1967 Radio Question

[Gerald C.]

My 67 radio carries steady low static in both Am and FM. No other sound whatsoever. Could it be as simple as a speaker? If so, how do I bench test the speaker, if that's possible. I am going to get an antenna and take the side panel off to make sure it's not the antenna itself.

Thoughts??

Thanks

[Fred Y.]

Re: 1967 Radio Question

Gerald, Yes I'd start with the antenna. Even a lousy speaker would give you a very nearby station I'd say. Take the 3 screws from the Right side panel out & plug another in to start as a try. Are you using the grounded plug wires ?

[Ara G.]

Re: 1967 Radio Question

Also, make sure the ground strap for the antenna is not only there, but installed correctly with the star washer. It's a copper band ground strap. ARA

[Bob R.]

Re: 1967 Radio Question

Jerry,
Are you trying the radio out in a garage with florescent lights. Reception will be poor and you will get some noise from the lights.

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1967 Radio Question

Okay. I tried a substitute antenna with no improvement.

Bob, it was in the garage with no lights on. I will have to look at the antenna ground strap in the morning. Anyone think it's the speaker??

[Fred Y.]

Re: 1967 Radio Question

Gerald, Yes now it's time to check the speaker. Do you have a spare? I believe even if it's out of an old clock radio or battery operated device you should get something from it as long as you START with a low volume. You may be able to get to the speaker plug up top without removing the glove box. Take your time & use a couple gator clip connectors to make a connection with the speaker wire so you can connect it with your external spare. Keep us in the loop-----

[Gerard F.]

Re: 1967 Radio Question

Gerald,

If you eliminate the speaker or antenna as the problem, next thing to check is the volume/tone switch and the transistor on the radio.
I had similar problems on my 67, with a wrong ohm speaker replacement, and static from the volume /tone switch. The volume /tone switch causes the static, and once the transistor heats up the volume goes out.

I wound up replacing the speaker, volume /tone switch and the transistor about a dozen years ago. It now works like new. If you take the radio out you can bench test the radio with any antenna, a replacement speaker, and a 12 battery connection. The parts are still available although $$.

If you need a wiring diagram and parts list for the 67 radio, I still have the service manual someplace. PM me with you email address.