6v Am Radio Conversion
Does the Conversion use the original in Dash parts? (knobs, dial, etc.)I did a conversion to am/fm in my '37 Limo, it worked okay, but it was a lot of work.
I would charge more than $500. If I were doing it for someone else. The '37 radio has cables (for volumn and tuning) that go from dash to radio box mounted on firewall and adapting those cables to the modern radio was a job. I used the original speaker box (that mounts on firewall) but put a modern 8' speaker in it.I built a voltage doubler circuit for power, since the radio I had was a 12.volt unit. There was plenty of room in that large radio box so didn't have any problems hiding the doubler circuit and since the modern radio doesn't draw much current, I could use fairly small components. Rickthis is how one of the vendors described it (see below)We can convert your existing AM (or AM/FM) factory radio to AM/FM Stereo with 22 watts per channel into 8 ohm speakers, 45 watts into 4 ohm speakers, up to 4 channels - 180 watts total. You would probably want to replace the original speaker(s) and/or add one to the rear deck.
Vintage Auto Radio Brand new original looking radios with Bluetooth. We also do AM/FM stereo conversions, that maintains the radio's original OEM look, feel,and functions, but provides updated modern circuitry to be able to use todays modern speakers so that you can remember your old car or truck better than it was!
We remove all the old electronics and replace with a modern circuit board. This is by far the best solution to improving the sound on older collector cars as the original radio fits correctly and looks correct. The volume, tone, push buttons and tuning still work as normal. The Tone control also can be programed to function as a balance and fader control as well as a tone control. When you turn the radio on, it comes on in FM. You will need to learn where your local FM stations line up on the AM dial markings. Turn the radio off and back on quickly, it switches to AM.
Off and wait 5 seconds and back on and your back to FM. We add a small 3 color Light Emitting Diode (LED) to the front near the '16' on the radio dial. The LED lights green for FM mono, yellow for FM stereo, and red for AM. That sounds like a good system. I have to reach under dash to switch from FM to AM, with my setup. But that's not so bad since I leave it on FM all the time, anyway.The speakers would surely have to be changed, to handle that much power.
Old radios only put out 5 to 10 watts average.I know $500. Sounds like a lot, but if you don't think you can do it yourself and you really want your music, then it is probably worth it. Hey, it's Only Money. AM/FM 6.Volt radios don't come cheap, any way you go.I think it would be a lot better than a Humming AM radio, that is not very reliable. As long as the Dash still looks Original. I found another 2 converters (see below) which look like they will work. The next thing i'll look for is a good radio and speakers to work with these.
I'm not well informed on electronics so most of what i read about electrical and stereo specs is like reading the dead sea scrools to me. I do understand these converters have limitations on output and required a healthy charging system. I guess there would be some systems which would operate best with these converters. Another concern i've read is the potential for getting interferance or hum from the converter on the radio but this is probably not as much of a concern with current technology.i like the idea of getting a system with a remote so it can be hidden. I also like the idea of putting it under the rear seat as there is already power there to the rear cigar lighter and it would be relatively easy to run the antenae and speaker wires there. I mostly listen to one oldies station in the car anyway so i don't really need a cd or dvd.frank.
Converting A 6 Volt Radio to 12 VoltPosted by RUSS (member) on January 10, 2001 at 11:53:00:I saw some discussion a few days ago regarding Vinny's 6 volt/12 volt conversion.I'm coverting my 6 volt postive ground system to a 12 volt negative ground.I just, last Xmas, spent $250.00 having my radio restored. Is there a wayto use my 6v. Negative ground radio on the 12v postive ground conversionor am I going to have to spend another $500 to get it converted to 12v?I would appreciate hearing other options.Posted by LARRY JORDANmember on January 10, 2001 at 21:12:30:It makes no difference to the radio if your battery is pos. Gr.Just get one of those voltage reducers that looks like a round piece ofwhite ceramic with the curly spring and two screws. Put it in your currentsupply line. One is all you need. I have mine mounted under the hood, onthe driver's side fender well, toward the firewall, in that section downlow where nothing will get to it.
It's been like that for a couple of yearsand works fine. LarryPosted by Keith on January 10, 2001 at 21:41:50:In Reply to: Re: 6 volt Radio/12 volt system posted by LARRY JORDANmemberon January 10, 2001 at 21:12:30:Larry are you saying that you have an original 49-51 Ford radio and youreversed the polarity and it still works OK? I understand dropping the voltage.Posted by LARRY JORDAN member on January 13, 2001 at 22:41:29:In Reply to: Let me get this straight posted by Keith on January 10, 2001at 21:41:50:Hello Keith; I do have a stock radio.
It makes no difference if your radiois pos. As long as the wire that feeds the radio throughthe fuse is a live one, carrying 6-8 volts or so that's all you need.
Theonly thing that needs to know if it's pos. Is the battery, reg,and generator or alternator. The starter does not have to be changed either.It will work pos. Thanks, Larry.Posted by Sam on January 10, 2001 at 21:57:08:In Reply to: Let me get this straight posted by Keith on January 10, 2001at 21:41:50:Larry are you saying that you have an original 49-51 Ford radio and youreversed the polarity and it still works OK?
I understand dropping the voltage.It is my understanding that all can be covered by changing the existingvibrator to a negative ground. This was told to me by the guy who rebuildmy radio. Haven't tried it yet.Posted by Gene(not to be confused with gene) on January 11, 2001 at 07:28:08:In Reply to: Re: Let me get this straight posted by Sam on January 10, 2001at 21:57:08:The vibrator doesn't know about polarity of the system, accept for whichdirection it first starts to vibrate in, which is invisible.
Am Radio Conversion Kit
And, exceptfor the tube heater elements, the rest of the radio depends on what comesout of the vibrator/step-up transformer circuit.Different radios (6,7 or 8 tubes) draw different amperages, but your basic1-ohm, 100 watt wirewound resistor will be close enough.