Convert 37 Ford radio to 12 volt?

smross

smross

Junior Member
I'm thinking of installing a stock radio in my '37 coupe but it has been converted to 12 volts.
Can a stock '37 Ford radio be switched over to 12 volts? If so, what would be involved in the conversion?
Thanks.
 
Why not get an empty 37 radio box and have a modern 12v radio installed inside it. That is what I did for my 36 woodie. Can't tell by looking!
 
I believe you can get a 12 volt to 6 volt reducer
at most any auto parts store Or Radio Shack store.











.
 
Can be done but not really by the average guy. Need a radio repairman. Need to change the dial lights, change the tubes to 12v versions or wire the filaments of two tubes in series which means you need an even number of tubes in the radio, change the ******** to a 12v version and may need the power transformer rewired.

An easier way...If it has a mechanical ******** will work just fine if you switch polarity on it to neg ground then get a 12v to 6v reducer. No need to try and run it pos ground on a neg ground car.
 
If you converted over to 12 volts, you prolly won't like AM radio with a hum anyway...once you start converting, it's a slippery slope!
 
I have been using my stock 40 radio with a 12 volt system, and a voltage reducer for 25 years without any problems. Granted, you only get AM channels, but so what. I also mounted a tape deck and AM/FM radio under the seat. It's out of sight, and so if I want to play 50s and 60s tunes, or listen to FM radio, I can. I plan to upgrade to a CD player with
AM/FM this winter, replacing the old Tape Deck.
I got my votage reducer from Ron Francis Wiring, but I'm sure there are others out there for allot less money. Just be sure the voltage reducer will handle the amps the radio will need.
Dave
 
Or you can leave your car alone. A smart phone with ear buds will give you great sound quality, the choice of the music you want hear without commercials and, by using ear buds, you will still be able to hear the fire truck coming up behind you.
 
Graeme, That NZ unit is a voltage step up, ie 6 volts to 12 volts. smross requires a step down unit, ie 12 volt system to power a 6 volt radio as in a resistor. Regards, Kevin.
 
Had my original radio in the '47 converted to am/fm. The fm band is free of the typical static. I wish I had the Sirius satellite radio that the rest of my cars, trucks, and home have, and may do that one, too.
 
Thanks for all the great replies. I have to admit that I want the original radio as much for aesthetics as anything else; it just looks cool. The fact that it will bring in stations is a bonus.
As an aside, I'm on several different forums and this has, by far, the most helpful, courteous members that I've ever experienced. I haven't read one mean-spirited comment and everyone seems more than willing to help. As I mentioned in my first post, this is my first vintage Ford so I have a steep learning curve ahead of me but it looks as though I've landed in the right place.
Thanks again.
 
Look up "hidden Radio" online. These radios work with a small hand held remote and everything else can be hidden away, leaving your stock radio in place for aesthetics.
 
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