[Boatanchors] Receiver Antenna Input Question

[w0ng at comcast.net]

Would appreciate some advice here. I have a National NC-303 receiver that I'm restoring. I had a 75A-2 once that had a neon lamp (NE-2 ???) across the antenna input connection to supposedly act as a surge supressor for lightning, strong static charges and strong rf energy from nearby transmitters. Is this a good idea? Does this really work? Is there a better device than a neon bulb? Appreciate any opinions, etc. 73, Bill, w0ng