49 Dodge Coupe'

[doctor dirt]

Finally got the vac wipers working but will need to open the box and grease internals to get the system up to speed (vac unit up to speed doesn't sound right) HA!

Low and high beams working correctly (slightly brighter hahaha) after running down a bad connector at the junction box to the right of the radiator!

I will need a new "horn relay" but was able to tune the horns, they sound really good. The wire in the column was the original and in very bad shape so a new wire and relay will sharpen that system up. My shop book doesn't show dual horns for a D29 coupe so someone added the duals on mine.

Took the modern coolant out and flushed the radiator and block as well as we could and replaced the coolant with some old school "green". The thermostate I put in a few months ago looked great along with a slightly slimmy 4lb cap.

 

I'm considering sending the stock radio out to be reconditioned and adding the FM receiver along with the AM. The company is in Florida and one of the few remaining reconditioners left. The converter will cost 65.00 and the radio 375.00, it can be set up for 2 or 4 speakers along with option pkg in the backing plate (ipod etc)! Its a nice option over spending about the same on a new radio/cd/ipod set up!

 

The clutch and couplar work has held up and other than another clutch adjustment (not enough play) theres vitually no groind going into reverse and first at all. I basicly drive using second to launch from stops and other than backing out of my garage reverse is an after thought!

 

The car is true and straight (kingpins, steering adjusted, alignment with new Diamondback radials) I do need an upper control arm bushing on drivers sidse it occasional sings out even if I'm getting in the car!!!!!! hahaha Others times not a note out of her, strange.

 

My original plan to get a 400 mile ride in has been delayed again because of the cars needs and mine but we're getting healthier together. The trip looks to be in Dec. to Lake Worth Fl. theres a Blues Room there called the Bamboo Room that I helped open years ago so thats the destination hopefully to see & hear a great Blues Band.

Sold my beautifull 94' H.D. FXR-P to a fellow in Calif. and will say bye on Sat. to the best Harley I ever owned. A full stroker motor with Baker shifters and back cut gears and Pro Rivera clutch and tons of other goodies! I got old...........it hasn't! Times change!!

ok once again a huge thank you to the members here for guidance and suggestions, Doc.

 

........I see a new replacement on ebay for the Horn Relay unit............any suggestions on where to purchase?

 

 

[wilbur46]

Hiya,

There is also an antique radio guy here in Sebastopol Ca.   He has an ad in Hemmings. Sorry I can't find his card.

Easy to deal with, reasonable.  Also does FM conversions. He has done several for me.

Good luck, W

[doctor dirt]

Thanks W, I'll look into him and get some prices. I'll be ready for the tunes as soon as I get the new horn relay mounted and run the wire into the column. I found a replica of the relay on ebay after checking with a few of the nos parts outlets many of us use. Seems that the relay has become a tuff find so I'll let everyone know if the piece I purchased is a quality part.

thanx again W,  Doc.

 

 

..........Charles Sigfried, Sebastopol Calif.......................will call him today, thanks again..

Edited November 27, 2013 by doctor dirt

[deathbound]

Sounds like you're getting a lot done.....good luck on your 400 mile drive. Selling the HD was probably tough???? I don't ever plan to sell my '62 Panhead (have had it nearly 20 years)....hopefully my now 9 year old son-hell, even my daughter-who knows, will want it when I don't.

[doctor dirt]

Hey W, Spoke with Charles this evening very nice man. He restores back to original so no FM option or multiple speakers. I find all radio in general to be utter garbage but I've exhausted my tapes, cds and ipods etc are so bland from generations of over abuse that maybe an AM band might do. I'll try AM in my daily driver and see whats going on there.

 

deathbound, the FXR was a P model (police) the motor was a full stroker Evo and it was a build by a friend who knows how to do it. Sold it for 7,500. and you can't build the motor for that these days. I got old and it hasn't so it heads to the westcoast to a fellow who has a nice Harley collection and enjoys twisting the throttle!

I still have a Road King (twin cam) and its a snail but it does cruise down the road comfortably! Its not my 66 Electra Glide that I bought new in 66' but its ok!

 

I've owned knucks and pannies and ofcourse shovels but I must admit for a steady everyday motor the Evo is the best. Atleast AMF started something right!! HA!!

My Dodge gets my attention these days and its finally coming together too.

