need help on zenith

discussing the zenith 11C21 with the flip-out dial and cobra turn-table? I just obtained one of these in pretty good shape appearance-wise. The innards seem to be undisturbed. It is just plain beautiful, in my opinion. My question- where do I start with restoring this thing? Is it safe to just plug it in, or should this be done under controlled conditions? Also. there seems to be a VACCUM HOSE (not tube!) on the back of the dial! What is this about? And, if it is what I think it might be, won't this be a monumental pain in the dupa to restore?