Thanks for the continued recommendations.
1. Regarding using an 8 Ohm amp - It was my understanding that its best (with tube amps) to have matching impedance. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
2. I have no problems building an amp (I have several guitar pedal projects on the bench at the moment but they will be done soon). If I'm wrong with #1 above then there are many kits to choose from or just build from the above mentioned schematic. I have a friend in Garland, TX that is a tube "genius" (he has a whole house FULL of tube radios - it is NUTS what he has) that can help if I build one from scratch.
3. The current finish on mine appears to be a "golden oak" type color. However, due to YEARS of sitting in an open mechanics shop its deteriorated quite a bit. Luckily there are no rotted areas. I'm about to build a rig to hold the speaker on its back so I can start prepping it for re-finishing. I'm still debating the color. I like cherry, redwood, or perhaps a satin black.
Here are some pics showing the unit right after I rescued it. You can see the years of dust buildup. I think I posted these here before about a year ago - please forgive the repost:
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/iteched/Projects/IMG_0519_zps7c1f146f.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/iteched/Projects/055_zps56013412.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/iteched/Projects/054_zps7261be60.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/iteched/Projects/052_zps5b5dbbb9.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/iteched/Projects/053_zps46df7ba1.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/iteched/Projects/056_zpsf0fb2971.jpg