Allan;
I doubt whether a new stereo unit would draw as much current as the old
tube radios that came with these cars. Some of the old tube car radios drew
as much as 8 amps especially if they had an electrodynamic speaker. As a
matter of fact, just like the headlights, you wouldn't want to run the radio
too long with the engine off. The irony is that as charging systems improved
in cars the current draw from the radios went down at the same time.
It has always been my belief that part of the experience of using an old
car is using all of the old technology that came with it. From my point of
view that includes listening to the original radios with the original
circuitry as well. Of course I was into the old radio hobby before I was
into old cars so there is a certain appeal for me in repairing the original
radio and doing this. Some may not agree with me on this point but I don't
think that is any reason for gutting the original workings of the tube
radio.
A more practical method is to leave the original radio alone and install a
newer unit in the glove box or something. If someone wants a more modern
sound system in their car your way is a good method of installing one in a
non invasive manner. Another, which I like, is to install the amplifier and
other equipment in the trunk where there is lots of inconspicuous space and
easy access. There are newer systems where you can do this and operate
everything by remote control by installing a sensor on the firewall just
below the dash. Not only does the car look original but you don't have to
worry about someone helping themselves to your C.D player.
Best Regards
Arran Foster
1954 Imperial Newport
Needing A Left Side Taillight Bezel and other trim parts.
----- Original Message -----
From: <bandmgrinding@xxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2002 5:13 PM
Subject: IML: Stereos and brakes
> Hi Gang,
> As far as the stereo is concerned, no one is crazier than me when it
> comes to music.
> I've added stereos to all my old cars and new ones and here are a couple
> of solutions I came up with for the Imperial so far. For the control head
> and amps and speakers I am probably going to build a console box to go
> under the center of the dash which will contain the main head and the
> amps and two speakers. I will then wire in a plug to the back of the box
> and to the cars wiring that will have all the necessary connections. The
> box will be e complete unit that can be lifted out if I want to show the
> car and the plug tucked up under the dash and presto, no chopping or
> hacking. I will also upgrade the orig speakers so they don't go boom when
> I turn it up. When the unit is plugged in, it will automaticaly
> disconnect the orig radio and when it is unplugged the orig radio will
> fully functional. I'm not as lucky as you guys with sedans and have no
> place to hide rear speakers so I will try to put them in the rear facing
> the rear like the 70's GM's did. I will just need a big amp for them to
> blast when the top is down. Don't forget to make sure the battery and
> charging system is up to the task of feeding the amps as they can draw a
> lot of power. Also if you build the console, don't forget the cupholders.
> If you want more info on this type of set up contact me directly and I
> will try and draw it up so you can see what I came up with.
> As far as my brakes question, has anyone ever converted the front
> brakes on a 62 to disc and if so, do you know what spindles might fit? I
> would like to use my car as a daily driver and I'm not sure that I trust
> the orig brakes.
> Thanks
> Allan R.
> 62 conv in the process
>
>
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