Drive-in Theater Speaker Restoration

This speaker was found with my Uncle's belongings a few months ago. It was a perfect opportunity to make another restoration while also making a nice piece to remember him by. It's was also a good opportunity to do a lot of polishing on this restoration piece which apparently some people really like. Unfortunately there was no sand blasting in this video :-(
If anyone can do some super-sleuthing and figure out where the ticket was jammed into
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Products used in video:
PB B'laster Penetrating Oil/Catalyst: amzn.to/2Y3xijI
Irwin Screw Extractor: amzn.to/38dIekr
Spray Max 1k Trim Black Spray Paint: amzn.to/2JeskNe

[@deanokken8960]

We were really fortunate that someone just happened to just put their movie ticket in the grill of the speaker, so we know where the speaker came from all those years later...

[@JerryDLTN]

He should have made a movie ticket with his name, KZbin Channel and the date to put in it. :)

[@sassiebrat]

I LOVED going to the drive-in in the 50s when I was a kid, then in the 70s and 80s when my kids were kids. I loved everything about it...driving into the spot, setting up the speaker in the window, playing in the playground in front of the screen,, sitting outside the car in lawn chairs, and the concession stand was the best. We didn't have a lot of money, but the drive-in was one form of entertainment that my parents could afford. The other was the roller rink. Thanks for the memories.

[@densitypop]

The Badger Outdoor Theatre (1948-1989) Highway 51 Across from Truax Field Madison, Wisconsin

[@GuardianWolf85]

Hugh beat me to it 👍

[@densitypop]

@@GuardianWolf85 I found a couple of stories about it. cinematreasures.org/theaters/57581

[@windestruct]

+100 points

[@Skylerrabbit]

August 21, 1958: "THIEF GETS $26.40 A thief stole $26.40 in coins early Wednesday from the concession stand at the Badger Outdoor theatre, along Highway 51 across from Truax Field, police reported. Entry was gained by prying the padlock off a door." Source: www.newspapers.com/clip/43649068/wisconsin_state_journal/

[@llhministries9083]

Microphone interference is from the magnet in the speaker.

[@robertobruno778]

Yes, I think the same and this defect come also into microphones. That's right, true?

[@Serge_82]

Thought it was RFI from the amp, no ferrite block on that cable

[@dh2032]

my bet as well, the speaker (question: was it powered at time of the noise?)

[@Tater1337]

all wrong, or you'd have interference from every speaker on the planet it's from the wire wrapped potentiometer, known for ages to cause interference, that is why all newer potentiometers are now carbon film types also the fact that those suckers were supposed to run on 70 volt amplifiers because you did not want some minor 10-12 volt ignition noise to stomp on your audio signal. the whole standard was built like a tank, and is still in use today in many areas

[@thatdirtymichiganmusician1038]

Well no...it’s the ground..

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

Packing the trunk with beer and extra friends, a customized fold-down back seat of an old Dodge or Chevy, and watching a movie for practically free....ahhh, the good old college days. Thanks for the memories and best wishes.

[@fionafiona1146]

Container laws were quite a surprise when I went to America

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

@@fionafiona1146 I was talking about packing a car to sneak in to the outdoor (drive-in) movies for free...but your reply is inadvertently funny just the same. Cheers.

[@fionafiona1146]

@@dr.skipkazarian5556 But you couldn't legally have had an open bottle of (movie) beverage for your passengers around either way... Greetings from Germany

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

@@fionafiona1146 Yes, that is correct....but we were in college, just having some fun and not doing any real harm other than sneaking into the movies....verstehst du? Best wishes from Kauai!

[@fionafiona1146]

@@dr.skipkazarian5556 I don't Object your fun, it's just unimaginable to have spaces not dedicated to minors (14 and under) without alcohol, even high school allowed some around celebrating (not only for parents and graduates). I was 18/19 while traveled Canada and managed not to buy/drink illegally but wouldn't have though about it over a glass of wine 😅

[@ordinaryk]

One of my earliest memories was seeing the original Star Wars at a drive in when I was 4 years old. I miss drive ins...

