[codefox1]

I feel your pain. No matter how bad, I like to see original work. Occasionally I see restored sections that I would be proud of if I were that good, and later problems that I need to fix. This does not happen often, unless a great restorer dies at the bench and his (radio) remains fall into your hands.

So get yourself a good schematic, check off item by item with a yellow marker that connection is correct and component are correct and good, and you'll get there. That is unless you have a better nose than me, which is quite probable.

Bear in mind that repairs 30 years ago are different than restorations today. Different mentality entirely.