[Ron Ramirez]

Hi Mike, and welcome!

Yes, unfortunately, you have a Model 70 chassis stuck into an 18B cabinet, and with different knob holes drilled into the front panel to boot. Don't you love it? It looks like it still has the original speaker from the 18B; an original Model 70 speaker looks much different.

Thank your wife profusely and take her to dinner - so many women could care less about radios, so you have a special lady.

The best way to repair the cabinet would be to have a new front panel made for it. Yes, it can be removed from the main body of the cabinet. It is held in place from the back by many small wood screws. And once you remove those screws, the panel may still be stuck to the main part of the cabinet. With gentle persuasion...you can get it out from the back.

Then contact Dick Oliver. His contact info in on my website's Resources page. You will probably have to send the original panel to him; but be sure you indicate the proper knob holes!

But let's back up a moment. Do you want to keep this as a 70/18 hybrid, or do you want it to be authentic? The answer to this question will determine how you have that front panel made. The 18 chassis has knobs spread further apart, as the two holes on either side of the volume and tone controls indicate.

A Model 18 chassis should not be terribly hard to find. A Model 14 Code 122 or 123 will also fit this cabinet.

I wish I had one; I would gladly trade with you, as I have an empty 70 cathedral cabinet. Unfortunately, I don't.

At any rate...please feel free to ask as many questions as you wish.