The Ford Barn

fordwife · 07-30-2018, 11:50 AM

Is there a converter available that will allow our old 6volt AM radios to play FM? Or can they be converted? I know they are available for 12v but how about 6v? I like the looks of my original radio and want to keep it.

flatheadmurre · 07-30-2018, 12:15 PM

Converting an AM to FM is a major job...either just add a line in to the amplifier part and use an external source like your phone...or go for some kind of aftermarket radio.
There are 6 to 12v step-up converters available at decent prices...just make sure they either have insulated grounds between input and output or you need to keep your new radio from touching the metal of the car.
I just stick a bluetooth amplifier in my cars...the one i use works on 6-24v...then use the phone for radio or spotify.

J Franklin · 07-30-2018, 12:32 PM

There are shops that rebuild and do conversions like you are wanting. try Google.

34pickup · 07-30-2018, 02:01 PM

I can't use my phone in my car, the cord from the house isn't long enough.

zeffer1940 · 07-30-2018, 02:03 PM

https://youtu.be/annFKTAlF30
My stock 6 volt radio, with a 1970s 12 volt converter, operated by a little 6 volt invertor

4dFord/SC · 07-30-2018, 03:05 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

He added FM to the original radio in my 1940 Ford: http://www.billtheradioguy.com/

tubman · 07-30-2018, 03:27 PM

When I was kid, I bought an FM converter for my '51 Ford. It ran on 6 volts and you unplugged the antenna from the radio, plugged it into this thing which had an antenna-like lead coming out of it that plugged into the radio where the antenna usually went. In theory, you tuned the AM radio to an unused station (i seem to remember it was 1440) and you were then supposed to be able to listen to FM stations using the tuning knob on the device. I don't think it worked very well, as I don't remember much more about it, other than installing it.

rotorwrench · 07-30-2018, 06:16 PM

It's even getting harder to find a decent MP3 or Ipod player now days. There were several set ups that could interface the MP3 sound through the antenna connection of just about any radio and the radio amp will play it. I'm not sure if that stuff is still around now. Folks just use there I-phones to play music now and most stuff requires an FM modulator or CD interface to connect.

paul2748 · 07-30-2018, 08:57 PM

I had the same type of device for my 64 Fairlane - bought it on ebay. Worked pretty good. It was for 12 volts negative ground though

Look on ebay under FM converter or FM radio converter

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

When I was kid, I bought an FM converter for my '51 Ford. It ran on 6 volts and you unplugged the antenna from the radio, plugged it into this thing which had an antenna-like lead coming out of it that plugged into the radio where the antenna usually went. In theory, you tuned the AM radio to an unused station (i seem to remember it was 1440) and you were then supposed to be able to listen to FM stations using the tuning knob on the device. I don't think it worked very well, as I don't remember much more about it, other than installing it.

Ken/Alabama · 07-30-2018, 09:48 PM

I have one if I can find it. 6 volt POS ground. Had it in my 40 about 30 years ago, worked great.

07-30-2018, 11:50 AM	#1
fordwife Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 287	6 volt radios Is there a converter available that will allow our old 6volt AM radios to play FM? Or can they be converted? I know they are available for 12v but how about 6v? I like the looks of my original radio and want to keep it.

07-30-2018, 12:15 PM	#2
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: 6 volt radios Converting an AM to FM is a major job...either just add a line in to the amplifier part and use an external source like your phone...or go for some kind of aftermarket radio. There are 6 to 12v step-up converters available at decent prices...just make sure they either have insulated grounds between input and output or you need to keep your new radio from touching the metal of the car. I just stick a bluetooth amplifier in my cars...the one i use works on 6-24v...then use the phone for radio or spotify.

07-30-2018, 12:32 PM	#3
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,959	Re: 6 volt radios There are shops that rebuild and do conversions like you are wanting. try Google.

07-30-2018, 02:01 PM	#4
34pickup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Huntsville Al Posts: 1,526	Re: 6 volt radios I can't use my phone in my car, the cord from the house isn't long enough. __________________ Matt 24:36-41

07-30-2018, 02:03 PM	#5
zeffer1940 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: oHIo Posts: 68	Re: 6 volt radios https://youtu.be/annFKTAlF30 My stock 6 volt radio, with a 1970s 12 volt converter, operated by a little 6 volt invertor

07-30-2018, 03:05 PM	#6
4dFord/SC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,579	Re: 6 volt radios Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) He added FM to the original radio in my 1940 Ford: http://www.billtheradioguy.com/

07-30-2018, 03:27 PM	#7
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,304	Re: 6 volt radios When I was kid, I bought an FM converter for my '51 Ford. It ran on 6 volts and you unplugged the antenna from the radio, plugged it into this thing which had an antenna-like lead coming out of it that plugged into the radio where the antenna usually went. In theory, you tuned the AM radio to an unused station (i seem to remember it was 1440) and you were then supposed to be able to listen to FM stations using the tuning knob on the device. I don't think it worked very well, as I don't remember much more about it, other than installing it.

07-30-2018, 06:16 PM	#8
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,425	Re: 6 volt radios It's even getting harder to find a decent MP3 or Ipod player now days. There were several set ups that could interface the MP3 sound through the antenna connection of just about any radio and the radio amp will play it. I'm not sure if that stuff is still around now. Folks just use there I-phones to play music now and most stuff requires an FM modulator or CD interface to connect.

07-30-2018, 09:48 PM	#10
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,257	Re: 6 volt radios I have one if I can find it. 6 volt POS ground. Had it in my 40 about 30 years ago, worked great.