That's a nice restoration, TheDanger. I've always liked the brown-and-white model. Mine is white-enamelled, but since it is the same unit bought new by my parents in 1950, I had no choice in the matter! Listening to it recalls my 6-year-old self listening to the Argonauts.

Did you have to replace the dial glass? If so I'm curious how you obtained the artwork. I Photoshopped a reproduction based on a scan of my broken and incomplete one, and I've passed it on to anyone else interested.

Maven

This bad boy was in excellent condition when purchased. Glass was still in tact. Picked it up for $50.

It's great You have one in the family since original!

Are you using some sort of antenna? Even is Tas I would expect better as we can get Tas & NZ from overseas here.

Did you align the set after refit? Poor alignment can cause the set to be "deaf" and I see a lot of that sort of thing. Most of the manufacturers recommend that, if you change parts, albeit some Philips sets & others have no IF adjusters.

Marc

I am in a really bad area for reception. Same for TV. Any radio on AM here is the same

I dont have the equipment to do an alignment yet! I'm on the lookout though.

some Philips sets & others have no IF adjusters.

The 123 IFs can be adjusted by a central screw from the top or the bottom - top recommended. They can be very stiff from melted wax inside the can, so it is a good idea to first do it when the set is warm and the wax (if any) will move more easily. No special equipment needed other than non-metallic driver, such as a plastic knitting needle filed to flat blade. The service docs set out the sequence.

Maven