1936 Hudson/Terraplane radio switch

[Deleted User]

I sent my radio off to be repaired and the shop called me back and said I had a bad on/off switch. It can't be replaced with any old switch because of how it fits and mounts in the radio Anyone have an old unit that mounts in the dash,(not the big power supply that mounts under the panel)? Or know where I might buy one?



Thanks

Uncle Josh

Steve Engel is the Hudson radio guru. He might have a source.

[Deleted User]

Uncle Josh, That was a great idea, but I called Steve and he didn't have any.

So if anyone has any other ideas, let me know.



Thanks

mars55

Go to this web site and click on Links on the lefthand side. Here you will find a wonderland of resources for old radios.



http://www.antiqueradio.com/

Jon B

I had a similar problem with the switch on the control unit for my '37. The amperage going through the switch had burned it badly. What I did was to clean up all the internal brass fittings (this entailed devising a new pivot out of a number four screw, as I recall, and putting in new paper insulators to replace the charred ones). Once I had rebuilt the switch, I did NOT subject it to the same current that had destroyed it in the first place. I installed a relay (of the headlight type: that is, a relay that stays 'on' for long periods of time,unlike a horn relay) in the circuit between the switch and the actual radio receiver box. The on-off switch now merely 'signals' the relay to send the gobs of amps from the battery terminal direct to the radio. This entails very little amperage, thus subjecting the on-off switch to very little stress. The switch itself gets its power from the ignition switch, so the radio switch will ONLY 'send the signal' for power (to the relay) when the ignition key is on.



I concealed the relay behind the left removable panel in the dashboard. This is usually screwed in place. I obtained a hinge from a spare glove box door and installed it on the left panel. If you have the hinge spring, that may be enough to hold the left panel 'shut'. Or you can simply use the original top screw connection as a latch (only substitute a knurled screw so you can reach up under the dash and undo it, without resorting to a screwdriver). Also behind this same left panel, I concealed a dual headlight relay, with which I run the halogen headlight lamps on my '37.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the info guys, I have been checking out the web and even found a shop that repairs/ rebuilds switches. For $200, they will fix my switch! I will keep looking, if anyone knows where a switch is , let me know.



Thanks

mars55

It would help if you posted the make and model of your radio and picture of your switch if possible.

[Deleted User]

I guess that would help. It is an RCA Model CB6. The radio is off to the repair shop , so I don't have a picture of the switch. I do know that it is located in the control head where the on/off knob is.