Beautiful radio! Yes, it can be fixed and yes, you should.
I'm not familiar with that model, however, take the advice here about the hot chassis. Most of them are. Also, there's a fair chance that there isn't a power transformer inside. If you add upnall the tube voltages (the first number in the tube designation) theyb should add up to 115 or 120 - the same as line voltage.
Most likely, you have an issue with the power supply. The old filter caps in tube radios usually go bad. Usually, the set will still light and make a "motorboating" sound, which is what happens when the filters are passing AC. Or they might pass nothing if they're completely open. You might have a blown rectifier tube, though. It might even be as simple as a blown fuse, though many old radios don't have fuses.
I doubt the problem is anywhere else besides the power supply because radios usually will light up and make some sound, even with a bad tube or other parts.
You absolutely can get new tubes, too. Check Antique Electronic Supply at
Antique Electronic Supply. Radio tubes aren't anywhere as ridiculous as audio tubes - you can probably retube it for under $50.
If you want to use it regularly, I strongly recommend replacing most of the guts. The filter caps must go first. Modern ones are far better and will last. The capacitors are probably the old wax and paper types. Those get hot, the wax melts, they go out of spec, then then open up and die. They're awful - get them out. There will be some mica resistors in there, which are OK and can be left. But the carbon comp resistors are bad, too. They start to drift in value as they heat up. Eventually, their values change permanently and still drift with heat.
I recommend you skip boutique parts and go with Sprague Orange Drops ($1-$2 each) for the caps. Most modern electrolytics do a good job on the filters, and same with metal film resistors. You should be able to get everything you need for $30-$40. Radio is much more affordable than hi-fi.
You should also check to see if you can order a Sam's Photofacts for your set. Those are priceless. They have a complete parts list with values, photo guide, schematics, alignment instructions, and much else that covers everything inside.
Once you get the innards sorted, you'll want to align the set. You don't have to do it - any radio repair guy can. You just need a RF signal generator and a couple of tools. You'll want to realign after replacing parts - someimes they go a little off after you do that.
If you're looking for a shop or someone to help, visit
ARRLWeb: ARRL Home Page and check for a local amateur radio group. Contact them and ask if the know someone who works on old radios. I promise you they'll know someone, if not many.
Finally, that's a multiband radio. I can't see the markings, but it will pick up shortwave and probably a bit else. When you get it working (and you better, or I'll bug you
) look into using a proper antenna for it. You'll be able to tune in stations the world over.
Good luck and let us know when you have it working!
