After market radios

[Blu Dice]

I'm tired of driving around without music - my '52 is radio delete - still 6 volt - I've read that some guys on here have newer radios with 12 volt batteries for power - can you share how you did this? And how you maintain power to the battery. Thanks

[rotorwrench]

The solid state guts from a standard later model radio will fit in the giant chassis of the early ones so some folks go that route. Some folks get their 6-volt units repaired and add an MP3 player through the antenna connector plug to get it to play more modern tunes.

Turnswitch has replacement speakers for the old cars. You can check their web site out.

[adileo]

I opted for my smart phone and Bluetooth speaker. Sounds great.

[green50]

Originally Posted by adileo

I opted for my smart phone and Bluetooth speaker. Sounds great.

Exactly what I did.

[flatheadfan]

Simplest and cheapest way is with a 6-12 volt converter. I have a '35 and ' a '36 both are 6 volt systems. I use a 12 volt converter to play a modern 12 volt radio. These converters have been trouble free for years. If you get a chance check this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Model-A...tWKXUh&vxp=mtr

Tom

[40ford]

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Originally Posted by flatheadfan

Simplest and cheapest way is with a 6-12 volt converter. I have a '35 and ' a '36 both are 6 volt systems. I use a 12 volt converter to play a modern 12 volt radio. These converters have been trouble free for years. If you get a chance check this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Model-A...tWKXUh&vxp=mtr

Tom

I bought a "modern radio" and the crazy thing has to just about be re-programmed when the switch is turned off and turned back on?I guess it must have power on it all the time so it want lose its mind!Do they make a good simple solid state radio without all the bells and whistles?

[wbedwards]

Originally Posted by 40ford

I bought a "modern radio" and the crazy thing has to just about be re-programmed when the switch is turned off and turned back on?I guess it must have power on it all the time so it want lose its mind!Do they make a good simple solid state radio without all the bells and whistles?

It should have one wire to keep the memory alive in it with the key off. Read your wiring diagram for it. Leave it hooked to a fused always hot wire. Usually its yellow I believe.

[40ford]

Would this not drain the battery and plus I worry about a short or something and starting a fire?

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by 40ford

Would this not drain the battery and plus I worry about a short or something and starting a fire?

I wouldn't worry so much about the short (put a fuse in the line) but yes it will drain the battery over time. These radios are designed for cars that are driven daily (or at least frequently).

[40ford]

Originally Posted by wbedwards

It should have one wire to keep the memory alive in it with the key off. Read your wiring diagram for it. Leave it hooked to a fused always hot wire. Usually its yellow I believe.

I am using a converter 6 volt to 12 volt.How can I make this work?

[Blu Dice]

This new modern stuff is way over my head- hoping to hang something under the dash and stick a couple speakers under the seats.

[scooder]

Can't be easyer than Tom's post above.
Martin.

[oldskool]

I used a radio shack 6 /12 inverter years ago worked fine

[Blu Dice]

Does these inverter/radio set ups have much of a "draw" on the battery/generator??
Again I'm not that in tuned in this electronic stuff - I'm a nut & bolt type of guy - lol!!

[JSeery]

A converter will work, but the easiest is a standalone unit of some type like adileo posted. No mod to the car at all and it has it's on battery.

[D. Jones]

I put in a 6 volt + to 12 volt - converter and hooked it to the original cigar lighter. Then I bought a portable compact disc player and a Bluetooth speaker that way I can play my old CD's. Works great. Plus I can run the GPS and charge the wife's phone. Some of the newer CD players have FM radios in them, I may go with one of them as my original AM radio doesn't do too good unless you can see the radio tower.

I can stash the whole thing in the glove box.

[Blu Dice]

I had a 6 volt portable CD/AM-FM player - plugged into the cigar lighter and worker pretty good - some engine interferance but CD was good. It was very old and used - finally quit working. Been trying to find another one without luck.

[dwick01]

So you have the Bluetooth speaker mounted somewhere and it just plugs into the smart phone I guess? I have neither right now is why I'm asking.

[adileo]

Originally Posted by dwick01

So you have the Bluetooth speaker mounted somewhere and it just plugs into the smart phone I guess? I have neither right now is why I'm asking.

I have the Bluetooth speaker sitting on the back deck of my 39 coupe. No need for wires its a blue tooth connection to my smart phone. I have a choice of listening to over 300 prerecorded songs or Pandora which is free and I shuffle the most enjoyed stations.

The Bluetooth is rechargeable as is the phone

[flatford8]

Originally Posted by dwick01

So you have the Bluetooth speaker mounted somewhere and it just plugs into the smart phone I guess? I have neither right now is why I'm asking.

The Bluetooth speaker works the same way the hands-free devices work that you see people have sticking in their ear. Wireless...... Mark