These are nice radios but as the set is sixty years old, as well as the mains cord, there's undoubtedly going to be some other failing parts that need replacing. These sets have exposed mains voltage selector contacts so do not plug it in while the back is off.
FYI: this is an example of the sort of work needed
http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=81864
Andrew