for 10 bucks and you can route the DVD through that and then into the TV .

[TheNixer]

I should have an RF Modulator somewhere, I'll have to dig that out! I remember those being 45$ back when I bought mine so hopefully I've still got it.

Yeah, all the controls are in the top of the TV under a panel you have to flip up. I've included a picture. Have a great weekend all!

[Steve K]

Nix:

I have the Rider's schematic for your set that I can send to you. I would have the Sams for it too but they are in Wisconsin and I will not be back there for a while. PM me with your address if you want a copy of what I have.

Steve

[El Predicta]

I should have the Sam's (free). Will look tomorrow.
Send me your address.

Larry

[Sandy G]

Cleveland, huh? I'd almost suggest bringing the cabinet up here-I have a friend who is one of the best refinishers I've ever seen. Reasonable, & pretty quick, too.

[TheNixer]

Wow guys, thanks for the responses. I sent my address out to you guys, you're a big help. And Sandy, are you serious? I've been mulling this project over with a buddy of mine and I really want this TV to look its best. My buddy's attitude toward it is "it already looks horrible so we can't make it look any worse." I'm a bit of a perfectionist with no know how when it comes to refinishing this thing. In other words, I'd really consider driving a few hours to hand this set off to someone who would do it proper justice. I could take the empty cabinet up and be working on the actual TV in the mean time.

[Sandy G]

Serious as a heart attack. I sent you a PM w/Jim's contact info in it.

[TheNixer]

Ha ha, I saw the PM this afternoon and I appreciate it. I'll give him a call Monday to see if we can work something out. I'm hoping if I drop your name he'll give me a discount instead of an ear full!