original AM radio conversion to USB/Bluetooth!

[nfbecker65]

I am really close to pulling the trigger with one of these companies that converts your original AM radio to AM/FM, with iPod, USB, and Bluetooth capabilities, but I just don't know who to go with. They all seem to have the same features, but I am just concerned about quality and user friendliness. Its pretty much come down to www.joesclassiccarradio.com (http://www.joesclassiccarradio.com/) or www.turnswitch.com (http://www.turnswitch.com/). Anyone here have any experience of info on any of these companies or their product? I'm torn!

Nik

[alocker]

I have found almost all Bluetooth devices are a bit clunky, so be aware of that. Another option is to hide a Bluetooth headunit in the glovebox. I have a JVC that had USB and Bluetooth for less than $100.00.

[GTOtzel]

Check out these guys.http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/

[Aficionado]

I'm with GTOtzel. I've got one of their radios in my '72 Stingray, and had it converted to white-faced. Still in the build stage, so no report of how it works, but so far so good. Has the Bluetooth adaptor.

[MonzaRacer]

I've done it once before, we use an FM converter and rf adapter and we figured a way to hook a Bluetooth too the adapter.
Bad thing is you only have two speaker chanels at best. Or mono at worst.
My money is swap old am for one of the shaft more nts off. EBay. Around $25 USB, CD, etc .http://www.ebay.com/itm/121442507730?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Check out these guys.http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/

I will 3rd these guys. I saw them at SEMA and their product is awesome. It looks exactly like OEM, though it's all new, and only about 3" deep. Pretty cool that the dials will rotate for AM/FM as well, just as original. Not super cheap, but I think it's worth it.

[CarlC]

Check out these guys.http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/

That is very slick. I have an older Kenwood shaft-style head unit but have never liked the knob-style mount vs. the factory flange.

[Radio Joe]

I am really close to pulling the trigger with one of these companies that converts your original AM radio to AM/FM, with iPod, USB, and Bluetooth capabilities, but I just don't know who to go with. They all seem to have the same features, but I am just concerned about quality and user friendliness. Its pretty much come down to www.joesclassiccarradio.com (http://www.joesclassiccarradio.com/) or www.turnswitch.com (http://www.turnswitch.com/). Anyone here have any experience of info on any of these companies or their product? I'm torn!

Nik

Hi Nik,

I havent been on here in years but A customer pointed out our shop was mentioned here. Appreciate the plug- You are right, the conversion modules are made by one company and installed by their dealers so the features are pretty much the same for all of us. Important is that you find a shop that you are comfortable dealing with.

I dont want to use the forum as an advertisement so I will just say please contact us if you have any questions and we will be happy to help.

www.joesclassiccarradio.com

[rohrt]

I see this thread is about a month old, but I will throw my .$02 .

I went with the http://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm radio. I got the RCA input and a AUX power output. I think its a 25Watt X 4 if I recall.
What I like is it still looks and operates like a an AM radio. So no one would want to steel it LOL.
I have my aftermarket power antenna hooked up and it works great.
I still use a single dash speaker that they recommended so the sound quality is really only as good at that speaker for me. Being a 64 A-body tempest doesn't give much options for under the dash. Its also a convertible too so even more limitation on speaker options. I like my vents so I have not done the kick vent speaker. I may do the Under cover II speaks at some point.

The volume knob is a bit touchy when adjusting the sound. The RCA input I use with my Samsung phone drops out while using it. That is really my biggest grip about it. Seems fine using a IPOD. My push buttons still work. My kids get a kick out of that. For the price I'm pretty happy with it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/DSC04375_zpsea01e140-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/DSC04334_zps31c5e795-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/DSC04311_zpsdea8ee76-1.jpg

[Radio Joe]

Hi Guys.

I forwarded a link of this post over to Greg at Turnswitch. He asked me to respond here since he isnt a member.

He is glad to hear past customers are happy with their radios.

He also wanted to point out that Rohrt's Radio that he posted a picture of is an older design that used an AAR conversion Module. They now only install the Aurora Designs FMR1 Module because of its better quality.

I agree with Greg on this- I had avoided the AAR conversion module for many years, refusing to sell it to my customers because I just wasnt happy with its quality, performance or sound.
The FMR1 Module from Aurora Designs is head and shoulders above the other suppliers and I am happy to offer it in my shop!

Regardless who you buy from- If you get an FMR1 Conversion, you are going to be impressed.

Wow- Sorry that kinda turned into an Advertisement.... Anyhow I hope it helps someone here who is looking to upgrade their radio.

[pitts64]

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