1967 Radio Repair?

[Lee S.]

I'm looking for a recommendation to overhaul the AM/FM radio in my 1967 coupe. I replaced the antenna lead in wire last year. The old one pulled apart in my hand. The radio works only marginally. Reception is poor and you have to flick the AM/FM switch back and forth about every 10 minutes.

This car is a pretty nice driver but it still has the original radio. I'd like to keep it that way. If possible, I would like to add capability for an iPod if it can be done discreetly. BTW, I'm in the Detroit area. If necessary, I can ship the radio for repair or exchange with like kind. Any help would be appreciated.

Lee

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 Radio Repair?

I'm looking for a recommendation to overhaul the AM/FM radio in my 1967 coupe. I replaced the antenna lead in wire last year. The old one pulled apart in my hand. The radio works only marginally. Reception is poor and you have to flick the AM/FM switch back and forth about every 10 minutes.

This car is a pretty nice driver but it still has the original radio. I'd like to keep it that way. If possible, I would like to add capability for an iPod if it can be done discreetly. BTW, I'm in the Detroit area. If necessary, I can ship the radio for repair or exchange with like kind. Any help would be appreciated.

Lee

Lee-----


My recommendation is United Radio in Syracuse, NY. The one caveat is that I don't know, for sure, if they'll still do these old radios, or not. If not, you may have to go with one of the "small time" radio repair operations.

I don't know if it's possible to add an auxiliary input to one of these old radios. However, there are some shops that can "gut" the innerds of the radio, install all modern internals, and keep all of the externals as-original. In such a case, I'm sure that adding an auxiliary input would be no problem. To me, that's the ultimate situation---modern internals but completely original-appearing externals. In fact, I have several used 68-72 radios around here [none for sale] and I plan to eventually have one of them so-converted.

I don't know if United Radio does such conversions, or not, though.

[Lee S.]

Re: 1967 Radio Repair?

Thanks Joe. Appreciate your guidance. I'll get a hold of them next week.

[James S.]

Re: 1967 Radio Repair?

Joe's Classic Car Radio Co
Joe Cilluffo
417 Cherry Hill Rd.
Laurens, SC 29360
(206) 202-8258

Used Joe about a year ago - sent '67 Corvette radio to him - turnaround was reasonable as was price - quality of repair, to date, good.

[Jeff A.]

Re: 1967 Radio Repair?

Joe's Classic Car Radio Co
Joe Cilluffo
417 Cherry Hill Rd.
Laurens, SC 29360
(206) 202-8258

Used Joe about a year ago - sent '67 Corvette radio to him - turnaround was reasonable as was price - quality of repair, to date, good.

I used him as well, although the radio hasn't been installed yet. As I recall, he
also has a great guarantee policy.

[Joe C.]

Re: 1967 Radio Repair?

Lee,

You can have your radio overhauled. It sounds like an easy fix, like a dirty/noisy switch and or rheostat(s). I am told that the weak link with those radios, is the output transistor, which is mounted to the heat sink in the rear of the unit. You'll notice that this transistor becomes very warm when the radio is operating. If you cannot leave your finger on it for more than a few seconds, without having to remove it for the heat, then something is overworking it. It should be very warm, but not too hot to prevent leaving your finger on it. It is made of germanium, and has not been produced for years. Very few repair shops have any left. The main reason for failure, is improper speaker impedance, or incorrect matching transformer.

If you are handy, then try thoroughly cleaning, especially the sliding parts. All switches, rheostats should be cleaned with carbon tetrachloride (or reasonable facsimile, try Radio Shack, etc.) Most of the Corvette parts houses sell complete kits with new knobs, buttons, faceplate, plastic bezel, number dial(roll- this can be easily cleaned). The indicator line can be freshened with red/orange gauge needle paint.

Here's the best news: You don't have to include an output jack if you don't want to. You can buy a "dock" for your iPod, which plugs into the cigar lighter. This serves 2 purposes: it KEEPS YOUR iPod BATTERY FULLY CHARGED and ALLOWS YOUR iPod TO PLAY RIGHT THROUGH YOUR EXISTING SPEAKER(S). It is an RF transmitter, which allows your original radio to capture and amplify your iPod's output just as if the iPod were a radio station located right there in your car. Neat, huh? And no mods necessary.

You get to listen to your oldies tunes just like in the old days. In monaural, playing through a single, cheap speaker. But hey, it's all about "ambiance right?

My Corvette has sidepipes, but I love to crank up The Beach Boys' "Shut Down", with the top down and the pipes roaring.

Joe