[@EnchantedSmellyWolf]

Where you drive in to watch the movies but also show off the ladies your sweet ride.

[@coolbluelights]

There are two drive ins I know of in Upstate NY. They use your car's radio for the sound now

[@animeangel1983]

You can probably still find them around somewhere, rural America was huge so they had lots of these. Not every Smalltown, USA had cinemas with TWO whole screens.

[@lutube8180]

There is still a one in Whitley bay, Newcastle in england

[@Zuxiasunicorn]

MeHenry Outdoor in McHenry, IL only one of six left between Chicago, Rockford and Kenosha, WI, to my knowledge anyway. Was on it's way out too, owners successfully asked the public to patronize and saved it.

[@misoman]

7:10...anyone else see the face hugger in that reflection? Goodbye Restoration Station!

[@jss636]

Face hugger from Alien?

[@samuelfellows6923]

A Joke?

[@mr.medina4967]

Face hugger?

[@nimarus3118]

Lol, I didn't even see that the first time. Good eye!

[@rawkusrex]

@@mr.medina4967 just google "facehugger alien". it's from the movie franchise Alien

[@keithmason9342]

Just a suggestion, try tinning stranded wire with solder before making your connections. Make sure you have a good mechanical connection before soldering components. Always heat your surfaces before touching solder to them and do not move wires before the solder cools. This will give you the best results. The hum is from unfiltered AC. It can be cancelled by placing a capacitor between the potentiometer and the speaker. Good luck on your restorations.

[@johnb7346]

Grew up with those hanging on the window of my parents car. What a treat to go to the drive in and visit the concession stand and eat all that junk. Ah, great memories of a simpler time.

[@asmodeusasteroth7137]

Remember those hamburger and fries, the burgers only tasted like that at the drive in. I lived tge drive in burgers Wapped in a foil, and fries in a red striped box Fried onions rings too and all the junk from greasy food joint, we snuck away and smoked Pall Malls behind tge building I saw the thing, and prophecy, the one about mercury in the water,,,, those were the best of times, movie scared the crap out of me,,,,

[@pyeltd.5457]

Dolby Atmos on the windows.

[@sophiesteak]

you're right, i miss casual racism every day

[@sophiesteak]

sorry what did you say? could you repeat that please

[@no-bp2pk]

Cool video

[@xman577]

Wow, this brings back memories of my childhood and my early 20s. I lived in the Twin cities two cities separated by two bridges. Each side has its own drive-in theater. Talk about good memories.

[@ccleake1]

Hey, audio engineer here! That is a ground hum for sure, possible caused by the old school potentiometer as others have mentioned. If you sure in a filtering cap post pot, it should fix it.

[@thatdirtymichiganmusician1038]

Callum THANK GOD SOMEONE ELSE AGREES. Check out my comment. People keep saying it’s the magnet.😂

[@williamhughes5135]

Callum fellow sound engineer here and can agree with what he said. I commented the same thing before seeing your post

[@sherpajones]

@@thatdirtymichiganmusician1038 I'm not a sound engineer and even I was like WTF? Magnet in the speaker causes the hum? no

[@spikeworks]

don't you just love that feeling when you put so much force into a screw to get it to unscrew when its stuck, and it just pops?

[@truckinman86]

I know what you mean. If it crack loose, it’s awesome. But if it snaps and breaks? “Crap.”

[@ralphfisch8452]

Loved going to the drive in movies growing up late 1950s and 1960s. Running around in pj’s, broken glass strewn “playground”. Lights flash tsp back to the car. And always a few beered-up Dads pissed off heading out for an early wake up forgetting to disengage the speaker with it rattling against the window of their country squire wagon, dragging the cord. Wonderful times.

