[Dave]

Until someone decides to start reproducing grille cloth, I've just been trying to find cloth that matches my home decor and attaching it in a way that will be easily removable for when the real stufff comes along.
As for the voltage regulator, many people do add a few extra parts to help lower the voltage a bit. The other option is to use a variac.
As I stated before, to each his own. But I can't justify putting that much money into a radio just to let it sit on a shelf and collect dust. I also like my radios to have the "character" of many years of enjoyment. I have no intention of selling any of my radios, but if I did, it would be hard to get back what I've invested in parts and labor, and almost impossible to get what some dealers think they're worth. Most of us here are DIYers and restore radios just because we enjoy doing it, and that's the most important thing. Just have fun with it.
Dave