wd 40 all old connectors

Sure is nice to see some postings on some real radios.

I have often used adjustable cb swr meters on commercial and public safety two way radios just to see the swr. They will do the job -but maybe not tell you the exact watts. If you aren't in the business you don't need a super duper wattmeter

Which ever one uses the longer rod at your freq will be slightly better than one with a shorter rod as long as you can get the swr to zero on tx.

This guy may have worked for me. He couldn't change a light bulb either.

"Jesus help me". because you know I need it.

The answer of no was correct. No dual use without serious reconstruction. The amps audio transformers and tubes and a lot more would have to be converted to a RF amplifier type coils and transformers. . The poweer supply could be used to power a RF amp that you could build or buy. lol

It sounds like a short to ground of one side of the telephone line or a leaking lightning arrestor.