[@zach2518]

I remember those days so well the Twin Drive-In theater in Independence Missouri. Those were good days. Thanks for the Memories.

[@AwesomeShotStudios]

I'm old enough to witness the disappearance of these theaters...and it's a bit of a shame, since they were the best place for a date night. This restoration was a trip back in time, and the stand you made was loads better than the poles they were originally mounted on. Kudos!

[@dfbess]

My father would put me and my sister in the trunk and sneak us in..lol

[@onefatstratcat]

why ain't Bobby and Tammy walkin' up??

[@EnchantedSmellyWolf]

Classic.

[@JDLarge]

Dustin Bess you too huh? My Sis did that to sneak me in and forgot me!

[@JDLarge]

Geo Thomas true, now they charge by the vehicle, not head count😉 Well actually over six is $ five a head but my fam is only five so I’ve never had to hide anyone😉 In Mendon Ma. they revamped the snack bar with a new face too when the “phantom gourmet” brothers bought it. The food was pretty good for drive in food lol! Looking forward to the warm months to go relax and watch the big screens again✌🏼

[@alfiew07]

That’s cool 😂

[@kennyburkhead9080]

I haven't seen a drive in speaker since the 70's when I went into the Army. Our Drive-In was the Old Gyspy drive-in in Bardstown, Ky. Thanks for re-doing it. But, the speakers were mounted 2 to a pole that was usually concrete, so the cars were parked side by side. I went to the drive-in quite often, but I can't remember what they played.

[@jaybcc7581]

Did anybody else notice in the beginning when he wiped something off the table it was Taco Bell sauce

[@bignibba4440]

@Hogans Dubs RIP toilet 2006-2020

[@mary-jeanslaughter8]

Oh my gosh what a ton of memories!!!! The first ever drive up movie we saw a double feature in Columbia Falls Montana drive up. Honey I Shrunk The Kids and Fifel Goes West! My father has since passed, but thank you for the memories sir!!!! Blessing be upon you.

[@constancemiller3753]

The glimmer of goodness in this pandemic has been reopening some classic drive-thrus like the Van Buren in Riverside, California. My parents took us to see the re-release of Fantasia and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves there...I remember the speakers hooked to the windows and trying to watch Footloose instead.🤫 Memories.

[@chuckclark9464]

I love it that brings back so many memories of going to the drive-in sitting in the back of a pick up truck in a lawnchair were just loading up the car with everybody you can possibly fit inside because you get charged by the carload It just bring back a lot of memories man thank you for doing that one

[@gregmannos]

Still have a drive in near me that uses these exact speakers... also use your car stereo but the speakers work and add a nostalgic touch.. The hum sounds like AC voltage hum. Maybe a capacitor inline would remove it.

[@pou618]

You truly take items that were most certainly headed for the dump and give them new life.

[@PaulinaPaulino]

Every Friday night my parents would take me, my older brother, and younger sister to the "Johnny All-Weather Drive in Theater" on Long Island. I think it was like 3 dollars for the car no matter how many people were in it. We'd get there early and play on the playground til the movie started. I think we always fell asleep before the movie ended :) Good times, and ty for reminding me of them with your video.

[@pookatim]

Yes, we used to go to the drive in in our pajamas. It was so cool playing on the swings in my Roy Rodgers pajamas!

[@bryanmiller6046]

Thank you for bringing back the good ole days of movies we didn’t care what was playing as long we was out of the house for 6 hours

[@kevintedford2550]

This so brings back fond memories from my youth when I went to the drive in with my parents. Thanks for the nostalgia.

[@garymucher9590]

Oh yes, the drive in theater speakers. I do remember them hanging in the drivers windows to hear the movie. And how many were not working because some people drove off before putting the speaker back on the stand... Thumbs Up!

