[Ron Ramirez]

Mis4tun81:

Allow me to welcome you to the Phorum, as well as to the wonderful world of antique radio! The responses you received to your original post are to be expected; because, by and large, those of us in this hobby are interested in the preservation of vintage radios and related items.

Here's my thoughts: Like the others, I too would prefer that the radio be preserved. I saw photos of a 38-7 chairside recently somewhere, and was shocked to see that two USB ports and an audio cable with plug was added to the set's top control panel. Yes, some doofus drilled holes in the top to add the extra stuff. That could have been added somewhere out of sight, and cables ran up from underneath with a couple USB jacks and an audio cable with a plug.

But I also recognize that there are some radios which are in poor condition and are prime candidates for "repurposing." At my yard sale last Saturday, I had a 42-1011 that was missing some parts, with a big FREE sign on it. It was destined for heavy trash pickup if someone didn't rescue it. A fellow came along, looked the set over, and told me of his plans to "repurpose" it into an audio control unit.

I wished him well as he and his friend loaded it into their truck. If he does his work well, he can put a new wood panel where the large escutcheon once was, and install things to his heart's content in that new panel. That way, the modifications are reversible.

Reversible mods, I don't have a problem with. Mods that destroy the radio as it was and that render it unfit for restoration, well, I do have a problem with that.

That's one man's opinion.