Really Old TV???

[mikaelsnavy]

Hi,
I was browsing around an antique store yesterday and I found an early 50's tv. It is not the usual form, it is very long and wide, no more than a foot-a foot and a half high (problaly 3'X2'X1.5'). The screen on the front is about 5". It looks pretty cool so I was thinking about putting my computer inside of it. I've done some smaller case mods before, but nothing this big. You guys like this idea???? Should I put a small LCD screen (not primary) where the TV screen is or should I make it a window?????
Thanks,
Mikael

P.S. This is my 1st post so.... whats up???? lol

[Bucko]

Got any pics of it? Sounds like an interesting telly.

[Airbozo]

First, Welcome to TBCS!

Is it a square picture tube or round? I love the old round ones and think an lcd would look great in it. Post some pics of the thing for a better idea of what you are looking at. Greta idea all around turning vintage tv's into computer's.

[mikaelsnavy]

Hello,
After many driver woes for my cell phone/camera, I finally got the pictures!!! (XP couldn't install my bluetooth device but Vista could, hmmmm).

http://julierumreich.com/images/1.JPG

http://julierumreich.com/images/2.JPG

http://julierumreich.com/images/3.JPG

http://julierumreich.com/images/4.JPG

http://julierumreich.com/images/5.JPG

I have horrible size estimation so I hope that this helps. I'm hoping to buy it today. I would love any ideas. This TV is old, it was repaired in 56'. The white thing is a standard piece of paper.

Thanks,
Mikael

P.S. I had to resize the images with paint, so they may be a bit off.

[Lairy Fiquid]

Looks like it was made to be modded :banana:
The idea with the screen sounds great aswell - i would definently go for it :p

[Drew]

That thing is soooo desperate for a little screen, and you've got ready made power button too.

Wonder how 'original' it could be made to look....bearing in mind that a flat screen wouldn't look original at all...

I'm going to bed now, ignore me.

[mikaelsnavy]

OK,
I got the TV for only $40 bucks, (I found out it was a 1949 Admiral TV). Here are some more pics.

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/11.jpg
Here are the inards of the TV.

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/10.jpg
More inards.

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/6.jpg
More inards without the vacuum tubes.

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/7.jpg

My plan is to make a tray that slides in and out for the main board to be mounted on so I can easily access it. Anyone know where I could get a small LCD screen to stick in the front???

Mikael

P.S. When do I move this to the work logs section????

[Bucko]

Wow!
That is sweet! I'm jealous as something like that is exactly what I've been looking for!

As for when to move it, well anytime now you have started work. Just send a private message to Crimson Sky or Dave W.

[DaveW]

Moved for you.

-Dave

[Intrance]

Brilliant find this looks like it could be a real humdinger!!

I definitely think this should have a LCD in the front ............. but then again maybe a perspex dome window to match the shape of old screen you have taken out.... Well this is your mod and you choice, good luck.

The possibilities are endless but I have subscribed to this to keep an eye on it.

[Brunhold]

The idea with the old TV is brilliant! Little LCD? I have bought my 5-incher at ebay.

Here it is:
http://freenet-homepage.de/der-bruno/Osborne1/Fertigbilder/Gesamtoffen.jpg

[mikaelsnavy]

The real question that is in my mind is do I refinish it or just use something like old english to clean it up? You can see that the top looks a bit messed up.

http://julierumreich.com/images/3.JPG

Also, I was thinking of either a door on the front (for my dvd drive) or just making them discrete and have a button somewhere else to open it.

http://julierumreich.com/images/9.jpg

This will be a lot of fun!

[Foxtrot9000]

nice find man, i have been wanting to put a computer in an antique electronic for a while. i think that you should try and keep the design as stealth as possible. i love the look of that tv.

and there should deff. be a little lcd screen in that. it is screaming for one. you can pic one up online or on ebay for around 250$can i personally recommend Lilliput, or xenarc if you are pushing for better quality. however, there are a ton of brands out there.

maybe you could get a laptop slot load and cut a little inconspicuose slot somewhere. then you could keep the cloth grill.

good luck!

[Drum Thumper]

The real question that is in my mind is do I refinish it or just use something like old english to clean it up? You can see that the top looks a bit messed up.


Refinishing can be a PITA. I've got a dresser that needs to be redone(maybe this summer, who knows). Personally, I'd go with the Olde English for now, maybe try your hands @ refinishing on some other small items before tackling this.

Excellent find, +rep and /subscribe from me as well!

[Rodrigo Vicentini]

Dude, that beautiful acquisition, is TV works? I sincerely would not have courage of accomplishing a mod in this TV, I adore these old things. :p

[vidas7de7jesus7]

I have something similar. Looks fantastic. I say do it. Like others have said, I would see if Old English works. It probably won't, or the finish will be mottled, but try it. Then refinish it to get a consistent finish.

[mikaelsnavy]

Now here is the question I REALLY need some input on...

Do I make it look as much as the origional old TV as I can or do I put in a windows and some cool lighted fans??????

I have no real creative talent, so I would love the imput.

[Foxtrot9000]

personally i love the look of stealth designs, and i love the look of vintage electronics even more. i think the mixing of two looks so many yeasr apart might not turn out. just my .02

[Bucko]

I would leave it looking as stock as possible.
That front speaker mesh could hide a fan, and another at the back so airflow and tempratures are good.

[Brunhold]

I would advise, to keep the look as original as possible. That means no visible holes for fans and no lights. But be aware of the temperature, I had the same problem with my Osborne.


