FM Radio conversion

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I would like to have my radio converted to AM/FM in my 50C8. Has anyone recently had this done and at what cost ? My radio was rebuilt in the 70's and was in long term storage, it does not work currently and probably has a tube or vibrator issue.



Tom.

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Several radio repair shops used to rebuild the old tube radios, incorporating FM capability while still using the antique tube technology. It used to cost about $400. But I'm not sure if anyone is doing that, anymore. Nowadays, they simply "gut" your radio and put all-new innards into the housing. I'm not sure how they handle the dial and control knob interface. Try googling it.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Give this ebay seller a call. He rebuilds Hudson radios and includes a plugin port and cable so you can plug an iPod or CD player or FM module. he completely rebuilds the radio's and has offered a few Hudson radios I have tracked they usually sell for around $150. I cannot vouch for his work but have talked to him in emails and he sounds knowledgeable on Hudson radios he converts and keeps them 6V positive which I think is pretty cool.



    NVARADIO@COMCAST.NET OR CALL 978-259-3293
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    You might want to follow this thread, it has some useful info and sources for plug in conversions for about $100.



    http://www.classiccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12185
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CUSTOM-AUTOSOUND-POWER-INVERTER_W0QQitemZ130052873310QQihZ003QQcategoryZ80741QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118



    Try this together with an FM converter you can pick up on eBay.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    My original '37 head unit (tuner & knobs) is hooked up to a later stereo, mounted behind the dash, near the column. It has a cable to the tuner, and another to the volume control. The way it's set up, it is FM only. Works fantastic! There is no way to tell this is done, unless you stick your head up under the dash and look. I have a pair of 6x9 speakers mounted up high in the upper kick panel area, too, and they are nearly invisible. My radio antenna, rather than going along the running board as stock, was inserted above the headliner, fully extended along the driver's side, then the headliner was installed to hide the antenna. No reception issues at all, works great!



    My car is restored to stock, with that exception and a 12V GM alternator. All of the wiring in the car is new.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I guess my main question was , can anyone recommend a source to have my radio converted to AM/FM. My radio des not work now & if I'm going to spend money to repair it I might as well do the conversion at the same time. I would like to keep it 6V p/gnd.



    Tom.
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    If you want to have it converted to FM and don't mind that is gutted and all the old tubes removed, go to Antique Automobile Radio's website and look up one of its franchisees near you or use them directly. They can keep it 6 volts, but it will cost at least a $100.00 more. I have my car converted to 12 volts before I decided to convert the radio, and it works real well.

    Jason
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Here's a website in which you can find companies in your particular region, which convert old car radios to FM / stereo / 12-volt, or whatever. http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/dealerslookup.htm
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Just for kicks I would power up your radio with a 6V battery charger and give the vibrator a tap or two. It is not uncommon that the old mechanical vibrators get stuck when they sit for a long time.



    If you get it to work you might try selling it as a working radio and buy a dead one from someone. I have an extra dead one at the moment from my '50.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Here is a source for vibrators @ $10.00 each



    http://www.smcelectronics.com/autoacc.htm



    VIBR01.JPG



    Mallory 6 Volt Vibrator.

    Used in some 1940's-1960's car radios,

    military radios, and other products. 5 pins.

    Size (less pins): 3" x 1 7/16" diameter.

    Mallory part number: 1752.

    (Stock #: VIBR01)



    $10.00 Each



    Also do a Google search on 6 volt vibrator repair... should find several places where the proceedure for removing the vibrator can cover and a how to clean the points proceedure is described.



    Good Luck
  • Sarah Young
    Sarah Young Senior Contributor
    Have you heard of anyone starting to do conversions to satellite radio yet? Or ipod jacks?



    I heard that am frequency will no longer be transmitted within this year or the next?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sarah... The promoters of alternate radio technologies are pushing the envelope with thier communications with the public... AM radio will exist and probably out live some of the current so called altenatives to radio. The same smooze is being tried on the TV owners over HDTV.



    A saying made famous years ago.... Say it isn't so! Applies the market audience will always drive the medium.



    There are folks who are adding IPOD and Sat Radio jacks to the AM radios... one fellow regularly sells Hudson radios with this conversion on ebay.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    hmmm, my wife's vibrator looks a lot different than that one. har har
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Ken, HDTV is here to stay. If you don't want a digital TV, then in Feb '09, your screen will go blank, unless you have a digital converter for your analog TV. This will happen whether you are receiving cable, satellite, or over-the-air signals.
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