[@Chachoes]

I remember going in a drive-in in like 2009 or 10 and we had to find the volume on the radio for the movies

[@Sunsetdrivein]

At the drive ins I worked at, I made the announcements on the sound system to "Be sure to put the speaker back on the post before leaving".

[@Newlifesobriety53]

That brings me back so many years ago, You’re work is Incredible. Makes me want to go to the Drive in’s again. 😊

[@zr1sparky1]

When you played the concession animation it was perfect!

[@toddfraisure1747]

I really miss driving off and forgetting the speaker while shattering my car window and tearing the speaker off the post so they could charge me $50 to fix it. Good Times !!!

[@Edzhjus]

Most of Retro things were so cool nowaday modern stuff pales in comparison. Not because of features 🎩 but because of lack of features. 🙇

[@victorvarsanyi6702]

The microphone hum is from the AC current frequency, going through that wire coil potentiometer. Wire coil gives of electromagnetic interference.

[@Khaild203]

It The Dip for big smoke

[@garyh4458]

Why does it hum when the speaker is not connected to anything? Noise from the atmosphere? I would agree it is from the coil but I can't figure out an explanation for it.

[@karm65]

@@garyh4458 it picks up ambit AC noise with the case creating a signal that the wire resister coil picks up and amplifies it is caused by pore grounding the fix is to put a capacitor between the resister ground and the case

[@kristirockhold3885]

Thank God some of these drive-in theaters are still open

[@kollerd31]

Now that’s taking the drive in speaker to the next level! Awesome job!

[@theemptyatom]

You made it cleaner than they were when I went to the drive-ins back in the day!

[@OmegaHellHound543]

Wow that’s incredibly fascinating how that little speaker still had the entire cone on it. Usually with things like these, it would look completely rotted out. That thing looks like it’d still make noise if you wired it up to something.

[@DanaConquersBoutique]

Brings back memories of going to the Drive In as a kid in the 90s. Nice restoration- very relaxing to watch 🙂

[@joec0914]

Very good work getting the original intermission ad to play over the speaker. LOLz... I actually went to drive-ins like that as a youngster.

[@davidpease207]

Our home town drive-in the American Dream Drive In still uses these speakers. They even show an half hours worth of the old concession ads before the movie, like you did. But to top it off their concession stand sells almost everything in the ads. My favorite to get is a cheeseburger, cheese fries, and a chilly dilly pickle.

[@dong7474]

This was an awesome vid i didnt know i needed to watch. So satisfying. My condolences to your uncle!

[@JDLarge]

Luckily we still have a dual screen drive in right up the road from me in Mendon Massachusetts. Long gone are the hanging speaker days, now we just tune our car radio to whatever frequency they choose to broadcast the audio over. Lot of memories back in the day though! Nice job!

[@feralcatbrothers]

Very well done - as for the "ugly" solder job at 19:26, remember: the bigger the blob the better the job.

[@misssweetie3091]

Our local Drive In the Twin Drive In still had some working speakers the last time we went a few years back. I remember as a kid the Drive In we went to. It closed now also had heaters as well. Just remember going to watch One Million Years B.C as a kid and my dad using the car heater.

[@deekrimmel7522]

I really like the wooden base, but imagine it being old movie reels. Wonderful restore!

[@jasonhilton59]

This is absolutely gorgeous. I love the look of that era and thought of my mama hanging out at the drive in back in the day. Truly amazing 👏👏👏👏

[@CapsuleYT]

That is a theater ticket for the Badger Outdoor Theatre,in Madison Wisconsin.It was located on Highway 51 across from Truax Field.It was a 25-acre site that could fit 600 cars.The first movie to play at the Badger was "Down to Earth",

[@Havaseet2]

I click on the video, then immediately go to the end to see final result...I'm just a rebel like that. Nice work.