I would leave it looking as stock as possible.
That front speaker mesh could hide a fan, and another at the back so airflow and tempratures are good.
Good idea. :up:

[agnat]

Just a suggestion.... the tv console looks great as it is I would keep that as original as possible. The fan behind the speaker screen is a good idea also, but you could make it a smaller fan and stealth the DVD tray above it. Lucky you to find that and good luck with your mod.

[mikaelsnavy]

I LOVE the above idea, I kind of wanted a stealth cd drive where the cloth is (I may replace the cloth if I refinish...

Cooling needs to be addressed to. It wont be good if I make it and cant use it because of overheating!

[NocturnaL]

Wow, now thats a diamond in the rough if i ever saw one ;) looks like its gonna be great

[mikaelsnavy]

O.K

I've been sick for a while but I have got a lot of work done. I tried Old English but it didn't work. I sanded the sides and top down and applied a layer of finish. The problem is that over the years, the top got worn more than the sides so I will have to apply extra coats on the top. I will get pictures once I get home...

[mikaelsnavy]

OK,

I got home and stuck on another layer of finish. It looks real nice. Here are some pics.

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/13.jpg

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/18.jpg

The top is a bit bumpy, I might have to use some real high grit sandpaper to fix it, but it looks BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I had to move it inside because it wan't drying at a reasonable speed. It is moist and cold in the garage.

[mikaelsnavy]

Another good question is do I stick in a touch screen or just a regular screen. I found a good touch screen for $150 on ebay. Not bad...

[Bucko]

Touch screen may be cool for this.

If you put a fan behind the grill, I guess you'll still need a DVD drive somewhere.
Looking at the pics, maybe you could have it on the side.
get a slot loading drive and cut out the space between those smaller vents, so it isn't really visible.

[NocturnaL]

Wow man, that finish looks great. I didnt think you were going to get it that nice. Big ups

[Drum Thumper]

Wow. That finish came out smooooooth. A+ work and +rep too!

[mikaelsnavy]

I just realized something, I don't have enough for a new screen :(. But, I do have an idea. When I was pondering my situation, I remembered a portable DVD player a bought a long time ago. I pulled it out, and the screen was almost the perfect size! Here are some pics:

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/20.jpg

http://www.julierumreich.com/images/21.jpg

[NocturnaL]

Thats awesome. Is the res good on the screen?

[mikaelsnavy]

I dont think so, but it is the only thing I got :(

[luciusad2004]

Im looking forward to see how this comes out. Of coarse when you finish youll have to play some old classic movies on it, like casablanca or something. Idk, im not really in to the classic movie scene. Great work.

[mikaelsnavy]

CRAP. The backlight is burnt out :( Now I'm tring to get extra funds so I may buy a new screen. :(

[Produkt]

watch Pi on it...

its recent enough but old school b/w

[Wannabeamodder]

I got my LCD screen at parts express here is the link.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?DID=7&PartNumber=205-048

Hope this helps
Charles

[NocturnaL]

If your looking for something cheap and effective, look into a Play station Portable screen. I'm modding one currently, theyre not the greatest quality, but for 40$, its a fine deal :)

[mgreen]

This is looking really nice!!! Can`t wait to see it finished.

Have searched the web over the last few days, looking for mods like this. Have a couple of old radios that I have been thinking of modding... And this i giving me so much inspiration:up:

[mwdaley]

I would be tempted to create a music/media box out of this. Get a really nice speaker set and use the display for the visualizations. But that's just me. I can't wait to see what you do with it!

[mikaelsnavy]

Sorry It's been soooo long, I help to raise about $82,000 for Children's Miracle Network at my school. Lots of work (average of 2 hours of sleep the week of the pageant). I had to put the project on hold to help them out. Now it is all done and over and I am ready to start again after heading up to Portland to grab some parts.
First of all, the stain that a friend gave me was crap and didn't dry right on the top. I just about got it all sanded off and tomorrow I'm gonna grab some more and re-stain it. I figured out how I'm going to mount the mainboard. I got some roller mounts on like dresser drawers and I want to get a plate of aluminum or steel to mount to the brackets. From there, I can mount the motherboard and I will always have real easy access to it. I will put up new pics once I'm done staining it (or sooner).

P.S I got some money so I can stick in a decent touch screen. Any ideas??? (Under $200, preferable under $150).

[chaksq]

OMG, this mod is back. Ironically I was looking at this earlier today wondering if you planned on completing it as I think this is an awsome mod.

For mounting the motherboard I say you get a removable style motherboard tray from another case and mount it on top of the roller mounts. Just make sure you have a way to lock it in place and long enough cables inside the case.

[mikaelsnavy]

Sorry about the delay everyone, but school has been crazy. This next week is my last so I plan to start up the project again after that. I cannot wait! (I also will have graduation money for a LCD screen)

[Greco101]

I saw a mod on this forum a while back with a ps2 or xbox lcd.

I dunno how big that slot is but Here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Xbox-5-4-in-LCD-Color-Game-Screen-Monitor-w-Xbox-Mount_W0QQitemZ170116574759QQihZ007QQcategoryZ4101 6QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) is a 5.4" and Here (http://cgi.ebay.com/7-Universal-Game-Screen-for-Xbox-Playstation-etc_W0QQitemZ300115750138QQihZ020QQcategoryZ61398Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) is a 7"

[mikaelsnavy]

I've been out of the country for a while. I will be back and working on this thing starting in August. Sorry for the delay!

[chaksq]

Looking forward to it. Hope you enjoyed your time outside the country.

[mikaelsnavy]

Hey, I just got back! Some F-Head stole my sander!