"I replaced all of the caps.
Except the electrolytics that are hooked up screwy to the diodes.
I can now get two local stations (only) with a weak crackly signal.
But that is a milestone..as I got nothing before."
GREAT! REAL PROGRESS!
"Few weird things though:
Put in the 84 6Z4 with all the pins on it and it works better.
ground pin 4 and the tube lights up..but this does nothing to improve function or signal."
NO! pin 4 is the cathode of the tube... you need to ground pin 1 to connect the heater, it is right next to a ground lug on the terminal strip...about 1/2 inch away from the pin.
"so left that out and did not solder a wire to ground there."
Good for now! It has been suggested that the diodes are more reliable than the tube rectifier... Do you want to keep using the diodes, or cut them out and use the tube?
If you want use the tube, you will need to connect pin 1 to ground to light it up, and pin 4 (cathode) to the electrolytic cap + where the diodes are connected, to put the tube in the circuit. then you can remove the diodes and use the tube. If you want to continue to use the diodes, perhaps ground pin 1 of the tube to light it up but leave pin 4 disconnected.
"So now wondering if I should replace the electrolytics and wire them the way it is with those diodes and resistors on 84 tube. as the next step?"
I would first decide if I want to use the tube or the solid state diodes.
Have fun!
jr