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!

Supplies

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

Step 1: Building the Frame

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

Flintstones - cut sheet.pdf
Download

Step 2: Viewing Void

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.

Step 3: Framing the TV

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

Step 4: Pouring Cement

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.

Step 5: Patch Job

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

Step 6: TV Base

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.

Step 7: Table Legs

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.

Step 8: Antenna Base

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.

Step 9: Antenna Base and Tuners

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.

Step 10: Staining

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

Step 11: Done!

Throw in your tablet and watch The Flintstones!

Step 12: Few Thoughts/remarks

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!