[@oldgeezerLV]

When I was in College in the early 1960's I worked at the Campus Drive-In Theater in San Diego for three and a half years. I can't tell you how many of those speakers I picked up off the ground and rehung on the double sided post. My other job was to pop popcorn in a commercial popcorn trailer behind the snack bar. I would fill as many as 25 to 30 25 pound ice bags that would be distributed to six other theaters in the owner's chain. Ahhhh, the good ole days!

[@nknighton70]

I used to love going to the drive ins on the weekends and seeing double features especially when I had little kids. It's too bad most of them have disappeared where I live.

[@robertcallahan7061]

Very meticulous work. Fortune in tools. Final product: A functional work of art.

[@petermotta1623]

Great job, brings me back !

[@JD-gj2rj]

Time to get on the roof of the old panel station wagon! Badass memories! Thanks!

[@thepeternetwork]

I never did get to experience drive-in theaters, but watching this restoration and re-purposing video is somewhat satisfying.

[@shawnlittle3091]

A lot of things were made cooler and better back then this is definitely one of them. Well done

[@1of437]

Awesome restoration and build

[@e-mananimates2274]

I bet your uncle is proud!

[@MrRja62]

this was awesome , a perfect addition to any "man cave" touch of nostalgia !

[@123mvsmith]

My uncle worked and retired from RCA in Camden NJ. It was a beautiful building before drugs moved into that town. It's so sad how things change for the worst...

[@chuckbrown2765]

Funny you mentioned steel wire to prevent theft. My bone head friend forgot the speaker was still hanging on the glass and took off. I think you know what happened next. Great restoration. Want more jeep reno videos please

[@petem.915]

I worked at the St. Albert Alberta Drive In Theatre in my early teens (1970s) and even brand new in the box speakers were never polished like that. But it does look nice. We would get them 10 to a box.

[@1013redoak]

Beautiful restoration! Brings back a lot of fond memories from my youth!

[@frankpitochelli6786]

My goodness, back in the 60s when the drive-in was better than the theater... Nothing like intermission, French fries and burgers, hot dogs, coke in glass bottles....would take the pillows and blankets, lay in back of the station wagon...... That was when life was beautiful.

[@fkyew]

God, I can remember a time when you could by a "re-cone kit" for speakers (tells my age!) As usual, awesome job!

[@celebrityrog]

This brings me back to my childhood - Picture it, Silicon Valley 1980s the drive in on weekend slumber parties, snacks, drinks, blankets and a time when the speakers that you hang inside of your drivers window still ruled the parking lot. Just the next decade would kill the speakers and move to AM/FM radio.

[@caitlinmcquiston5185]

Wow that base looks amazing as well as the final result it’s amazing what you can do with something that is rusty/old and make it look new again

[@customerservicemanager7184]

Reminds me of those old corn pike days...

[@keithdenner9441]

Fantastic job! I really miss those drive in movie nights.

[@jaysauer7324]

Man this one was a great watch! Love the older drive in music sound and intermission cartoon. Keep these videos coming! Just subscribed after watching the hand lawnmower and this speaker resto!

[@MR.B00_]

Very nostalgic and entertaining. Thank you!

[@vintagediecastrestoration]

Would be neat to do one of these up with a bluetooth conversion so that it could be used as a speaker anywhere and connect to any phone.

[@wireworks616]

I still go to the Drive In. Only they don't have speakers anymore. You have to tune your car radio to 88 on the fm dial to hear the movie. Still a great time like the old days.

[@samuelfellows6923]

Wire Works - I assume for DAB digital, has its own station?

[@Sunsetdrivein]

Some drive-in theaters still operate the in-car speaker systems.

[@AiMR]

The cast metal base of a mic stand would probably make for a more authentic look.

[@AiMR]

@Larry Stevens I can't decide if I am a low functioning genius or high functioning idiot.

[@anti_honey]

@@AiMR your wit is amazing

[@javierolivas9671]

Man!! you brought back a lot of memories at the drive inn, thanks!!! I think your work is awesome!!

