1956 CDV Radio + Clock

[Padams22]

Hi All,

Both the radio and clock are dead on my 56 Coupe DeVille.  What is the easiest way to replace these or are they easily repairable?

Are they interchangeable with other years?

[J. Gomez]

Hi All,

Both the radio and clock are dead on my 56 Coupe DeVille.  What is the easiest way to replace these or are they easily repairable?

Are they interchangeable with other years?

Paul,

Neither the radio nor the clock are interchangeable these were '56 exclusive.

As for the radio I did both my spare and working and overhauled them last year and upgraded the electromechanical vibrator to electronic type.

The vibrator would be my first item for you to check these tend to go bad with age.
The vibrator would be on the amplifier unit (the large box on the right side of the glove compartment). There are solid vibrators available but I would not recommend replacing them without checking the radio and amplifier there are a few items that could failed on these old radios.

If you are no picky about the clock having the original mechanical "ticking" you can have it professional converted to quartz movement, there are a few companies that do this type of conversion.

Good luck..!

[bcroe]

If the radio is mechanically in good shape, there is no problem
getting the electronic parts to restore it to original performance. 
It probably needs most of the caps replaced, and an alignment
job may be needed.  The parts are not very expensive, but labor
could be a lot if you cannot do it. 

What has often happened here, is a modern AM-FM-Clock-Media
player is fitted.  Or, originals can be sent to a specialist for
conversion to all the latest modes, while still appearing stock. 

AM can be awfully noisy in crowded areas these days.  good luck,
Bruce Roe

[wheikkila]

I sent my radio to TAYMAN ELECTRICAL radio@garytayman.com out of Florida. They are great to work with.
Thanks Wayne