The Ford Barn

fortyonerag · 12-28-2017, 01:44 AM

My 41 convert has a Spartan radio (I think). The radio doesn't work (which isn't an issue) but I'd like the light to work when I have the lights on.

I'm assuming that the globe is internal to the radio unit as i can't see where a instrument cluster style lamp assy. fits.

Is this the case, or have I missed something?

Kurt in NJ · 12-28-2017, 07:33 PM

a picture would help ---sometimes wit a moving needle behind glass the light is attached to the needle inside ----sometimes there is a little plate with a screw ---or a cover to pry off,

fortyonerag · 12-29-2017, 01:38 AM

Ahh, the radio is in the car, so I guess its just me being lazy.

I was hoping to avoid getting it out.

Not so it seems. Thanks for the help anyhow.

Ken/Alabama · 12-29-2017, 08:01 AM

Most all the radios I've seen only light up when the radio itself is turned on.

rotorwrench · 12-29-2017, 11:29 AM

Even the bulb might be harder to find now days. They were internal on all three radio models offered in 1941. Mazda # 51 (GE51) is what I see on one diagram. They come on when the radio is switched on like many of the old radio sets of that era.

I wouldn't even power the old set up until it is properly checked out. They can smoke on you and blow a fuse if the caps are bad in there. Also, the vibrator can be damaged is it's companion capacitor is bad. If a person want to get one of these old sets working, it should have ALL capacitors replaced with late type parts and match the volt ratings called out. Check the tubes and speaker out and it may event function if all is serviceable. You can use an MP3 player tied in through the antenna on them to take advantage of the amplifier that they have. It beats listening to AM static or talk show programs.

koates · 12-31-2017, 08:00 AM

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In my experience most car radios have the dial light inside the set casing and therefore the radio would have to be removed from the dash panel. While you have it removed why not have the radio repaired. Try- Nostalgic Wireless at 63 Silverdale road Eaglemont Vic. 3084 Ph. 94992495. They specialise in vintage car radio repairs. Regards, Kevin.

fortyonerag · 01-01-2018, 03:02 AM

Thanks for the tip, worth considering.

12-28-2017, 01:44 AM	#1
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 540	41 Radio light My 41 convert has a Spartan radio (I think). The radio doesn't work (which isn't an issue) but I'd like the light to work when I have the lights on. I'm assuming that the globe is internal to the radio unit as i can't see where a instrument cluster style lamp assy. fits. Is this the case, or have I missed something?

12-28-2017, 07:33 PM	#2
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,156	Re: 41 Radio light a picture would help ---sometimes wit a moving needle behind glass the light is attached to the needle inside ----sometimes there is a little plate with a screw ---or a cover to pry off,

12-29-2017, 01:38 AM	#3
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 540	Re: 41 Radio light Ahh, the radio is in the car, so I guess its just me being lazy. I was hoping to avoid getting it out. Not so it seems. Thanks for the help anyhow.

12-29-2017, 08:01 AM	#4
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,257	Re: 41 Radio light Most all the radios I've seen only light up when the radio itself is turned on.

12-29-2017, 11:29 AM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,422	Re: 41 Radio light Even the bulb might be harder to find now days. They were internal on all three radio models offered in 1941. Mazda # 51 (GE51) is what I see on one diagram. They come on when the radio is switched on like many of the old radio sets of that era. I wouldn't even power the old set up until it is properly checked out. They can smoke on you and blow a fuse if the caps are bad in there. Also, the vibrator can be damaged is it's companion capacitor is bad. If a person want to get one of these old sets working, it should have ALL capacitors replaced with late type parts and match the volt ratings called out. Check the tubes and speaker out and it may event function if all is serviceable. You can use an MP3 player tied in through the antenna on them to take advantage of the amplifier that they have. It beats listening to AM static or talk show programs. Last edited by rotorwrench; 12-29-2017 at 11:40 AM.

12-31-2017, 08:00 AM	#6
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,078	Re: 41 Radio light Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) In my experience most car radios have the dial light inside the set casing and therefore the radio would have to be removed from the dash panel. While you have it removed why not have the radio repaired. Try- Nostalgic Wireless at 63 Silverdale road Eaglemont Vic. 3084 Ph. 94992495. They specialise in vintage car radio repairs. Regards, Kevin.

01-01-2018, 03:02 AM	#7
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 540	Re: 41 Radio light Thanks for the tip, worth considering.