Original AM Radio Question

[Already Gone]

I recently bought a 69 CST and a 70 CST with the original AM Radio in both. The trucks are 98% original and both have antennas on them. When I turn the radios on the I get nothing, not even static, but the lights on the number bar still work. Is there an inherant problem with these radios when they get old like these. Now I'm dating myself here but these radios don't have tubes, right?

[chevy88]

Just had my cover off to install ipod input jack and didn't see any tubes at all.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by chevy88

Just had my cover off to install ipod input jack and didn't see any tubes at all.

Thanks for the tip and thats a good thing, no tubes !!!

[chevy88]

Did you check the speaker and all the wiring to it?

[Already Gone]

No, I haven't checked anything yet. Its just strange to me that the same type radios in 2 different trucks from the same era both dont work. I;m just wondering if there is a common problem with these radios as I see working ones go for pretty big money.

[cdowns]

check speaker wire and also check to see that the case is well grounded and that the antenna is pluged into it

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Antennas can go bad. I would suggest plugging in another antenna as a test.

Jim

[LockDoc]

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I have found that the biggest problem is the speakers go bad...

LockDoc

[hayhauler71]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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I have found that the biggest problem is the speakers go bad...

LockDoc

like he said sun beaten speaker
Posted via Mobile Device

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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I have found that the biggest problem is the speakers go bad... LockDoc

Originally Posted by hayhauler71

like he said sun beaten speaker

thats were I would start. Mel

[oldgold70c10]

Do not leave the radio on for very long with a bad speaker or no speaker plugged in. You may burn up the output stage by doing so.

[schurg]

first, no tubes, I think tube car radios were fazed out in the early 60s
second, I agree completely with checking your speaker, thats the typical reason a stereo that is 10 years old goes bad, let alone one that is 40plus. I'd check the speaker (meter it, should be 8ohms) or just look at it, if its all dry rotted and fallin apart, then toss it. I'd check your antenna next, then I'd have a look at the volume potentiometer in the radio itself, they tend to get gummed up over the years and get fussy, alittle contact cleaner or tuner cleaner will take care of them as well, usually :P

[Already Gone]

Thanks for all the help. It sounds like it could be one or more of any number of things so I guess when it warms up a bit here I'll yank the radio and see what I have. I guess I will only have to deal with the 69 CST because I sold the 70 CST today and the purchaser is aware the radio is not working and is okay with that.

[FirstOwner69]

I'm no expert. However I only have experience with my truck (for 42 years). My 1st AM radio wasn't worth a "darn" since new. I improved it somewhat by adjusting the trim screw behind the station knob. It still only picked up a couple stations when I wasn't in a metropolitan area. I decided to try a new original antenna. No change. I bought another AM radio out of a junked truck sometime in the late 70s. Same thing, only 1 or 2 stations when in a somewhat remote area. All this was done when the truck was less than 10 years old. Now that I'm redoing the truck I found a van AM/FM in the junkyard for $15.00. I tried it before disassembling my truck and it works great on FM but is still weak, but better, on AM. The speaker is still the original, but I did get a fixed mast AM/FM antenna (mast only) out of an 80s Dodge, screwed a 1/4" stud into it and screwed the assembly into the original antenna base. The added bonus of the van radio I got was that it had a factory wire and fader for an original GM 6X9 rear speaker. I can now also play music wirelessly through my Garmin that has a built in transmitter.

In populated areas with closer stations the 2 AM radios I've had are only OK.

How remote is the area where you live?

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

I'm no expert. However I only have experience with my truck (for 42 years). My 1st AM radio wasn't worth a "darn" since new. I improved it somewhat by adjusting the trim screw behind the station knob. It still only picked up a couple stations when I wasn't in a metropolitan area. I decided to try a new original antenna. No change. I bought another AM radio out of a junked truck sometime in the late 70s. Same thing, only 1 or 2 stations when in a somewhat remote area. All this was done when the truck was less than 10 years old. Now that I'm redoing the truck I found a van AM/FM in the junkyard for $15.00. I tried it before disassembling my truck and it works great on FM but is still weak, but better, on AM. The speaker is still the original, but I did get a fixed mast AM/FM antenna (mast only) out of an 80s Dodge, screwed a 1/4" stud into it and screwed the assembly into the original antenna base. The added bonus of the van radio I got was that it had a factory wire and fader for an original GM 6X9 rear speaker. I can now also play music wirelessly through my Garmin that has a built in transmitter.

In populated areas with closer stations the 2 AM radios I've had are only OK.

How remote is the area where you live?

Sounds to me like I should just replace the radio all together although I'd like to keep the truck as original as possible as it will be a summer driver only and our summers aren't that long and I have Ole Pinky and my Cop Tahoe to drive in the summer as well. I live in the city ( 250,000 population) and pretty much listen to the local AM " Talk Radio Station" when I'm driving around.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Sounds to me like I should just replace the radio all together although I'd like to keep the truck as original as possible as it will be a summer driver only and our summers aren't that long and I have Ole Pinky and my Cop Tahoe to drive in the summer as well. I live in the city ( 250,000 population) and pretty much listen to the local AM " Talk Radio Station" when I'm driving around.

I just remembered that if the antenna does not have a good ground to the body, you will get nothing. You may want to try improving the ground before investing in another radio. Could be a simple solution!