radio rebuild service & antenna question?

[miamivice]

So I started this thread to figure out the companies that do thumbwheel radio rebuild services.  Right after I posted I actually found 2, tried to delete the thread but it wouldnt let me, so I am editing it to make it useful still.  Two I found:

http://www.turnswitch.com/
http://www.wardsclassiccarradiorepair.com/index.html

Any experience with either?  Seems a couple members here used the latter, which is cheaper.  But how is the quality. 

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Next question, my car was missing the antenna assembly.   Anyone used the reproduction ones.  Seems as if there is a couple, which is the best/most accurate one to use?

And, off a bit off topic.  Does anyone know if there is a front R/T grille emblem available on the market for the 69 charger.  I found the rear one online and a front one for a 68, but no 69 front. 

Thanks all

[8WHEELER]

Hi F

I have used the new antenna package from YEAR ONE, it was very nice and complete.
I have also used the new antenna package from Hoffmans in OR, it was very nice and complete,
and I bet they were made by the same company.

YEAR ONE sells the RT emblems for your car, there on line parts catalog is not very good. Just
give them a call they either have it, or can get it for sure.

If you are desperate, call Laysons, but Eric will never talk to you again 

Dan

[Chatt69chgr]

I used Wards in Huntsville, AL.  He was quick and fair.  Work was excellent.  This is for repairing the radio.\

Turnswitch has the correct 8 ohm speaker.  Do not use the 4 ohm which is all you can get at the local car installation places.

If you type in thumbwheel radio in the search feature, you will get numberous threads on this that will probably answer all your question.

[Nacho-RT74]

I ave dealed with http://www.turnswitch.com/

HELL... THE GUY IS REALLY GREAT at least on attention. Still haven't send anything but got several help from him trying to repair mine... never got to work, but that's another different story.

[Shakey]

I just shipped my radio to Greg at Turnswitch yesterday.

It'll be about six weeks and he will convert the AM radio to AM/FM and include an auxilary port for my mp3 player.

[Nacho-RT74]

how much he quoted you?

[8WHEELER]

And, off a bit off topic.  Does anyone know if there is a front R/T grille emblem available on the market for the 69 charger.  I found the rear one online and a front one for a 68, but no 69 front. 

Thanks all

Hey F

The front RT emblem is on  YEAR ONE's web site  VC69      $37.95,  69 Charger RT headlight door emblem.

Dan

[69CoronetRT]

I used Wards in Huntsville, AL.  He was quick and fair.  Work was excellent.  This is for repairing the radio.

Me too. Fair price, quick turn around and great packing/shipping.

[miamivice]

sorry guys, bringing this post back up from the dead

got a call Friday from the restoration shop asking what I wanted to do about sound, and if they should send out my dash speaker to get rebuilt.  I tentatively said yes to that.   Is there a way to get some matching 8 ohm speakers for the rear shelf if mine didnt come w/ it and have the factory radio power them?   

Another option I came across is the custom audio sound setup http://www.customautosounds.com/
Not sure if you can use the 8ohm dash speaker with this though or if their setup uses the newer 4ohm type speakers like you can get at best buy.   opinions/ideas?


and on the antenna question, we are ordering it this coming week.  did the factory cars all come w/ the fixed mast, or some telescoping (as it seems like all the reproduction kits are telescoping?)

[Chatt69chgr]

Mopar switched over to the non-telescoping whip antenna in the early 70's.  They are stainless steel.  My 69 Charger with factory AM thumbwheel had the telescoping style from the factory.  The telescoping style are brass/chrome plate construction I believe.  Both styles will thread into the antenna mount on the fender.

[RDR-838]

Got the radio from my '71 Roadrunner refurbed at Ward's. Great job, quick turn around. Unfortunately, after I got it back, I discovered that today's speakers are not compatible with those old radios. Double check before sending your's off.   I wouldn't recone the old speaker. Go to turnswitch.com and buy a new one. They have a great page there that explains all about the difference in old and new speakers.