[Texasrocker]

you bet etech!... those decisions are hard to decide on working radios! I definately agree on your idea of a "retrofit" aftermarket add-on from the orig mfgrs! Otherwise, it makes no sense that the parts of the same "vintage", especially the knobs! I guess the tech that installed yours decided to make his install "user friendly", and locate the control upfront instead of the rear panel?
Just a guess. It is a shame that orig cab design was altered. Just as you, I have a few nice old sets that I bought for parts only, and found them to be great performers, albeit with ugly add-ons added before. (hee hee)
I have a few that someone conveniently drilled a hole in a nice wood tombstone case, and bypassed the orig on/off sw with a toggle sw.
Back then, those techs never realized that those radios would ever be collectible these days.
Hey, if nothing else, recap it, and let it be your daily workbench listener? Another trans will come along in the future, then you will have saved both!!