am radio conversion

[booalou]

I'm had the toughest time winning any am/radio auction on ebay. I would like to have the original am/fm radio that came in the 1963 for my 1962 but it appears that may never happen.

So can anyone tell me if they've converted there original am (using the original exterior parts) to an am/fm stereo. I'm getting prices from ELECTRO - TECH, INC has anyone had experience with them on other companies who do this conversion?

[fomoco59]

Gary Tayman is very good. He's done LOTS of TBird radios. Here's his site: http://taymanelectrical.com/

There are a couple others on this site's Technical Resource page. http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=4759

[JohnG]

If you look at his website you will find a link to his Personal Radio Collection. In it are two Thunderbird promotional radios that were given out by Ford dealers. Not radios from TBirds but TBird models that are also radios! Really unusual! How many of you guys have such a thing??

[fomoco59]

I have a yellow '55 TBird radio. Don't know it's age.

[JohnG]

the ones that this guy has are claimed to have been made for Ford-Philco as dealer promotional items, so if yours is of similar original it must be from 1955...

sometime post a photo of it!!

Bob: am I correct that radios for 61-3 'Birds are different than 64-66?? And having FM was an option on the 61-3s??

John

[Dutchbird]

At my knowledge the FM-radio was an option just available for (Thunder)Bulletbirds for the first time in 1963. If I'm wrong, please reply! (Still learning about these cars...)

[Guest]

Hey Dutchbird,
You are correct!
Changes for 1963 were relatively mild. Some additions to the option list included vacuum assisted door locks and an AM/FM radio; an AM radio and a remote drivers side mirror became standard. 1963's numbers were down at 63,313. The Landau became the number 2 model after the standard hardtop, at 12,193 sold. Landaus added simulated wood grain trim to go along with the landau top. In addition a Limited Edition "Principality of Monaco" Landau model was introduced. This Corinthian White car, with a white leather interior was personalized with a plaque displaying the owner's name and the car's limited production number, was limited to and sold only 2,000 units. Only 5,913 convertibles and 455 Sports Roadsters sold, indicating a decline in convertible popularity at the time.
Richard D. Hord

[Dutchbird]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the info.........
Always great to read something new and expand knowledge of the history of our T-birds.
Much appreciated!!

[JohnG]

So if I am a '63 owner and hoping to hunt down an AM/FM radio, then 61 and 62 cars are out as a source. Therefore low numbers installed.

The one last question would seem to be: was the same radio(s) used in 64-66 or did they come up with something new ?? That would seem to increase the pool of possible radios out there. (Additionally was the radio you are after used on any other Ford cars ??? )

In either event are there identifying numbers on the radio??


John