How bad of an idea... Stereo Cabinet Content

Hi Folks,

I was at the local thrift store a little before closing time today and there was a Motorola cabinet with owner's manual (record player, AM/FM radio and all kind of controls) for sale for $25. The back panel covers had clearly been replaced, and there was no indication of whether or not it was functional. Looking online, I haven't been able to find a picture of one with the exact layout of the one today.

For someone who would be looking to have a functional setup (potentially with a Bluetooth retrofit?), but has no experience in audio-adventures and a very limited budget, how bad of an idea would this undertaking be?

A buddy gave me one years back. I could never get it to function on both channels. I eventually just used the case and fitted modern components. It is now one of my prize possessions Doesn't mean it couldn't use a good cleaning.

The cabinet itself is essentially worthless, most collectors don't want them on account of the size. Some of the nicer pre solid state models have some value if there's a nice discrete stereo tube amp to rip out. It shouldn't be too difficult to wire up the speakers to a modern amp with an aux cord, but don't expect them to handle a lot of power, these things weren't built for metal.

I had one and it grew feet. My silly little dream was to gut it and put in modern components. I may look for another as it would be perfect for a rec room or garage.

In reply to akamcfly:

They're great to repurpose to house components for within trailers or RV for track weekends or tailgating.

I have a late 1970s RCA solid state that I got for free. While it doesn't look bad and actually sounds decent for sounding old, its just easier to use a cheap bluetooth speaker. My wife would love for it to disappear, and I'm starting to feel the same way. Free to any GRMer or friend of GRMer willing to come get it in Canton, OH. It will fit in a Saab 9-3 wagon with the seats folded down. Both channels work. Radio works. AUX works. I have no idea how to make the turntable work, even after reading the original manual.

Finally found a good looking one today for my parents. Grundig Model SO142PX. Guy's dad bought it when he was stationed in Germany, and finally the guy is downsizing and didn't have any use for it anymore.

Everything turned on and worked, but the sound was pretty quiet and not great. Is that what you get from a set this old, or should I expect that replacing some capacitors will help restore some sound quality and allow a little volume?

It's an awesome piece, and the cabinet at least is in really good shape for being ~60 years old at this point, but I would love for it to have some sound for my parents to be able to enjoy actually using it some, too.

Grundig stereos can be pretty valuable (both for the electronics as well as the mid century modern design), so I'd look into getting it serviced and repaired rather than gutting out the cabinet for new equipment. I know some guys here in the Twin Cities area who have a mid century modern antique store; they recently sold a Grundig console for something like $800 if I recall correctly.

I did it once, and have three more lined up to do the same. Modern bluetooth amp, modern speakers, vintage look. Everyone that sees it loves it, and it works great.
Very doable on the cheap.