Re: IML: 1959 Imperial & Highway HI-FI

[randalpark@xxxxxxx]

The tone arm is set too heavy for most 45 rpm records made during the 60's and newer. This quickly causes record damage rendering the recordings useless. There were some 45's made that could handle the extra weight, but one needs to know what they are looking at the tell the difference.

 

Breifly, view the thickness of the record. If there is a line that seems to separate the two sides of the record, this usually means that it is a coated disc. These have less surface noise when new, and are more fragile. The absolute maximum stylus pressure would be 5 grams to prevent damage. Most Columbia 45's, even during the 1950's were made this way. If the record is very thin and has no "line", it may withstand up to ten grams with only minor damage after many playings. Most Capitol 45's and some RCA 45's were made this way. Off brands tended to be a mix of both styles.

 

I seem to remember that the minimum stylus pressure of the Highway HI FI that plays 45 rpm records is over 10 grams. This was to minimize skipping when the car is in motion. I have riden in a '60 Chrysler equipped this way. Some of the records sounded okay, while others did not. Although very interesting, playing records in a moving car isn't very practical, especially singles that last all of two or three minutes.  

 

Paul W.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: thomash85715@xxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 1959 Imperial & Highway HI-FI

The ubiquitousness of 45s compared with the paucity of the specialized 16 RPM originals would seem to dictate that as only viable option.  The limited bandwidth of the antenna feedthrough method is a small price to pay for enjoying a wider range of titles.  What real world experience does anyone have playing records in a moving car?  --Tom     63 Custom

"stephen844@xxxxxxxx" <stephen844@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

I have a 1959 Crown Southampton that has the original radio that has foot operation.  Can I plug a Highway HI-FI into this set or would I have to change the radio?  I am looking to add a record player to the car and wondered if I would be better off to use the later 45 RPM version which conntects into the antenna line and the radio is tuned to the record player?


Steve Restelli
Webmaster, HistoryTV.net
http://historytv.net

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