64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

[randy greenbaum]

Hi all,
I have recently installed an original 1964 Delco radio in my 64 roadster. Everything seems to be hooked up correctly but all I get is static. I can however pull in one AM station very faintly. I have dissembled and cleaned the antenna components and reintalled, but it hasn't helped. Could it be a ground problem? Or maybe someone out there has another idea. Thanks in advance, Randy

[Joe C.]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

You might have to adjust the "trimmer". Tune the radio to a weak station around 1300. Adjust the trimmer screw for max volume. How is your FM reception?

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

You might have to adjust the "trimmer". Tune the radio to a weak station around 1300. Adjust the trimmer screw for max volume. How is your FM reception?

Joe

[randy greenbaum]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Hi Joe,
All I get on FM is static. Where is the trimmer screw located. Thanks, Randy

[randy greenbaum]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Hi Joe,
All I get on FM is static. Where is the trimmer screw located. Thanks, Randy

[Joe C.]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Randy:

The trimmer screw is located on the front face of the radio, adjacent to the dial, I think. Radio must be removed for access.
You should pull in FM stations even without an antenna. The antenna lead from the radio to the rear quarter is enough to get a signal. It sounds like you have other issues, like a weak/bad tuner section. You might have to send it out for refurb.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Randy:

The trimmer screw is located on the front face of the radio, adjacent to the dial, I think. Radio must be removed for access.
You should pull in FM stations even without an antenna. The antenna lead from the radio to the rear quarter is enough to get a signal. It sounds like you have other issues, like a weak/bad tuner section. You might have to send it out for refurb.

Joe

[randy greenbaum]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Thanks for the info Joe. Do you know if the ground at the base of the antenna is necessary?

[randy greenbaum]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Thanks for the info Joe. Do you know if the ground at the base of the antenna is necessary?

[Joe C.]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Randy:

If you are talking about that funny looking aluminum plate, then yes, it is.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Randy:

If you are talking about that funny looking aluminum plate, then yes, it is.

Joe

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Randy,

I had the exact same problem with my 1964 radio, although I doubt that the year has much to do with anything. In my case,the finned aluminum "backing plate" was improperly making metal to metal contact with the main body of the radio. There are at least 2 screws that hold the plate to the radio body. You should have a non-metal insulating washer between the radio body and backing plate on each screw that prevents metal to metal contact.

I have no idea of the science behind the problem, but when I replaced the insulating washer on the offending screw, bada bing! My reception was clear as a bell.

In my case, one of backing plate attaching screws had vibrated loose. When replaced and tightened the screw, all I had was static. When I backed off the screw a little, my reception came back. By sheer luck, I found the insulating washer still in the car below the radio. You really have to pull your radio to do a proper check/repair.

I could see where someone easily may have forgotten to replace the insulating washers or installed them in the wrong position. If they fooled around with the radio while it was out of a car. You should be able to find some washers at Radio Shack if they are missing.

Hope this solves your problem.

Bruce

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Randy,

I had the exact same problem with my 1964 radio, although I doubt that the year has much to do with anything. In my case,the finned aluminum "backing plate" was improperly making metal to metal contact with the main body of the radio. There are at least 2 screws that hold the plate to the radio body. You should have a non-metal insulating washer between the radio body and backing plate on each screw that prevents metal to metal contact.

I have no idea of the science behind the problem, but when I replaced the insulating washer on the offending screw, bada bing! My reception was clear as a bell.

In my case, one of backing plate attaching screws had vibrated loose. When replaced and tightened the screw, all I had was static. When I backed off the screw a little, my reception came back. By sheer luck, I found the insulating washer still in the car below the radio. You really have to pull your radio to do a proper check/repair.

I could see where someone easily may have forgotten to replace the insulating washers or installed them in the wrong position. If they fooled around with the radio while it was out of a car. You should be able to find some washers at Radio Shack if they are missing.

Hope this solves your problem.

Bruce

[randy greenbaum]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Thanks Bruce, I'll try that.

Joe, I'm refering to the ground strap at the base of the antenna, inside the wheel well. Thanks, R

[randy greenbaum]

Re: 64 DELCO RADIO PROBLEMS

Thanks Bruce, I'll try that.

Joe, I'm refering to the ground strap at the base of the antenna, inside the wheel well. Thanks, R