AM to AM/FM Conversion Question

[bcomo]

For those of you who have substituted an AM/FM radio in place of the original AM radio -- OR thinking of having the original AM radio converted to AM/FM.

Will the original AM antenna work, or do you have to change the antenna to an AM/FM antenna?

Thanks

[JohnG]

hey Bart... what would an "AM-FM antennae" look like?? The ones on my modern cars don't look much different to me than the one on the TBird.

I vaguely remember back in the 70s when people would upgrade, the old antennae would work fine (same kind of banana jack on the back) but maybe they could have worked alot better with a more modern antennae...

And then there is the question of upcoming digital radio...

john

[bcomo]

John:

I'm just wondering if someone has done that conversion and if all is OK with the stock antenna.

I do know that there are amplified AM/FM antennas that can be hidden. These give better reception. http://www.mysimon.com/9015-11143_8-30831390.html

As far as what the simple fender mount Am/FM antenna looks like -- http://www.qualitycaraudio.com/store...dProduct=16938

[YellowRose]

AM to AM/FM Conversion Question

Yesterday, Rich and I worked on my AM radio in my Tbird. He was able to locate the wiring that had been cut from the Audio Chassis Assembly and the radio. He hooked everything back up and got power to the radio. The light came on, but nothing out of the radio. We thought we had power to the radio itself, but maybe not. We did not hear anything from the radio through the speaker at all. The speaker is brand new and one made for the '59 Tbird, from one of the Tbird parts houses. No hum from the radio, nothing. I am going to get the tubes to replace those that are in there and see if that fixes the problem. We will need to check to make sure we have power going to the tubes the next time we work on it. After getting it hooked up and testing it, we had to stop for the day.

I have a couple of questions. I am thinking about sending this radio off to someone to get it overhauled. I would imagine that they will need both the audio chassis assembly and the radio? I know some of you have done this and if you don't mind saying, can you give me an idea of what it might cost and who does a good job on repairing these radios?

Secondly, I am also considering just pulling the radio and replacing it with one of the AM/FM versions with the '59 Tbird face plate on it. If I do that, do these new AM/FM units have to be tied into the old audio chassis assembly, like the present one? Or do they just run on their own without having to access that assembly?

It might cost me less just to replace the radio with a new AM/FM unit and be done with it. I get the impression from what looking I have done, that overhauling this radio could cost a lot more than a new AM/FM unit... And if I do replace it, am I going to need one of those AM/FM antennas that Bart was talking about to get good reception? Your comments please.

[bcomo]

Ray:

Here are some places to consider:

http://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm

http://www.metropartsmarket.com/catalogs/vintageaudio-c1s21.html

http://www.wonderbarman.com/#af

This is the best site -- shows exactly how the conversion is done:

http://www.mustangcountry.com/articles-mustang/radioman/home.html

[JohnG]

hi Ray

Here is what I know:

* there are only 4 tubes and not very expensive

* the amplifier section is on the side of the car by
the driver's left knee. There is a jack that must be plugged in. I would be 99% certain any new unit would have the amplifier self contained in it. Having it separate was a really unusual situation with the Squarebirds. The kids today do have separate amps but only because they want a zillion watts of power.

* having your radio overhauled is the most expensive route to go. You can just buy a whole working radio for a 58-60 and replace it for much less (you of course need to make sure the seller has tested it and realizes the amp is a
separate unit)

* the guys who overhaul old car radios are very good but
not cheap. you could easily spend $150 or more. The amp has a couple of power transistors that are hard to have replaced if my memory of conversations is correct.

I have a working extra radio/amp. If you want to send me your two units I could tell you which one is failing. I may have extra tubes. I dont really repair anything but can narrow the problem down for you. Worse case you are out some postage.

Bart: great information on antennaes!!!!

John

[Penelope]

Bart, my radio and antenna in Penelope are both standard BUT someone has put some sort of device in the radio that enables it to receive and play FM as well, but obviously the numbers on the faceplate dont correspond in FM mode and you have to punch the on/off button twice to switch to FM from AM. Some people will say it has to be an updated radio, but I can assure you it's not.....

Therefore, as it recieves both on the original antenna or arial as we call them over here, you should be all good with the old one.

Bill

[juantejeda]

I had mine converted to an AM/FM. The face is unchaged and as Bill stated above, you just turn the radio off and turn it back on with in two or three seconds and it's in FM. If you turn it off and wait longer it will be bacl in AM. It is set up for stereo in FM and has an input jack so you can add a CD player and just plu it in. The antenna is a standard automotive antenna and the original should work fine.

My radio was rebuild by the guy in Pismo Beach now in Oceano, California and yes he was rather expensive, but for me he is very local and I wanted that just in case I had to go back to him for repairs. Mine cost about $500, but I would recommend him to anyone, as long as your not in a big hurry, he takes his time and does it right.

Bob's Radio & TV Service / Vintage Radio Restorations www.bobsradio.com