[R-390] R392 help

[Dave and Sharon Maples]

All: I know this is off-topic, but I have an R-392 that appears to be
unmodified that I am restoring.  The IF stages are not clipping even on 100%
modulation, and the audio is recovered as well as can be from the diode load
point (just a bit of distortion, but nothing huge) but the audio chain is
really ugly.  The first AF amp (which uses contact bias) appears to be
underbiased and drawing too much plate current, but all the resistances are
just fine (and the contact bias cap is only 12 PF, which seems really
strange, but that's what is in the schematic).  Finally, the final amplifier
(26A7) is boiling hot; from all I can find that is the way it is expected to
work (more contact bias)!

I am highly inclined to do something with the audio.  I have thought about a
couple of things:

a. Standard cathode bias on the first AF stage.

b. Standard cathode bias on the final amplifier to bring it back into its
specified current draw and reduce the heat.

c. Chuck the whole mess and put in a good solid-state amplifier.

(c) makes it "non-stock" but it will sound a lot better.  I am not sure I
want to do that; I'd really rather leave it as it is if possible.  

It occurs to me that I could do (c) and simply pull the tubes, and tell the
new owner that if he wants it stock he can remove the amp and plug in the
tubes.

What do you folks think?

Thanks,
Dave Maples, WB4FUR