Flintstones' TV

The Flintstone family consisted of Fred, Wilma, and their daughter, Pebbles. They lived during the Stone Age in a small town called Bedrock (population: 2,500). Their neighbors and good friends, were the Rubbles: Barney, Betty, and their son Bamm-Bamm. This animated sitcom started in 1960 and ended in 1966. It had 166 episodes and was the longest-running animated television series until “The Simpsons” arrived in 1989.

The one thing that struck my curiosity was how the Flintstones had a television during the Stone Age. So, to celebrate their Stone Age technological achievement by inventing the TV, I created one myself. Even though the television set changed throughout the series, I took a little bit of each set and slightly modified it to created my own “Flintstone” version.

YABBA DABBA DOO!

• Insulation: 2 @ 24” x 24” x 1”
• Cement: 30lbs
• #3 rebar: 24”
• Board: 2” x 6” X 24”
• Steel cloth: 4” x 4”
• Stain
• 1” Screws
• Sandpaper
• Glue
• ...and a tablet

Cut insulation board to the following sizes: 17x12x1 (1), 19x7x1 (2), 12x7x1 (2). Glue small insulation pieces in random areas to give the cement TV a more natural rock look (versus a rectangle look). To add detail to the TV, use a rotary tool to cut into the insulation board.

*see cut sheet

Glue 3-4 pieces of tablet-sized insulation board in the middle of the insulation board. This will create a void in the cement that will allow the tablet to be placed.

Glue and clamp the insulation board together. No spray was used in order to make the forms pull off the cement easier.

Weld/tie a few pieces of rebar together to add strength in the cement. A wire mesh could be used as well. Pour cement in the form. Make sure all major air pockets are filled in with cement.

After 24 hours, pull the forms off and patch any areas that are needed.

Cut a piece of wood to the measurements of 2x6x18. Mark up the wood with a 4 ½ angle grinder to make the wood look more worn/rustic.

Cut four pieces of wood to the size of 2x3x5. Angle both ends at 45 degrees. Use an angle grinder or sander to add features/marks in the legs of the table.

Cut a 4-5” diameter insulation board. Glue two pieces of insulation to give it more height. Antennas: Cut 2 pieces of wood at the measurements of 2x2x6. Add features/marks to the antennas. Stick the antennas in the antenna base and cover it with a small piece of steel cloth.

Cement the antenna base and stain the antennas. Glue the base to the top of the TV. Tuners: cut a couple of pieces of wood at 1” diameter. Stain. Glue the pieces to the front of the TV.

Sand all the stained wood pieces in random places (i.e., corners, edges) to add a more rustic/worn look.

Throw in your tablet and watch The Flintstones!

I didn’t put any speakers in the TV since the design was for Bluetooth. However, it still projected enough sound that was clear and loud. Also, I did not put any type of wood or cement protection on the final product. I wanted to keep the satin/rough look.

Enjoy Creating!