iowacar
Oct 18th, 07, 11:17 AM
I have contacted turnswitch, www.turnswitch.com about changing my AM to HD and FM. Just thought I would share the email:
I have a 1971 chevelle malibu am radio that I am interested in getting refurbished. How much would it cost to put in AM/FM HD radio components, and a cd player hookup?
Thank you for your time!
Ben
Ben,
We would be happy to convert your radio to AM/FM Stereo with AUX input for CD, i-pod, XM radio, etc. The current version of the conversion board does not support HD radio and the board manufacturer is of the opinion that HD will soon go the way of AM Stereo. I tend to agree with him. Their is no reason for its existence. It's transmission range is very short due to the reduced power required by the FCC. It is very heavy on commercials to pay for the upgrade in equipment and the content is the same as the regular broadcast. It cannot compete with satellite radio. Below is more information on our conversions:
We can convert your existing AM (or AM/FM) factory radio to AM/FM Stereo with 45 watts into 4 ohm speakers, up to 4 channels - 180 watts total. You would probably want to replace the original speaker(s) and/or add one to the rear deck. We remove all the old electronics and replace with a modern circuit board. This is by far the best solution to improving the sound on older collector cars as the original radio fits correctly and looks correct. The volume, tone, push buttons and tuning still work as normal. The Tone control also can be programmed to function as a balance and fader control as well as a tone control. When you turn the radio on, it comes on in FM. You will need to learn where your local FM stations line up on the AM dial markings. Turn the radio off and back on quickly, it switches to AM. Off and wait 5 seconds and back on and your back to FM. We add a small 3 color Light Emitting Diode (LED) to the front near the "16" on the radio dial ono most radios. The LED lights green for FM mono, yellow for FM stereo, and red for AM. On rolling dial AM/FM radios, ie, 63 - 70's Delcos, we install the LED behind the tuning knob as there is no place for it in the dial area. We clean up the radio, paint the dial pointer, lube and repair any problems with the mechanics. Rechrome and/or cabinet painting is extra. It pays to start with a nice core.
Conversion cost for 1956 and later non-wonder bar/signal seeking radios is $385 for 1 to 4 channels plus $20 return shipping & handling for a total of $405. Rechroming and/or reproduction cosmetic parts are extra.
Separate "Balance" and "Fader" controls (not intergrated with the tone control) (joystick type control for 4 channel 180 watts total option for 12 volt only) adds $25 to the cost.
Conversion cost on 1955 and earlier radios vary depending on type and condition and supply voltage. Many can be done for the $385 price.
CD Changers - We can supply a JVC changer - Model CHX-1500 - modified for direct connection to the converted radio for $279.95. This changer holds 12 disks and will play CD's formatted with MP3 files for very high capacity. The converted radio will switch automatically to CD when the changer is started.
Any after-market trunk mount CD changer with RF modulator will connect to the converted radio via the antenna circuit. The CD transmits its signal through the FM stereo radio. Just set one of the push buttons to the CD changer frequency and start the cd changer via its remote control.
Auxiliary input jacks and a dual RCA plugs to 1/8" stereo phone plug cable for a portable CD player, XM or Siruis radio tuners, MP3 player, i-Pod, or cassette player adds $25 to the price. The front panel LED is unlit in the aux mode. The AUX kit is included at no charge with the purchase of the JVC changer listed above. The radio will automatically switch to the AUX input when an audio signal appears at the jacks. All you need to do is plug your player into the cable and turn it on. When the player stops, the radio will come back on after15 seconds.
Wonderbar, Town & Country or signal seeking radios add from $50 to $150 depending on the model and most of all the condition of the scan mechanics. The sensitivity switch (T&C bars) is wired as the AM - FM selector switch as the new board has no provision for the sensitivity switch. It will either stop and lock on the next station or pass it by if it is too weak for a lock.
