[Ron Ramirez]

Hello and welcome to the Phorum!

Questions answered in order...

1. If you want to transport it intact (without removing the chassis and speaker), I suggest laying it face down on top of a couple of comforters.

Actually, due to the manner in which the chassis is mounted, I strongly suggest that you remove the chassis for transport. Otherwise the chassis is likely to bounce around and possibly fall into the top of the cabinet in transport, breaking tubes, other components, and possibly the cabinet itself due to the weight of the chassis.

This can be easily accomplished:

Pull off all five knobs.

Check the large speaker in back. It should have a black connector plugged into it, with multiple wires that go up to the chassis. This connector probably has a small flat-blade screw holding it in place and preventing anyone from simply unplugging it. Remove the screw, then unplug the connector.

Remove the two blocks of wood at the back of the chassis which keep the chassis from sliding out the back. Each wood block is held in place by a wood screw and a bolt that passes through the block and the supporting wood shelf, with a nut on the bottom of the shelf.

Carefully slide the chassis out from the back.

Now you can transport the cabinet face up or face down, provided that the speaker bolts are securely tightened.

Place the chassis in your SUV and cushion/protect it in such a manner that it will not hit the cabinet (or vice versa) in transport.

2. This is your call. If it were me and I had the ability to drive to CA, pick it up, and take it to CO, this is what I would do.

3. Once you get it home, take lots of photos of the radio chassis, especially the underside. Post them here. We can then better advise you in this regard.

4. I don't know of any...but someone else may chime in with a suggestion...

5. It's your radio, no objections from me.

Good luck with your new acquisition!