How to Convert an Old Car Radio to Bluetooth for under $50! I'll show you how to do it!
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2022
- In this episode, I'll show you all the details in converting an old, antique car radio so you can use it with any Bluetooth device. I did this conversion on my 1937 Plymouth Coupe but it can be performed on any old car radio or you can use your existing car speaker. This conversion has a volume control so it can operate like the original Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, DeSoto, Nash, Studebaker, etc. radios. Let me know if you have any questions or constructive feedback and feel free to Subscribe.
Special thanks to Keith's Garage for the information on the Bluetooth Amplifier.
This was a very interesting video. I'm looking to modify the original AM radio in my 72 Maverick. The old unit you showcased is a beautiful piece of hardware. Thank you for the video.
@kurtisacevedo5911 You bet! I'm going to do this to my '68 Camaro radio next.
Stellar job keeping the car original. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you MoparMan!
This is a great idea Terry! While I'm an antique radio guy and I like originality, I haven't had much luck in restoring pre ww2 car radios. I've tried to rebuild 3 of them for my 1937 Pontiac and they all have ended up with open coils due to moisture breaking down the old laquer on the coils into nitric acid which corrodes the windings. I've had better luck with late 40's car radios. This is an easy way to get past that, thanks for showing it!
TRULY amazing that was so Helpful. I have a 1955 DODGE TRUCK. That is still on 6 VOLTS. Thanks again.
You bet Gerald! That's a cool truck!😎 Thanks for the nice comments!
Clean install. The knob is an excellent touch.
Thanks Daniel!
Nice clear video, thanks Terry.
Thank you for this tutorial, very good enjoyable video.👍
That's an awesome idea 👍 I love that it looks absolutely original but with modern workings inside! Excellent job! Best to you brother, love your channel
Thanks Jazz! Hope all is well with you bud!
Great information, thank you for your time.
Great job Flathead! Love your video's! I'm subscribed!
Thanks Steve! Welcome aboard!
Most likely that’s a field coil speaker in the car. Back in the 30s-50s permanent magnets were expensive and often radios used a field coil speaker instead of a permanent magnet. The extra two wires are to power of the field coil.
Excellent! Thanks Toucan. Learned something new today!
Great video & information. Do you think I can apply this conversion to a stock 1965 Delco for an Impala? I want to keep that original radio in the dash & just add BT to it.
Absolutely! This one would work great in your Impala, for sure. 👍
Terry! that is a Kool idea! i have a old Silvertone car radio i can put in my 36 Ford pickup! did your car come with the radio when you got the car? do you have the radio head for it?
Hey Brendog, my '37 never had a radio nor the radio head. I've seen the radio heads for sale, but for more than I wanted to spend. That would be a good location for the Bluetooth Amplifer! 😀
That radio would actually be a very straightforward restoration.
That's a possibility. I don't have a working O-Scope anymore so it's a challenge to troubleshoot even though I have the schematic for it. All the cap's would need to be replaced to start. It's also been physically abused so that adds to the challenge. I kept the entire radio assembly intact for the future when I can get an O-scope on it. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for the video, I just got one of these for my 48 Chrysler. 1 question I had was with 6v pos ground does the black wire on the plug with the unit go to the keyed power on the switch and the red wire to ground? I just want to make sure I hook it up correctly, thanks!
Good question Burnout, you are correct. Black wire to keyed 6 volts and red wire to ground. Good luck with your project!
@@FlatheadTerry Thanks and LOVE the channel, I just subscribed.
Nice video. I have a 1940 Opel Kadett. It is on 6V. I can buy a Philips car radio from 1938. ( Philips is from my country) It is on 12V. Is it possible to install it and obviously i do not need a "head" control unit?
Hi Ger. Yes, you can definitely use this in your radio head and keep the original "look" of it. Keep me updated on your project.
Do you have any issues with background noise from the ignition or generator as the car is running? Or does this module have a built-in filtering system?
Good question Leo. There is no background noise at all. Sounds great, no issues!
Great video. Question, can you use hands free calling with this conversion? I want to use the Bluetooth + mic so I can make hands free calls. If possible can you guide me on that please. Thank you in advance
Sorry for the delayed response. ( I thought I already replied 🤔). You have a great question. I haven't tried making a call while connected to Bluetooth but I will and let you know.
Hey Terry, I believe that that’s not an extra speaker, but it’s controlled via transformer or something a rather like you would see in stores
Ok, thanks!
I tried one of these in my '55 Chevy truck. Unfortunately it sounded awfully distorted. Any idea why?
Hey Caddyman, there's two things I can think of causing that. One is a just a defective circuit board right from the manufacturer. The second is the speaker(s) you're connecting it to. If the impedance is too low(below 4 ohms) or too high (16 ohms or higher), then the output amplifier is over-driving the signals to the speaker. If you have another speaker to test it on would be a good way to troubleshoot the root cause.
Hi Terry, thanks for that great radio conversion video. I saw where you turned it on with the white knob. How are you tuning the stations? Are you tuning with the original radio tuning knob? If so then the old radio has to be in working condition. right?
I just answered my own question! CELLPHONE!
@@ronhagopian7676 There ya go! I'm looking for an original Radio control that mounts on the dash by the ash tray. When I find one, I'll move the this bluetooth amp inside it so the Volume knob will function like the original. Stay tuned!
@@FlatheadTerry Hi Terry. I was able to get the same amp and had it working fine on my bench. I then spent many hours gutting my original radio gutted by removing tubes diodes,etc. I then installed the original knobs and push buttons so that everything looked stock. After all was in place I made a major mistake when hooking up the final wiring on my bench. I cross wired something an evidently blew the amp! I tested it for continuity and it failed. I then ordered another amp on Amazon for around $12. So it should be here by tmrw and I will let you know how it goes. Thank you for your very informative video. I wouldnt have been able to do this without your expert advice! Ron
@@ronhagopian7676 Dang! Its happened to me too so I know the feeling. Yes, keep me posted on your progress and I'm glad this episode was able to help you.
Hi Terry---I finally got the mini amp installed in my 52 Ford. Took the old guts out of the radio and installed the mini amp.. I also replaced the original speaker that was worn out. Everything works as it should. i used the original on -off knob and secured the radio pushbuttons so it looks original. Thanks for your great video and calming audio. I am quite happy with the result. My first automobile project since turning 80!!
Check this episode link on the Original 1937 Plymouth Coupe. ua-cam.com/video/KyWrpHYGTJw/v-deo.html.