If something is worn out or not usable, I don't see anything wrong with re-using the shell. It can't be used for anything on the modern road for safety.
I have a degree in electronics, but mainly in modern electronics, not vacuum tube technology.

50s 6 channel CB body. I gutted most of it and installed a 70's era 23 channel CB guts, saving the tubes with LEDs glowing underneath for visual. Fully functional.
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Chip

'Rusto-Mod'
'51 Chevy 3600 5 window | C4 Corvette front/rear suspension & drivetrain | everything else looks old and stock
'92 GMC Sonoma GT #15 of 806
'91 GMC Sonoma GT Extended cab 1 of 1
Trucks, Trucks.....and more Trucks