8-Track Tape units, either stand alone or integrated with the radio, can also be setup to function with the conversion. Costs will vary depending on the type of unit but usually add $50 to $75 to the conversion for built-in tape units and $75 to $100 for the under dash add-on units. The under dash tape units, when modified will feed the new radio amplifiers directly and the switching will take place when a tape is inserted into the player. The modified player will have only one cable that will plug into the back or side of the radio.
Speakers - We carry 6 x 9, 4 x 10, 4 x 8, 4 x 6, 5 x 7 ovals, 5 1/4", 6" and 8" pin cushion and 3 1/2", 4 1/2" round speakers with very small high energy neodymium magnets that will fit in the older GM and Ford cars where space is limited. The 4 x 8, 4 x 6, 3 1/2", and 4 1/2" speakers sell for $32.95, the 4 x 10" is $36.95, and the remaining sizes for $38.95 each. These speakers are custom made for us in America and work equally well with the original radios or our conversions. All but the 4 1/2" speaker ( 4 ohm) are 8 ohm impedance and will directly replace the 10 ohm Delco speakers. We offer 2 models of Stereo 6 x 9 dual driver speakers that fit in early Corvettes and T-birds. One has more bass response and weaker high end response and sells for $59.95. The other has exceptional mid and high end response but is weaker on the low end and sells for $69.95.
6 Volt Cars - Cars with 6 volt systems (either positive or negative ground) add $110 for a 6 volt to 12 volt booster installed inside the radio. The conversion board will only run on 12 volts negative ground so a heavy converter is required to provide the needed power for the new amplifier. We recommend only running 2 channels with 8 ohm speakers on the 6 volt systems as the booster cannot supply enough current for 4 ohm speakers..
Turnaround time is running 5 - 7 weeks right now. Warranty is 1 year parts and labor. We accept VISA and MC.
To start the process, just package the radio very well, especially around the control shafts and face, and ship to our address below. Include a note indicating what you would like us to do and desired options. Be sure your name, address and phone number(s) are on the note.
If you have further questions, please let me know.
I think I'm going to do this when I get the chevelle on the road again. Has anyone already gone this route??
I have a 1971 chevelle malibu am radio that I am interested in getting refurbished. How much would it cost to put in AM/FM HD radio components, and a cd player hookup?
Thank you for your time!
Ben
Ben,
We would be happy to convert your radio to AM/FM Stereo with AUX input for CD, i-pod, XM radio, etc. The current version of the conversion board does not support HD radio and the board manufacturer is of the opinion that HD will soon go the way of AM Stereo. I tend to agree with him. Their is no reason for its existence. It's transmission range is very short due to the reduced power required by the FCC. It is very heavy on commercials to pay for the upgrade in equipment and the content is the same as the regular broadcast. It cannot compete with satellite radio. Below is more information on our conversions:
We can convert your existing AM (or AM/FM) factory radio to AM/FM Stereo with 45 watts into 4 ohm speakers, up to 4 channels - 180 watts total. You would probably want to replace the original speaker(s) and/or add one to the rear deck. We remove all the old electronics and replace with a modern circuit board. This is by far the best solution to improving the sound on older collector cars as the original radio fits correctly and looks correct. The volume, tone, push buttons and tuning still work as normal. The Tone control also can be programmed to function as a balance and fader control as well as a tone control. When you turn the radio on, it comes on in FM. You will need to learn where your local FM stations line up on the AM dial markings. Turn the radio off and back on quickly, it switches to AM. Off and wait 5 seconds and back on and your back to FM. We add a small 3 color Light Emitting Diode (LED) to the front near the "16" on the radio dial ono most radios. The LED lights green for FM mono, yellow for FM stereo, and red for AM. On rolling dial AM/FM radios, ie, 63 - 70's Delcos, we install the LED behind the tuning knob as there is no place for it in the dial area. We clean up the radio, paint the dial pointer, lube and repair any problems with the mechanics. Rechrome and/or cabinet painting is extra. It pays to start with a nice core.
