'56 Tbird car radio

[angkor3]

Hi everybody,
I hope to post this thread in the correct section. I have a question for you: I have a '56 Tbird with original Motorola 69MS (Town and Country) car radio; I still don't know if it works or not because here in Italy is difficult to find someone who knows how to repair USA car radio. Anyway it seems in quite good conditions apart from a Bendix component that has been damaged. I'd like to know if someone can tell me where I can find this spare part and can you also tell me the name of this component (I don't know how to define it in English!). The code on the top of it is BENDIX C291798-2 and 503603.
I can send you a picture of this component. I'm also looking for wiring diagrams of the radio, do you know where can I find them?
Thanks a lot!

Marta

[jopizz]

I haven't found a free copy of the schematic yet but here's a link to the manual w/schematic on the CTCI web site for $7.50

https://www.ctci.org/store.php/products/motorola-auto-radio-service-manual-1956-thunderbird

John

[YellowRose]

'56 Tbird car radio

I see that John was also doing some research on your radio for you. I have not been able to find a better source price wise for that repair manual for your radio. I am told that the manual you want is the Howard W. Sams AR-6 book, picture below.

Auto Radio Service Data Manual (A Specialized Volume of PHOTOFACTS Folders, Volume 6, AR-6, This Volume Covers 1955 & 1956 models of auto radios) Amazon wants $45.90 for it plus shipping costs, whatever that would be to Italy.

http://www.amazon.com/Service-Manual...ward+Sams+AR-6

It is the only source I have found so far. I can tell you this though. The Ford Part # for your Motorola 69MS T&C radio is: FEF-18805-B. I found that information on a website. That IS the correct radio for your '56 Tbird, says Gary Tayman.

Here are a couple more sources for this.

For sale for $7 US.
http://www.mattsmusicpage.com/store/...662079143.html

For $14.99 Not listed as being sold.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Auto-Radio-Se...-/400612215098

Here is the service shop manual for the 69MS, for $29.99.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1956-FORD-TH...item4d2dd6f8dc

[angkor3]

Thank you very much! I'll give a look to the links you have suggested to me!

[jopizz]

If you want to email me the picture of the component you need I will post it. My email is jopizz@verizon.net.

John

[simplyconnected]

I called around to my local libraries and found the PhotoFacts schematic for my '55 Motorola radio. Then I found the one for my '59 Motorola Town & Country. The library has a copy machine but my camera produces much better close-ups. - Dave

[YellowRose]

'56 Tbird car radio

Dave ~ simplyconnected suggested that you check with your local library there in Italy because they also might have a copy of the PhotoFacts schematic for your '56 radio. It is a possibility.

[Wade]

'56 Tbird car radio

I can't recollect seeing Bendix labeled parts in a Motorola radio, unless you are talking about the vibrator which is a plugin part that could have ended up installed in your radio over the years.
Can you describe it or email me a photo? I have access to the schematic.
Wade

[simplyconnected]

I agree. The only "Town & Country" (wonderbar-type) radio I know of was made for Ford by Motorola, not Bendix. Bendix supplied all the lower end radios with fewer output tubes.