61wonderbar radio problem

[Bruce G.]

Just installed wonderbar radio, got flight judged sunday and after it worked in shop on bench, it didn't perform too good. It works after the ignition is off, but when car is running, the motor static comes out of speaker. I switched off engine, but left key on ON and it works fine. Antenna is all the way up, radio ground straps all installed, new wiring harness so...what's the problem...Help Bruce #39024

[Mike E.]

Re: 61wonderbar radio problem

Bruce--the main problem is that it is a wonderbar radio in a fiberglass car. They're notorious for static. However, having said that, try adjusting the antenna trimmer on the radio. If you have an owner's manual, it give the procedure for doing that. It has nothing to do with touching the antenna, it has to do with adjusting the radio to the antenna you have. Good luck!

[Bruce G.]

Re: 61wonderbar radio problem

thanks Mike...except, read through owner's manual & wonderbar instruction sheet and did not find "ANTENNA TRIMMER" adjustment instructions. Maybe only on '62 radio's? If you can advise where, please do...thanks again..Bruce #39024

[William C.]

Re: 61wonderbar radio problem-Info

Check the top of page 13-2 in the ST-12 Corvette service manual for the solid axle cars. It gives full instructions there.

[Dennis C.]

Re: 61wonderbar radio problem-Info

One of the few things these radios do well is act as an audio check on engine ignition misfire. Do make sure you are in an area of strong local AM signals.
Anything marginal invites static and causes the signal seek feature to turn into a demonstation in perpetual motion. Good Luck, Dennis

[Gary Kemp]

Re: 61wonderbar radio problem

Mike:
You mentioned touching the antenna. In my 63 the AM Wonderbar only works well if I touch the antenna. Since this is really hard to do from the drivers seat, I don't use the radio much (read - at all). Is this a problem that probably could be fixed with antenna t*******? Touching the ground strap has no effect.

Gary

[Dennis C.]

Re: 61wonderbar radio problem

Bruce - Do you have all 4 correct radio static supression capacitors in place: Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator & Amp Meter ??? Dennis

[Bruce G.]

Re: 61wonderbar radio problem

Thank you all....it looks like I do not have all capacitors in place as the judges found out last sunday. I found the antenna trimmer under radio while poking around under dash. I also printed excellent articles from Corvette Restorer disc concerning wonderbar by Dale Pearlman & Mike Ernst. An e-mail from Jack Humphrey also clarified need for RF interference capacitors. You guys are great....thanks again for all your input. Bruce #39024