Classic/Antique Car Repair: 78 Ford Am/FM radio, ford radio, tube radios

Question
I have a 78 Ford that is a Ranger model with an AM/FM stock radio with a single dash speaker.  It was a farm truck for many years for an old man and is in great condition otherwise.  I began to use the radio and over a period of about two months the radio faded and faded...the power seems to be delivered fine and the antenna is without corrosion and plugged in.  But now there is absolutely no sound and, on another issue, the tuning knob slips and I figure the thing needs disassembly and a thorough cleaning.  Any help before I delve into this would be much appreciated.  If I am correct, is this a tube type radio?  It seems to grow and fade in the manner of a tube type.

Answer
Tyler,
Tube radios for automobiles were last made for most american vehicles about 1959-1960, however a few held on until about 1965. The problem with your radio may be a defect in the audio output section. have you tried the AM reception to see if it still works? If you give me the complete model number of your 78 Ford radio I can give you some ideas on the slipping tuning assembly.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net