[Jamie]

My wife sells antiques, and many times she will cut the cord on old electronic items (milk shake mixers, hair dryers, and yes, even radios) if she knows they do not work, and always if the power cord is frayed and worn. Why? Because, the first thing people want to do is find a socket and plug them in. Even if it is labeled "Does NOT work", even if the cord is bare wires... they will plug it in. Cutting the cord keeps people from electrocuting themselves and/or knocking out the fuse in the antique mall. So, if they go home, replace the cord and proceed to set themselves on fire... legal liability is on them. It's just one more possible reasons why a cord has been cut.

Good advice to Kirk.. Time to start fixing radios instead buying radios. Kirk, maybe there is a radio club in your area? You could meet up with someone who could help you learn?