Re: IML: New Radio ---- iPod? fm conversion, source

I am planning on perhaps getting an ipod for my '60 Crown. Of course you need FM first. It's expensive but my system is rotted out anyway. I have added all my correspondance with one company that seems pretty good though I have not used them. There is lots of good info. though.

We have converted many of these radios. The conversion does not change the radio case, look, or external functions - only the electronics inside change. On Town and Country signal seeking radios like yours, the scan will still function and the foot switch will still work. Normally when we do a conversion, we drill a small hole in the dial backer plate for a small 3 color LED that lights green for FM, changes to yellow when tuned to an FM Stereo station, and lights red when you are in AM. We cannot do this on a few radios, like yours, as drilling a hole in the dial backer would destroy the electoluminescent panel. Therefore the front of the radio does not change at all. Power, antenna, foot switch and high voltage dial power hook back up to the radio just as they do now. The only change in wiring is the addition of a new speaker connector with 8 wires for 4 speakers when configured for 4 channel.

On the iPod, there is an optional FM modulator that mounts to the top of the unit that transmits the signal to any car antenna and allows playback through any FM car radio. With our aux input option, you can plug any portable unit (cassette, CD, MP3 player, iPod, XM radio docking station, etc.) into the cable provided and play the device directly through the radio amplifier and speakers. This method goes around the FM tuner and gives improved sound.

Cost for basic conversion to your radio would be $435 + $20 return S&H.

Below is more information on our conversions:

We can convert your existing AM (or AM/FM) factory radio to AM/FM Stereo with 45 watts into 4 ohm speakers, up to 4 channels - 180 watts total. You would probably want to replace the original speaker(s) and/or add one to the rear deck. We remove all the old electronics and replace with a modern circuit board. This is by far the best solution to improving the sound on older collector cars as the original radio fits correctly and looks correct. The volume, tone, push buttons and tuning still work as normal. The Tone control also can be programed to function as a balance and fader control as well as a tone control. When you turn the radio on, it comes on in FM. You will need to learn where your local FM stations line up on the AM dial markings. Turn the radio off and back on quickly, it switches to AM. Off and wait 5 seconds and back on and your back to FM. We add a small 3 color Light Emitting Diode (LED) to the front near the "16" on the radio dial ono most radios. The LED lights green for FM mono, yellow for FM stereo, and red for AM. On rolling dial AM/FM radios, ie, 63 - 70's Delcos, we install the LED behind the tuning knob as there is no place for it in the dial area. We clean up the radio, paint the dial pointer, lube and repair any problems with the mechanics. Rechrome and/or cabinet painting is extra. It pays to start with a nice core.

Conversion cost for 1956 and later non-wonder bar/signal seeking radios is $385 for 1 to 4 channels plus $20 return shipping & handling for a total of $405. Rechroming and/or reproduction cosmetic parts are extra.

Seperate "Balance" and "Fader" controls (not intergrated with the tone control) (joystick type control for 4 channel 180 watts total option for 12 volt only) adds $25 to the cost.

Conversion cost on 1955 and earlier radios vary depending on type and condition and supply voltage. Many can be done for the $385 price.

CD Changers - Any after-market trunk mount CD changer will connect directly to the converted radio via the antenna circuit. The CD transmits its signal through the FM stereo radio. Just set one of the push buttons to the CD changer frequency and start the cd changer via its remote control.

Auxiliary input jacks, selector switch, and a dual RCA plugs to 1/8" stereo phone plug cable for a portable CD player, XM or Siruis radio tuners, MP3 player, or cassette player adds $25 to the price. The front panel LED is unlit in the aux mode.

Wonderbar, Town & Country or signal seeking radios add from $50 to $150 depending on the model and most of all the condition of the scan mechanics. The sensitivity switch (T&C bars) is wired as the AM - FM selector switch as the new board has no provision for the sensitivity switch. It will either stop and lock on the next station or pass it by if it is too weak for a lock.

8-Track Tape units, either stand alone or intergrated with the radio, can also be setup to funtion with the conversion. Costs will vary depending on the type of unit but usually add $50 to the conversion for built-in tape units and $100 for the underdash add-on units. The underdash tape units, when modified will feed the new radio amplifiers directly and the switching will take place when a tape is inserted into the player. The modified player will have only one cable that will plug into the back or side of the radio.

Speakers - We carry 6 x 9, 4 x 10, 4 x 8, 4 x 6, 5 x 7 ovals, 5 1/4", 6" and 8" pin cushion and 3 1/2", 4 1/2" round speakers with very small high energy neodymium magnets that will fit in the older GM and Ford cars where space is limited. The 4 x 8, 4 x 6, 3 1/2", and 4 1/2" speakers sell for $32.95, the 4 x 10" is $36.95, and the remaining sizes for $38.95 each. These speakers are custom made for us in America and work equally well with the original radios or our conversions. All but the 4 1/2" speaker ( 4 ohm) are 8 ohm impedance and will directly replace the 10 ohm Delco speakers. We offer 2 models of Stereo 6 x 9 dual driver speakers that fit in early Corvettes and T-birds. One has more bass response and weaker high end response and sells for $59.95. The other has exceptional mid and high end response but is weaker on the low end and sells for $69.95.

6 Volt Cars - Cars with 6 volt systems (either positive or negative ground) add $110 for a 6 volt to 12 volt booster installed inside the radio. The conversion board will only run on 12 volts negative ground so a heavy converter is required to provide the needed power for the new amplifier. We recommend only running 2 channels with 8 ohm speakers on the 6 volt systems as the booster cannot supply enough current for 4 ohm speakers..

Turnaround time is running 4 - 5 weeks right now. Warranty is 1 year parts and labor. We accept VISA and MC.

To start the process, just package the radio very well, especially around the control shafts and face, and ship to our address below. Include a note indicating what you would like us to do and desired options. Be sure your name, address and phone number(s) are on the note.

Thank you for your inquiry,

Greg Thompson

S&M Electro-Tech, Inc

----- Original Message -----

> *******************************************************************************
> Category:    Services
> Name:        Richard E. Burgess
> Address:     2249 East Lake Road, NE. ,Atlanta, Ga 30307
> Telephone:   404-370-8058
> Email:       lecrown60@xxxxxxxxx
> Timestamp:   14 Jan 2006 12:59:41 -0000
> Remote Name: 67.191.222.85
>
> Comments:
>
> Hi, I have a 1960 Imperial. The radio looks like new but the insides are fried. I believe it is a Bendix electro-touch tuner model. I want to be able to use my foot control and original power antenna. I know I want am/fm but no external changes as the face has "electroluminescent" lighting, a charged plate that glows. I am confused as to how to upgrade. I know I don't want a cd player in the car, maybe ipod. The car is for show only so I won't use it enough to have to pay for sattelite. Can the ipod be used in additional modern cars as well? Other suggestions? I have installed two modern "kicker" speakers where the original front single speaker was and I would like to install two more small ones in the back under the package shelf fabric that would be onubtrusive in the trunk. I guess I will need hookup for 4 speakers, the front ones each have a wire hanging from them with a soldered end. Please advise.
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