The two systems were completely independent. In other words you could have
the 8 track player even if you only had the AM radio. All stereo systems
used all 5 speakers, so if you had an AM radio with the 8 track player, you
had a 5 speaker AM radio! The 5 speaker system required a different "fader"
control, although it looks the same it is electrically much more involved
with more wires etc. This is even present with the AM radio too!
The word "multiplex" refers to the 38KC subcarrier in the transmitted FM
signal that is used for stereo signals - so only the stereo receiver needs
the multiplex decoder that is behind the rear seat, hooked up to the tuner
chassis with a monster cable that is routed through the right side carpet
and step plate tunnels.
An exception for convertibles - they had only 4 speakers with either system,
because there is no provision for dual rear speakers in the rear seat
grille.
This whole discussion applies only to the very late 67s and the 68s. By
1969, they managed to cram the 38KC decoder unit into the main radio tuner
box - even more of a nightmare to service! (been there, done that - never
again!)
Other brands, like C*d*ll*c, came out with a stereo system earlier (1963?),
and had a relay that clicked loudly when the stereo signal was fading in and
out, as it turned the decoder unit off and on. It is odd that Mopar avoided
that irritation, since the radios were designed by the same folks at Delco.
Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: <dardal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 7:25 AM
Subject: Re: IML: 8 tracks
> Quoting Dick Benjamin <dickb@xxxxxxxxx>:
>
> > A minor point or two: The 8 track players were available starting in
late
> > 67, although they did not show up in any factory literature I have seen
> > until 1968. They were available regardless of which radio was in the
car.
> > The multiplex stereo receiver was a totally separate accessory, although
> > both systems required the installation of the door speakers.
Electrically,
> > they were independent - in fact inserting a tape in the player cuts off
> > power to the radio, and switches the speaker wiring over to the 8 track
> > player.
>
> Dick, was the "stereo" function independent too between the radio and the
> 8-track? I.e, you could have ordered the monophonic radio but still have
> stereo sound in your 8-track tape deck? Did the 8-track come with the 5
> speaker setup of the multiplex or could you have the 8-track with only the
> front speakers? (the door mounted and/or dash speaker).
>
> > Sorry to be late with this, and if others have covered it, I apologize -
> > I've been away for about 10 days.
>
> Dick, that's no excuse. You should ask permission from the IML group
before you
> go away!
>
> D^2
>
>
>
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