[@JaceD4V1S88]

was wondering how to curl the wire, guess you learn something new every day , thanks!!

[@bobbaleno4894]

OMG I haven't seen one of these in years/decades

[@birdie399]

What a brilliant restoration and improvement. That speaker case has an Art Deco style. Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it.

[@Redtailedhawk99]

Man I remember those! Ultra cool memorabilia! We had a Drive in called Twilight Drive in. They always played Twilight Time by the Platters it was their theme.

[@russnurse2b807]

Great job. It brings back a lot of childhood memories.

[@lathropedition]

Awesome resto dude! You inspired me and I restored a set of Eprads and wired them up to Bluetooth. Now they’re our family outdoor theater speakers.

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

A mans only as good as his tools , great job .

[@dixonqwerty]

Excellent job young man!

[@johnwhitley2898]

Way cool! I worked at the Big Sky Drive-In theater in Carlsbad, NM, over 44 years ago. I think I repaired/replaced over 500 double speaker poles! Lol! First run Movies 7 nights a week! Our manager chased a drunk family back to the highway because they were dragging out two poles on their car and didn't know! Lol!! Again, very cool resto!!!

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

Love the stand. Awesome restoration!!

[@Sparky-ov1ot]

Here in the UK we never had many drive ins, but now with Covid churches are using them where they can, but unfortunately without the nice speakers, great video.

[@ProlificInvention]

Such a useful and excellent decorative restoration.

[@cyberp0et]

Neat looking speaker, all metal , Well done.

[@radioman56-2billchenet7]

I used to work at a drive-in I still have a bunch of those speakers too awesome when they're done over you know....

[@Michigan-Tactical]

I love how the color turned out on the base. Very well done.

[@1_Papa]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏! Outstanding job and video! If a new or reopened drive-in theatre doesn't consult you (and pay you handsomely for your time and expertise) and, if they don't know how to do this as inexpensively as you have just done here, then they will miss out on the kind of workmanship they need! Again, congrats on a job very well done! 🎥! 🐰

[@bnscholet911]

That was an incredible restore. I wasn’t expecting that! Well done brother

[@kathyk479]

In North East Ohio growing up we had almost a dozen drive ins to choose from! It was AWESOME . Sadly we only have 3 left but they are treasured! Summer doesn't start until you go to the drive in!! Lol

[@michaelskinner896]

Nice work! These really take me back.

[@roccomariano7121]

That was the most Incredible RESTORATION that I have ever seen in RESTORATIONS in my life THANK YOU for sharing this incredible RESTORATION THANK YOU

[@Kirkland-rv5jf]

That cable you made is fantastic!

[@teabagNBG]

this dude can work with everythign... wood, metal, soldeirng, electronics and so on ... this is waht i call skills

[@ddoyle11]

Oh the memories. My mother driving me and my 2 sisters to the Telephone Road Drive In in South Houston. That same speaker would have been perched on the door of our 1962 Ford Galaxie 500. We would burn a mosquito coil on the open glove compartment door to try to fend off the horrid beasts. My sisters and I would go to the playground located just under the movie screen and play on the swings, slides and teeter-totters if we lost interest in the movie. And of course, there was always the trip to the concession stand in the back to get popcorn, hot dogs, Frito pies and a Coke.

[@xhag1x]

love these videos the care love and effort showes in these restorations.

[@jackdehaan2267]

Here I thought this was going to be a boring restoration. But it turned out very good. Appreciate the stand, new speaker, and it's re-purpose. Well done!

[@julia-mi8ct]

This literally brought me back to my childhood. Love this video :)

[@robertbeacham6286]

I used to go to the Drive - in Theatre 🎭 back in the late 1960’s only once !! I sure wish they didn’t get rid of the Drive - In Movie 🍿 Theaters at all !! I wish I could buy an outside movie theater !! Those were the days !!

[@selfrestoration9564]

Amazing work Done 👍 Thumbs up 👍 👏 👏