Conversion cost for 1956 and later non-wonder bar/signal seeking radios is $385 for 1 to 4 channels plus $20 return shipping & handling for a total of $405. Rechroming and/or reproduction cosmetic parts are extra.
Separate "Balance" and "Fader" controls (not intergrated with the tone control) (joystick type control for 4 channel 180 watts total option for 12 volt only) adds $25 to the cost.
Conversion cost on 1955 and earlier radios vary depending on type and condition and supply voltage. Many can be done for the $385 price.
CD Changers - We can supply a JVC changer - Model CHX-1500 - modified for direct connection to the converted radio for $279.95. This changer holds 12 disks and will play CD's formatted with MP3 files for very high capacity. The converted radio will switch automatically to CD when the changer is started.
Any after-market trunk mount CD changer with RF modulator will connect to the converted radio via the antenna circuit. The CD transmits its signal through the FM stereo radio. Just set one of the push buttons to the CD changer frequency and start the cd changer via its remote control.
Auxiliary input jacks and a dual RCA plugs to 1/8" stereo phone plug cable for a portable CD player, XM or Siruis radio tuners, MP3 player, i-Pod, or cassette player adds $25 to the price. The front panel LED is unlit in the aux mode. The AUX kit is included at no charge with the purchase of the JVC changer listed above. The radio will automatically switch to the AUX input when an audio signal appears at the jacks. All you need to do is plug your player into the cable and turn it on. When the player stops, the radio will come back on after15 seconds.
Wonderbar, Town & Country or signal seeking radios add from $50 to $150 depending on the model and most of all the condition of the scan mechanics. The sensitivity switch (T&C bars) is wired as the AM - FM selector switch as the new board has no provision for the sensitivity switch. It will either stop and lock on the next station or pass it by if it is too weak for a lock.
8-Track Tape units, either stand alone or integrated with the radio, can also be setup to function with the conversion. Costs will vary depending on the type of unit but usually add $50 to $75 to the conversion for built-in tape units and $75 to $100 for the under dash add-on units. The under dash tape units, when modified will feed the new radio amplifiers directly and the switching will take place when a tape is inserted into the player. The modified player will have only one cable that will plug into the back or side of the radio.
Speakers - We carry 6 x 9, 4 x 10, 4 x 8, 4 x 6, 5 x 7 ovals, 5 1/4", 6" and 8" pin cushion and 3 1/2", 4 1/2" round speakers with very small high energy neodymium magnets that will fit in the older GM and Ford cars where space is limited. The 4 x 8, 4 x 6, 3 1/2", and 4 1/2" speakers sell for $32.95, the 4 x 10" is $36.95, and the remaining sizes for $38.95 each. These speakers are custom made for us in America and work equally well with the original radios or our conversions. All but the 4 1/2" speaker ( 4 ohm) are 8 ohm impedance and will directly replace the 10 ohm Delco speakers. We offer 2 models of Stereo 6 x 9 dual driver speakers that fit in early Corvettes and T-birds. One has more bass response and weaker high end response and sells for $59.95. The other has exceptional mid and high end response but is weaker on the low end and sells for $69.95.
6 Volt Cars - Cars with 6 volt systems (either positive or negative ground) add $110 for a 6 volt to 12 volt booster installed inside the radio. The conversion board will only run on 12 volts negative ground so a heavy converter is required to provide the needed power for the new amplifier. We recommend only running 2 channels with 8 ohm speakers on the 6 volt systems as the booster cannot supply enough current for 4 ohm speakers..
Turnaround time is running 5 - 7 weeks right now. Warranty is 1 year parts and labor. We accept VISA and MC.
To start the process, just package the radio very well, especially around the control shafts and face, and ship to our address below. Include a note indicating what you would like us to do and desired options. Be sure your name, address and phone number(s) are on the note.
If you have further questions, please let me know.
I think I'm going to do this when I get the chevelle on the road again. Has anyone already gone this route??