[Jeffcon]

I’m very new to vintage solid state repair and have many questions but will stick to some broad descriptions of what’s going on with this unit and what I’ve done so far. 
The thing “works” as in it puts out sound from both radio and record player but the sound is … muffled, crackly, and all around weak. I’ve contact cleaned the potentiometers and got less “crackle” so happy with that. 
My internet research has taught me terms like recapping, output transistors, speaker coils, speaker capacitors, transformers, etc.  I am gleaning consistent info suggesting replacing power in and speaker capacitors, checking output transistors, and cleaning speaker coils. 
Sound like a good place to start?
If so, how do I know if my output transistors are “NPN” or”PNP”? They are labeled philco HR101B 6515 1012. And what is a good way to insulate the base of them back to the heat sink? Also, they just pull out, the leads are not soldered to anything. Problem? Or normal? 
Also don’t know how to check speaker coils besides if they are shorted. Can’t find info on if they’re wearing out (do they?) Anyway, that seems to be a good start. I’ll try to get my 10 yr old daughter to show me how to post photos if deemed necessary! 
Thanks                     

[GarySP]

Welcome to the Phorum, Jeffcon! Replacement of the caps is a priority. Several threads are here with information on restuffing capacitor cans. Many of our members dabble in the early solid-state, so it shouldn't be long before others chime in! Take care, - Gary

[Jeffcon]

Thank you! My little pea brain has been getting overwhelmed with TMI so I’m looking for some hand holding before I consider taking off the training wheels! Any insight anyone is willing to give would be much appreciated!

[klondike98]

We don't have information on a radio that "new" in the digital library but Sam's Photofacts has the schematic you can buy:
https://www.samswebsite.com/en/photofact.../id/115739

[RodB]

Hello Jeffcon,

Welcome to the Phorum. You've taken a risky step in powering up 65-year-old electronics without having some form of protection. Luck was on your side, build yourself a "dim bulb" for this purpose. Since there's noise coming from the speaker you can probably eliminate, at least for now, the possibility the speaker voice coil I bad, though it could be rubbing on the magnet. Coils don't generally wear out, they either have a break in the wire or can short circuit to an adjoining wire. To test a coil of wire you will need a multimeter set to read ohms, then test the coil with the test leads and if you get a reading on the meter the coil is intact. This is the first thing I check when I work on a radio. If any coils are open circuit then it's a good bet the radio won't work and it's good to know this early on.

Since you have already "tested" most of the circuitry you can concentrate on what should be replaced, like capacitors. You can start with the power supply filter capacitors. Those aluminum cans are electrolytic capacitors and over time they deteriorate and become ineffective. Some of them have multiple capacitors within the can, these will have more than two connections. You can replace them with multiple single units. At this point I should mention you will have to know how to wield a soldering iron. Also it's really handy to be proficient in reading a schematic diagram so you can check off parts as you replace them and you will be able to get a replacement parts list. One more thing about the power transistors, they plug into connectors and since you have removed one you will have to coat the bottom with a silicon grease so the transistor can dissipate heat to the heat sink.

Keep asking questions so we know how you're coming along. It's a lot to learn, so be patient and careful.