01-29-2014, 12:58 AM
If it were mine I would leave it as is. There is something to be said for a completely original radio, even if only as a reference for future generations of restorers. Once every radio has been restored, how will anyone know what they were like originally, as they came from the factory?
Not every radio has to work. Once you have heard a 1920's triode TRF set, you have basically heard them all and their performance does not come close to a 30's radio. I have a couple (AK 40 and a similar Stewart Warner ) which are original and unrestored. I power them up occasionally just to see that they still work, but really don't listen to them on a regular basis. 30's radios are just so much more practical for everyday use and sound and perform much better.
Not every radio has to work. Once you have heard a 1920's triode TRF set, you have basically heard them all and their performance does not come close to a 30's radio. I have a couple (AK 40 and a similar Stewart Warner ) which are original and unrestored. I power them up occasionally just to see that they still work, but really don't listen to them on a regular basis. 30's radios are just so much more practical for everyday use and sound and perform much better.