Radio Restoration

[John Hertog <crossram@xxxx>]

Hi Sean,

I have been using Antique Automobile Radio in Florida ; but, I must add that
I have had all radios sent to them converted to AM-FM high power stereo . I
just don't get much enjoyment from AM radio, and I really get a kick out of
the "stock" look yet the modern guts inside the radio !

A quick comment: I have had no problems with the conversions EXCEPT with 65
and younger Chryslers . The older Exner Chryslers seem to have a much
better charging and electrical system than the newer Engle design ! The
problem, as with my 300L, is that the voltage drops to about 9 volts at IDLE
. That is not enough for the transistorized, late model guts in the radio,
and it results in annoying pops and clicks everytime the turn signals, or
brake lights, are activated when the car is idling - especially at night
when theheadlights are on. But I have never encountered this problem in 1960
and 1961 Chrysler, for instance.

The 300L is really bad that way, and so is my friend Bob's 66 Newport and
his 66 300 convert. The ammeter needle will go to discharge at idle,
especially ( but not only) at night, and the headlights dim quite a bit when
the car is at idle. If the a/c happens to be on, forget it ! The ammeter
needle goes to full discharge. Ground straps, new batt. cables have not
helped in any way.

To figure out if this will be a problem with YOUR car, connect a voltmeter
to the fusebox and read the voltage at idle, with the headlights on.

John