Turns out the S-W had some additional problems.  I had noticed before that the audio sounded sorta distorted on stronger stations but really didn't dig into it before because of the weak tubes.

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByModel/359/M0020359.pdf

So I started investigating.  Turns out the 300 ohm flex resistor on the RF amp cathode was open.  I had overlooked it during triage since it was inside a long piece of spaghetti.

Fixing that brought the RF amp up to some real gain.  But, alas, more distortion even on weaker stations.  More investigation revealed the RF Amp screen divider resistor (23) was also way high/ basically open.  I had checked it before.

Still no cigar.  I backed off on one of the IFs and noticed the audio cleaned up if I detuned it sufficiently.  Hmmm, AVC.  I had checked AVC voltage at the tone ctrl and had seen the RF amp cathode voltage going up and down and had assumed it was ok.  Wrong assumption.  Doh, that darn bad *volume control* was open on the through path!

I have a cheapo chinese one tacked in temporarily and the radio sounds GREAT!  This is a hot radio. 

Looks like a set of knobs is going to be the biggest problem on this project.  The Oppat generic wooden ones have apparently disappeared from the market and Mike Koste didn't have anything to offer.  Might have to get out my whittling knife!

Here's how it came out.  It was a complete strip and spray job.  Finished the rubout today.

Yay, it works.  I suspect the previous owner had a lot of problems with it.  The AC switch is defunct, it squealed like a stuck pig at about 1/3 volume because of the glass 6F6.  Both RF amp and IF amp tubes were very weak.  And way out of alignment.  Could use a new volume pot too.

One of the filter caps had its top removed previously.  I wonder if someone tried to 'refill' it?

Fishing day tomorrow.  Will investigate the cabinet 'project' next week.

Paper dial replacement.  Needs some refinement but I think this will work.

Finished the chassis today.  Everything has been restuffed and installed.

Checking out the speaker is next.  Almost ready for a smoke test.

Got the chassis cleaned up today.

Man, it was nasty.

Commencing the restuffing...

Restuff done (except for the cans).  There were two non-originals in the mix.