05-10-2018, 03:48 PM
Ok, this Zenith is slowly turning into a nightmare. So far they've had to replace two output transistors that weren't working, figure out five electrolytic cans on the amp, and the FM wasn't working again. It now has Mono FM, but it appears someone has been into the tuning chassis before and performed a hack job on it. I thought something was missing from the chassis before I took this stereo up to be worked on and my fears were confirmed. Someone hacked out the multiplex in it along with the transistor and socket that ran the multiplex. The tip off was the newer capacitors they found under the chassis once the bottom shield was off. I don't think Zenith used the 'orange drop' caps. All my vintage Zenith stuff, even the 70's TVs have the brown mylar caps. Oh, on top of these issues the unit now refuses to play the left channel on the phonograph and they can't get the phonograph apart! The rubber grommets the upper turntable rides on have deteriorated and 'glued' everything together! (They checked the cartridge and it is fine.) Looks like the Silvertone might be the best part of this deal. It has some issues, but all appear to be easily corrected!
No matter where you go, there you are.