 

Just got the horn relay..........theres a large S on the case via a sticker and HR 113 is desingnated too. The piece looks very well made and resembles the original also. Hope to mount it and get the horns working on Sat. morning.   horns are tuned and ready to sing!!!

 

Happy Turkey Day to ALL!!!   Doc

[alsancle]

I had a local guy in Mass do the radio for my 40 Graham.  It was a bit more pricey than what you are saying.  however, it is bone stock in appearance inside and out, still runs on 6 volts but is a complete modern am/fm stereo inside.    I think it is a great idea for guys that are trying to upgrade but keep the stock appearance.  I remember as a kid all the cutting of nice dashes we did to put in POS stereo systems that looked like crap.

[Young Ed]

Check www.turnswitch.com they rebuilt the radio for Dads 69 fury(one of the first AM/FM stereos) and have quite a good looking shop. I believe someone else on here used them for FM conversion and was satisfied too.

[martybose]

Check www.turnswitch.com they rebuilt the radio for Dads 69 fury(one of the first AM/FM stereos) and have quite a good looking shop. I believe someone else on here used them for FM conversion and was satisfied too.

I have the Turnswitch conversion in my 47; the only problem I have comes from the fact that I ignored their recommendation about minimizing antenna lead length so that I could continue to use my rear-deck mounted antenna.  Sound quality is very good, but I sometimes have problems maintaining a lock on an FM station.

 

Marty

Edited December 1, 2013 by martybose

[doctor dirt]

Thanx for the replies, still considering the stock application with the front mount speaker or the am/fm that can maintain a 4 speaker set up. The car is already set up for 4 with one in each door and two on the shelf and all the mounts are very nicely done. Either way I can look for the glove box compatment when I remove the old Kenwood mounted in there.

I will check out all the suggestions on Monday and contact them.

Shipped out my FXR-P today and wasn't thrilled about cutting it loose but not much I could do about it.

The horn relay and wiring will hopefully begin tomorrow got to busy today to start messing with it but it shouldn't take long to finish. The center emblem on the steering wheel has no spacing between its edge and the steering wheel. Also theres no access groove to lift it off, I think someone put it on in a hurry and screwed it up.

I may have spoke to soon about
shouldn't take to long" hahaha we'll see. Thanks for the radio suggestions. I'll post which way I'll go once I know!  Doc.

[fstfish66]

I have the Turnswitch conversion in my 47; the only problem I have comes from the fact that I ignored their recommendation about minimizing antenna lead length so that I could continue to use my rear-deck mounted antenna.  Sound quality is very good, but I sometimes have problems maintaining a lock on an FM station.

 

Marty

does your converted radio have a local/distance  switch ? you may want to try an electric 12volt,maybe a voltage reducer would work ? electric in line antenna amplifier,,,some auto parts stores carry them and  radio shack still might,,  i mounted my  antenna under the running board,and on  weak  stations i some times use the amp,,,just my .02

[martybose]

does your converted radio have a local/distance  switch ? you may want to try an electric 12volt,maybe a voltage reducer would work ? electric in line antenna amplifier,,,some auto parts stores carry them and  radio shack still might,,  i mounted my  antenna under the running board,and on  weak  stations i some times use the amp,,,just my .02

The converted radio does not have a local/distance switch, and I have an antenna amplifier (which didn't seem to do much).  It's just annoying because I never know what station it's going to pick up when I start the car, and then I have to fiddle with it a bit.

 

Marty

[doctor dirt]

Interesting!

I lost my radio team to the wifes................forced to shop for one day was their cry hahahaha!!! Oh well I can get over to them during the week and get it done.

I'm think that the added FM is the way to go, its the same money as the "original" set up and the car already has the 4 speaker set up! I will check out the other places and get their prices and options before I do anything. thanx again Doc.

[fstfish66]

The converted radio does not have a local/distance switch, and I have an antenna amplifier (which didn't seem to do much).  It's just annoying because I never know what station it's going to pick up when I start the car, and then I have to fiddle with it a bit.

 

Marty

sounds like some thing more is going on,,,if  you have another antennna layign around just  plug it in and give it a whril you may have to  fiddle around with a ground wire if the antenna is not grounded to the car,,or heck  find an aww that wil fit in the antenna jack on your radio and  get a long piece about 33 inchs and wrap it around the aww,,,move the wire around to see how your radio  is recieving,,out side not i na garage,,this will tell you if  your antenna on the car has issues or the radio it self,,,