The goal is to approximate the original thickness and pliability of the cone. Fixing a Broken Dial String Fixing the dial string was equally simple. Replacement dial string is available from Antique Electronic Supply. You can also use strong braided fishline from a sporting goods store. When restringing a tuning dial, it's crucial to get the right tension, to prevent slipping.
Many radios use a tiny spring on one end of the string to provide tension.
I picked up a replacement spring of the right size at a local hardware store. This radio's string path was obvious. I wound the string three times around the shaft of the crank, and fastened each end to the large pulley that carries the dial face. On this set, each end of the string hooks onto small metal ears inside the large pulley, which is hollow. Getting the spring hooked inside the pulley took some patience and a very thin needle-nose pliers.