How to Repair an Antique Auto Radio

Old car radios add that one-of-a-kind charm to your car.

Radios were the first sound systems added to cars. The ability to stay connected to the rest of the world while on the road was a revolutionary thing. The first car radios were made just like the standard living room radio; as a result, they would vary in size. Following WWII, the radios put in cars were smaller, frequently not much larger than a loaf of bread. They can be worked on and made to work like-new again. The most common problem old radios encounter is with their capacitors.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Paper towels
• Ammonia-based cleaner
• Cotton swabs
• Wire stripper

Instructions

1. Remove the radio from your car. This will be likely held in using screws either underneath or to the side of the radio unit.

2. Disconnect any cables connected to the radio unit. Some older radios combine the speaker and the radio unit all in one. You will need to disconnect your radio unit from the power cables behind it.

3. Open up the radio case. Some cars have open-air cases that aren't in their own box; others are self-contained in one unit. If it does have a metal cover, unscrew it.

4. Look at the radio from the top; It will look very similar to other older radios made at the time; you will see the tuning device, tubes and capacitors.

5. Remove each tube and wipe it with down with ammonia-based cleaner, as they leave no residue. Pay close attention to the type of tube you have. The type should be printed on the tube. You may need to replace a tube at some point.

6. Wipe off any dust, dirt or grime within your radio using ammonia-based cleaner and a paper towel. You may use cotton swabs if necessary.

7. Remove the capacitors and read their packaging. You will need to use a wire cutter to remove the capacitor. Older capacitors are made using a special paste and cardboard that, over a few years, will dry out and cease to function. The type of capacitor you have is printed on its side. Pay attention to where you removed them from; you will need to put the new ones in afterward.

8. Order new capacitors. The best way to do this is to use the internet; certain capacitors are frequently not carried in stores.

9. Solder in the new capacitors. Do this by melting some solder on the tip of your soldering iron. Transfer this small bead of solder to the two contacts which connect the capacitors. The bead will harden.

10. Look at the tuner wires. The dial wire is a wire that controls the tuning needle movement. Make sure this is not broken or cut; these can be very difficult to repair.

11. Look at all of the wires and make sure they are all connected. If not, you will need to strip them and re-solder them.

Tips & Warnings

• If your radio still doesn't function after you have made these repairs, you may need to replace one or more tubes. You could purchase a tube-tester, but these aren't made anymore, because tubes are old technology. It would be easier and cheaper just to buy

• replacement tubes.

References

• Radio repair