'66 AM-FM Radio...HELP!

[Dick Kindl]

I am looking for a competent experienced radio repair technician in Albany, NY area. I purchased a radio Model # 986281, Ident# 81ESA - 8439. The part # on the chrome bezel is # 7285155. I assume this is correct for 1966. I purchased a new spkr from LI Corvette and then bench tested the unit. The pilot lamp worked and I could hear three or four stations on FM. Nothing on AM. That might have been the antenna, being in a garage and all. I would like to have the radio checked out before I put it in the car. Presently have a Kenwood in the car which was there when I bought the car. It has a stereo spkr. Installed in the original spkr grill location. Would that spkr work on the original 1966 radio??? Any suggestions?

[Eric H.]

Re: '66 AM-FM Radio...HELP!

I took the radio in my 65 to a Delco repair center here in Houston. They sent it to a Delco repair center in San Antonio that had the capability of working on these hybrid radios. That was several years ago and it still works fine. As I recall, it didn't cost a whole lot either. Perhaps there's one in your area.

[Chris Burbage]

Re: '66 AM-FM Radio...HELP!

I have been told that the original speaker/radio are 10 ohms. Assuming this is true I would be careful. The Kenwood and speaker that you have in there is more likely to be 4 or 8 ohms. Hooking up the 66 radio to the newer speaker may damage your unit. Of course radio's are not my area of expertise but you should check it out before you hook anything up.

[Danny Bogdany]

Re: '66 AM-FM Radio...HELP!

I've taken my AM radio out of my '63 & had it looked at locally about 6 years ago. I let my fingers do the walking, told the guys what I had, they were confident they could fix the unit. They did a great job! The early '63's were wonderbar signal seeking AM-only units. For about 80 bucks they had it working like new (no cosmetic stuff).

I now have a '66 w/ the original AM-FM. In the cold winters I notice the AM can take upto a few minutes to warm up enough to play. The FM works fine, immediately. When I first got the car I thought the AM portion was broke. I cranked up the car one cold day, not knowing I left the radio on after messing with it the day before, the thing came on, full blast, a few miles down the road. I liked to #$*! my pants! At first I thought it had grimlins, no real pattern to when it would work. Then I realized the power tube is probably tired & takes a while to heat up. Cold days & AM takes a while in my car. I'll take it out one day & have it serviced. Ecklers & Mid-America offer a refurbishing service if you are not comfortable with unknown locals. I remember seeing tube-kits available somewhere. I'll let you know if I can remember where.

I'd make sure all bands work on the bench before you reinstall.

Good Luck!