RADIO CONVERSION and low voltage problems

[John Hertog <crossram@xxxx>]

Hi Ted,

I have had radio conversions done by Antique Automobile Radio, 700 Tampa
Rd., Palm Harbor, FL., 34683. (800) 933-4926, Fax (727) 789-0283 .

Results have been satisfactory, especially since they stated using new
"kits" recently. The newer conversion get better FM reception and less
drift. They also have line outputs, but no inputs that I know of, therefore
you'll have to use an RF converter-type device to be able to play a CD
player thru the radio.

A couple relevant facts:

1/ Make sure to tell them you do NOT want an LED installed in the radio face
( as they did to one of my conversions, for whatever reason. I find the
orange light ( FM Stereo) in the middle of the dial area bothersome. It is
NOT visible when the radio is turned off.

2/ These radios are very susceptible to low voltage conditions. This is a
common problem in our older Chryslers.
It seems to be worse in the 65 and younger cars, actually, than in the older
ones ! I know that if I connect a voltmeter to my fuse block in the '65
300L, and turn the lights on, and let the engine idle ( like at night) in
Drive, the voltage goes down to as low as 8 or 9 volts ! Well, the solid
state FM conversions don't like that low voltage at all. What happens is
that you will hear popping sounds coming out of the speakers everytime
ANYTHING electrical is activated when a low voltage situation is present.
For instance, pressing on the brake pedal, or releasing same will cause an
audible POP ( only when engine is idling in Drive and with lights on..)

The 65 - 66 Chryslers ( not sure about the later years) are notorious for
having poorly designed wiring systems .
I have yet to see one of these cars that does not DISCHARGE drastically at
low idle, with the lights on, such as when one is driving at night. If you
happen to be using the a/c or the fan blower, it's even worse. There's an
article in the September 2001 isuue of Car Craft magazine (page 102 and 103)
that outlines a fix for this problem . It's rather involved and includes
some rewiring as well as switching to a higher output GM alternator.

I wish to state that the ONLY reason I am not wholly satisfied with the FM
conversions is because of the problems caused by low voltage being supplied
to the radio when at idle in Drive , and especially at night with the lights
on. The popping sounds are annoying. But it is not fair, in my opinion, to
blame the FM conversion for this shortcoming, which is actually one that
originates with the car itself.

I suggest that anyone having any interest in this just connect a voltmeter
to their fuse blocks and watch the reading of the meter, when driving it
should be up to about 13 volts, but you might be amazed at the low voltage
readings you'll get when you get to a stop light... then try it with your
lights on.... then with the fan blower on... !

John






----- Original Message -----
From: "moparted"

> I have a 68 newyorker AM radio for my 68 300, its is
> am only. I would like to convert it AM/FM stereo with
> Cassete or CD imput. Any sources??
>
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