Radio

[broadcreek]

I'd like to update the radio in by '53 coupe to some thing more modern. I don't want to cut the dash. Is there a company that makes a quality product that will fit the original opening?

[76eldo]

I took a 1960 radio to Mike Hagen in Fairless Hills PA to be converted to am fm stereo. It will still have the am dial but the presets will be electronic and the wonderbar will be functional.
In other words, indistinguishable from a stock radio in appearance but will give me am fm stereo with a hidden input for an iPod.

I hope to have it back this month, he has a 4 month backlog of work or more.

Cost is about $550.00 plus you need to upgrade the speakers which are available in stock sizes.

I'm sure he could do yours too.

Brian

[Doug Houston]

Understand now, that the process used to "convert" those radios is to completely empty the radio case of all components.....gut it, then install a circuit board with the AM-FM stereo receiver on it.

Should this circuit board be defective in a few years, you might be able to get a replacement service board for it. Will the party who is doing this job today be in business in the next few years?  Will he be able to service his warranty, if any?

If you, or the next owner decides that they want the set restored to original, some time in the future, there won't be anything in the radio case to restore.

Just my thoughts.

[76eldo]

That's why I bought a mint-looking, non working radio to convert.  The original one, still in the car will be on a shelf.

This particular guy has been in the car radio business over 30 years, and is local so I am sure he would honor any warranty.
If it breaks in a few years and he is no longer around, I guess I'll find someone else to fix it.

I would advise finding another stock radio to have altered.  There are NO decent AM stations in the Phila region, and I like driving my car and I also like listening to music, so I really am happy that this service is available.

Brian