Thad;
There is an after market circuit that you can buy that that will add F.M to
an A.M only tube radio. It is a small circuit board that is installed inside
of the radio's cabinet and wired into the set leaving the original tube
circuitry intact. Apparently to switch over to F.M operation you turn the
set off briefly and then on again. I wish that I had the plans to build one
but I am already trying to figure out a substitute for the vibrator.
With regards to getting that warm tube sound all that you need is a tube
operated pre-amp before the final output if you wanted to use newer
equipment. You could install a completely tube amplifier system, and some
do, but the pre amp stage is the part that will have the biggest impact.
There was an artical that I read on a website someplace where they had
conducted the experiments and proved that this was the case. This is not to
say that a pair of 6L6 tubes, in push pull configuration, would not have an
impact on sound quality; but it doesn't have as much as a 12AX7, 6SQ7, or
some other type as a pre amp.
The easiest way to get the tube sound would be to patch the C.D player into
the amplifier of the original radio but since both of your cars have solid
state recievers in them this isn't much help. I couldn't tell you where you
could find a new tube pre-amp as I have no reason to buy one, for obvious
reasons, but I am sure that a good quality audio store could give you an
answer. By the way a Fender amp would no be a good choice for an audio
system as it is designed for a guitar pickup not a C.D player output, the
circuitry is different.
Best Regards
arran Foster
1954 Imperial Newport
Needing A left Side Taillight Bezel and other trim parts.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gentry's Garage" <gentrysgarage@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2002 6:13 AM
Subject: Re: IML: Stereos in old cars.... a challenge
> I have a "bench racing" challenge for you guys and esp. Arran (as he is
into
> tube radios). We know that tubes give a warm mellow tone to music (I have
an
> old Zenith AM/FM in the garage!). What would you do keeping 12 Volts,
modern
> speakers and CD to get FM stereo amplified? Adapt an old Fender Amp in the
> trunk? What would you use as the FM head unit a Wonderbar? Again this is
> just musing at this point (I am still working on the purple interior!)
>
> Regards,
> Thad
> 1965 Imperial silver/purple
> 1965 Chrysler Californian wagon
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Anthony Foster" <monkeypuzzle1@xxxxxxx>
> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2002 8:59 PM
> Subject: IML: Stereos in old cars
>
>
> > 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.
>
>
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