Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

[Peter L.]

I have a 63, with AM/FM radio, that I had restored by D&M. The reception is lousy, and I sent it back once for them to check it and they said t was fine. I am thinking of a modern radio, that looks like the original, and the only company I've found is Classic Car Stereos. They look good on the website, but I'm wondering if any of you have used them, and what you thought of their performance. Or if there are any others you could recommend.
Thanks.

[Frank D.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Antique Automobile Radio product is most likely what you're looking at (sold under several brand names) out of Palm Harbor FL; they work OK but the faceplate and knobs are light and cheesy feeling; the best deal on these units are about $560. I had one and sold it on. I had my original gutted and the internals updated to solid state, with bluetooth, voice control, smartphone hands free calling, etc. Cost about the same and its totally undetectable. www.taymanelectrical.com

You have to use an aftermarket speaker with either option and I recommend the Custom Autosound 6x9 dual voice coil 140W dash speaker.

[Mel S.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

I have a 66 which I just completed a body off restoration. I found a guy in Utica, NY. He went over my radio $150, made the sound better $50 and put in a hidden ipod/MP3 cable $50. I have had the car for over 50 years and the radio never sounded so good. His add in the September/October 2020 The NCRS Driveline on page 62. Hope this helps
Mel

[Peter L.]

[Bob R.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Peter the problem may not be your radio it may be the antenna wire. The replacement antenna wires are not the same as the original and do not perform well. I replaced the antenna wire in my 63 with an original NOS I found on eBay and the difference is unbelievable.

[Frank D.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Good point. There is also a rather funky mounting arrangement and ground strap (item #3) up inside the rear fender -- hard to see, harder to access....worth checking that everything is in place with tight connections (63 shown):

[E B.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Peter, my 62 antenna has a coupling capacitor at the end of the plug-in to make up for the long distance wire length. Ed

[Peter L.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

The ground strap is correct and solidly connected at both ends. Any one else have trouble with new vs nos antenna wire?

[Mark E.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

To troubleshoot, connect a universal antenna to the radio. Walmart sells them for $10.

[Dan D.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Pete, measure the resistance of the antenna wire with a DVM from the center pin on the antenna end to the center pin on the radio end. There should be no continuity - infinite ohms. If it measures low/no resistance then that is your problem. That indicates that there is no capacitor and the wire is just connected at both ends. That will give you the same results as you are seeing - poor re reception.

After market antenna wires a few years ago had this problem - I don't know if they fixed it or not, but the capacitor is required and it is built into the antenna wire - at the radio end I think. I don't know the value of the capacitor.

There is also a t******* capacitor in the radio - near the antenna jack - that has to be adjusted for best reception. It is a screwdriver head. I assume you know this.

-Dan-

[Richard G.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

The 63 AM Fm had a aluminum ground plate in the top of the fender. It is not shown in the picture Frank posted.
If it makes a difference, in reception, I can't say.

[Frank D.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

I should also add if the OP is judging his reception on AM stations for the most part, antenna height is important...sometimes we forget those masts are adjustable for a reason.

[Raymond R.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Hi Frank,

I am considering having the radio, for my 1963 vette, updated by Tayman Electrical. How has your experience been with your update radio? Any issues or problems with installation? Were you able to use the old connections? I realize I will need an aftermarket speaker.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Frank D.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Hi Frank,

I am considering having the radio, for my 1963 vette, updated by Tayman Electrical. How has your experience been with your update radio? Any issues or problems with installation? Were you able to use the old connections? I realize I will need an aftermarket speaker.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

No issues at all with Gary Tayman's work; the original power/light connections will work, the upgraded unit will have the same form, fit and function as an original with these minor exceptions:

1) An aftermarket speaker will be required; the Custom Autosound 6x9 dual voice coil 140 W speaker is THE best choice, avoid the Chiwanese 4" speakers glued to cardboard - NONE of those little speakers are comparable. https://www.customautosoundmfg.com/p...oduct=3006-dvc

2) If your smartphone is on and Bluetooth is also ON and you have previously paired the phone to the radio (and you opted for Tayman's add'l cost Bluetooth function) the radio will beep when first turned on with the phone in range to show its connected. (Something you don't want during judging).

3) If you add an LED dial light to the radio, they are generally a bit longer than the incandescent bulb so do NOT push them completely into the radio body or they will interfere with the dial function. (see picture; the two circuit boards shown are the conversion to solid state; the mechanical AM/FM slider and push button/knob tuner functions do not change)

(The conversion with the above speaker, turn volume up tp hear Siri's responses!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXxFI7mbRvs

[Raymond R.]

Re: Modern Replacement Radios for C2's

Thanks for a prompt and thorough response, Frank. I appreciate the details and included links.