[morzh]

I got my sig. gen. and freq. counter on the eBay, and paid not too much - I believe about 75 bucks bought me both.

Certainly try "Wanted" section.
eBay, to me, is potentially faster as many more people sell there. May be a bit more expensive.
You can get a generator in fully working condition for anywhere from 30 bucks to 120 bucks.


Last thing: if this is your one and only project, for sentimental reasons - you may try to get by somehow without buying the proper equipment.

However if you plan to continue doing this, this is like keeping tightening the nuts and bolts with your fingers while working as an auto mechanic.
Get the equipment.
And read a book or two about popular electronics, the very basic one will suffice, and something about tubes, though the forum here will fill that void.