66 Mustang - Adding an Audio Auxiliary Input to the Original AM Radio

[@djhum93]

Thank you for this video. It had absolutely every single detail I needed to do this on mine. However, I pull the radio out and discover that a previous owner installed an old aftermarket Tenna radio which is wired completely differently… so, over to eBay to grab an original radio and complete this repair, only to discover that the previous owner also fabricated (poorly) his own radio bracket that doesn’t work on the original radio, so… back to eBay again! The joys of owning one of these old cars… Got it all sorted and got it working thanks to your video! Thanks for the suggestion on Tess tape too, I hadn’t heard of this stuff before, and it’s great. Cheers from PA!

[@GLOWLLC]

Thanks for taking the time and putting in the effort to make this video. I'd love to know how to wire Bluetooth as well.

[@GLOWLLC]

Any tips on getting the radio light working? All my connections seem good but the light still won't turn on after changing the bulb.

[@huckmosby]

No nothing questions (actually I was trained by the Army to repair radios in the '60s - I never repaired one radio and have forgotten anything I learned, assuming I actually learned anything more than how to pass the tests to pass the course). Why a switch instead of an input jack that does the switching when a plug is inserted? What gauge wire are you using? Stranded or solid? What was the name of the cleaning product you use? Are you using the headphone jack or the power cord connection on the iPhone? Good info. I'm going to do this. My '66 Falcon AM radio works, but has poor reception. I like the idea of using a plug-in instead of Bluetooth because Bluetooth uses too much battery power and commenting/pairing is a pain - I use a Bluetooth speaker now. Good sound but the process of getting everything on and working together is...like I said, is a pain. Thanks

[@mechtrician1]

That's one detailed comment! Okay, let me answer each question. Why a switch instead of an input jack that does the switching when a plug is inserted? Because I didn't want to have to mount a jack in an accessible location, and if I permanently install a Bluetooth adapter, the switch is easier to flip back and forth. You can certainly use a switching 1/8" adapter if you like. What gauge wire are you using? Stranded or solid? 18awg stranded just because it's what I had. 20 or 22awg would be fine as well. I wouldn't use solid in this application; doesn't stand up to vibration as well. What was the name of the cleaning product you use? Deoxit. They make 2 flavors of it. D5 and DN5. One is for controls like pots and the other is for general electronics. The general electronics one cannot be used in pots. Are you using the headphone jack or the power cord connection on the iPhone? Well the phone in the video is actually my work phone and it has a headphone jack, but for my personal phone, I use the power port with a headphone adapter.

[@huckmosby]

@@mechtrician1 Thanks so much. I think I’m ready to tackle this.

[@mrfixit8776]

@@mechtrician1 Which Deoxit is best to use on this AM radio or AM/FM radio. D5 or DN5

[@mechtrician1]

@@mrfixit8776 D5 is fine.

[@gerry.mcginty]

hi I see you have the schematic, so could you please where did you get the diagram for this radio, i've been searching everywhere for one for ages with no luck PM me please

[@nathaniellittle4527]

What parts should I buy if I would like to do Bluetooth instead?

[@mechtrician1]

I added it to mine using one of these. amzn.to/3MbYx5c You need that and a rca to 3.5mm adapter to plug it into the aux cord.

[@jasonmitchell7677]

Very cool. Where were you able to find the schematic?

[@mechtrician1]

Google search got lucky, but there are actually all the schematics for anything vintage electronic in the SAM technical library. Everything, radios, TVs etc. from 1945 or so through the 90s.

[@josephsmith2484]

can i send you my radio and pay you to add bluetooth to it for me? i’m super confused

[@mechtrician1]

I don’t really do outside repair/modification work.

[@midnightraiin4035]

o man excellent !