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Discussion Topic:
'40 radio
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mgbrewer |
01-01-2013 @ 5:01 PM
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Member
Posts: 17
Joined: Jan 2013
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I am a newbie who just bought a fully restored to original '40 Ford Coupe. This is my first "pre war" classic - I own 2 Mustang Shelby's. I have been reading some posts to this site, my car does not have a radio and I read that radios were often installed by the dealer. I would like to install a radio but only if it is possible to locate a correct original. Are my expectations too high? Can someone tell me where to start my search? Appreciate any input. Mike
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deuce_roadster |
01-01-2013 @ 8:26 PM
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Posts: 284
Joined: Oct 2009
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They show up often both on Craigslist and Ebay as well as the larger swap meets and the classified section of this site. You may notice there were 2 makers Zenith and Philco. The Zenith has a notch in the case to clear the linkage for the cowl vent. Either would be correct for your car, Ford just had more then 1 supplier. Fully restored expect to pay 400 to 500. It may just be a coincidence but I seem to notice more Zeniths here on the West Coast and Philcos in the East. I have been to 20 Hershey swap meets and this is what I have noticed. Philcos are hard to find around here where I live. You will also need to get the correct antenna, there is a closed car one and an open car one. Good luck!
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TomO |
01-02-2013 @ 11:01 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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Mike, if you are not a member of the Early Ford V-8 Club, I recommend that you join and find a Regional Group near your home to also join. The RG members will be able to help you select correct accessories for your car and help keep it running right.
Tom
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mgbrewer |
01-02-2013 @ 1:47 PM
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Member
Posts: 17
Joined: Jan 2013
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Thanks for your help, and I will join the club. If anyone reading this has or knows of a correct Zenith or Philco radio & antenna for a closed car pls PM me. Mike
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trjford8 |
01-02-2013 @ 6:44 PM
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Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
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Mike, be aware that you have to put a hole in the roof of the car to install the correct antenna.
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mgbrewer |
01-03-2013 @ 5:34 PM
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Member
Posts: 17
Joined: Jan 2013
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Good point. My car has been restored and is very original, I wouldn't want to inadvertently create a problem for myself so I may re-think the radio. This is my first pre war car and I have a lot to learn. Thanks for the heads up. BTW I have joined the club and looking forward to getting involved. Mike
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deuce_roadster |
01-03-2013 @ 5:59 PM
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Member
Posts: 284
Joined: Oct 2009
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If you buy a new antenna from one of the major dealers like Drake or Carpenter I believe it will come with a template that locates where to make the hole in the top. Not a huge deal if careful.
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kubes40 |
01-03-2013 @ 6:00 PM
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Senior
Posts: 3394
Joined: Oct 2009
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Mike, Good (restored) radios can be had with relative frequency on eBay for less than $500. the reproduction antennas are nearly perfect copies of the originals. It is not difficult to locate and drill the required hole in the roof. In fact, a template is provided with each repop antenna. As you learn about your '40 and possibly develop questions you will find this site has many helpful guys ready to help. You can always contact me directly as well. Have fun with you new "old" car. Mike Kubarth
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trjford8 |
01-03-2013 @ 6:17 PM
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Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
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Mike , welcome aboard to the V-8 Club. I would certainly pass on a radio if I had to drill a hole in the roof of my car.If you need music while you are driving I would buy a cheap small "boom box" and place it on the package shelf. When you get to an event you can hide it in the trunk. You can buy a lot of batteries for the cost of a working original 40 radio. Actually the lack of a radio makes your car more original as it left the factory without one.
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4dFordSC |
01-04-2013 @ 4:52 AM
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Member
Posts: 266
Joined: Oct 2009
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As others have stated, '40 radios can be found on eBay and other sources without too much trouble. A bit more challenging if you're interested in correctness is finding the special, shorter cigarette lighter socket that was required for use with the radio. However, if correctness and/or a functioning lighter is not an issue, simply cut down the standard socket to fit.
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