I have a '65 F-250 Camper Special with a Custom Cab, and I am looking for either a radio from the era or a modern, multi-function reproduction that fits in the dash.

I think I've found one of each, but serious money is involved... $250-400...

Your thoughts?

 

 

Yep - the Retro sound looks like $350 and that's what I'm saving up for down the road as I refuse to cut into the dash I so lovingly repainted.

Same for A/C - looking at the Vintage Air kit that's about $850 for these trucks. You have to drill a few small holes under the hood/inner fender area and you end up with a shallower glove box, but I'll trade that for A/C in August in Kansas.

 

I decided to put a hold on a radio purchase...

First, this truck will probably be my hauler, not an everyday driver. For the cost of a radio, the speakers, and the brain damage involved with installation, I can live without tunes going to and from the dump, the hardware store, the auto parts store, etc...

Second, before I even attempted to install a radio, etc., I would need to see if new cab sound-proofing would make the installation of a radio and speakers even worthwhile. Dealing with the aerodynamics of this "truck-brick" and the roar of a 352 will be a challenge.

Third, in an attempt to simplify and get more than just a radio, I am wondering about a hidden multi-funcitional blue-tooth unit with wireless, noise-cancelling headphones... So, no speakers... no dash or glove box penetration issues...

So, car radio experts out there, does any of this seem realistic and doable?

 

Some states have laws against the driver of a vehicle wearing headsets while driving because you are less likely to be able to hear sirens, etc. which always seemed funny to me because deaf people can drive and some hearing enabled people have their tunes cranked so loud they wouldn't hear a jet passing just overhead at supersonic speeds.

Otherwise your idea sounds good to me. The original AM radio can also be modified to allow plugging in of an input jack so tunes from a mobile phone, MP3 player, etc, can be played which can help if a person is in an area with limited AM stations or just for anyone. There is quite a bit of information online but I won't point to it since that doesn't sound like the way you'd want to go.

Chad

 

Thanks for sharing, Chad... I am still open to ideas because it's going to be a while before I deal with the radio situation.

How would I modify an original AM radio to MP3, etc...?

 

This thread reminds me, I've got an extra original radio someplace, I'll have to find it.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RetroSound-...PSGround!95006

 

Here's an instructables on how to do it.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Add...layer-to-an-O/

Chad

 

 

I'd be interested if you find it... if it fits my 250, and you want to sell it ... and, then, of course, how much?

 

Thanks for this... Circumstances in my life seem to be leading toward learning how to solder electronic stuff... Got a box of stuff that MIGHT work if I can re-solder... I might go for this if I can find a radio...

 

Back when I was a kid and driving a stock 66 F100 with the factory am radio we never thought twice about the noise in the cab. Windows up or down, cruising on the highway or around town, we always listened to the radio. I think we are just spoiled by modern quiet cars with great stereos and a multitude of speakers.

 

The same sort of thing with AC... I grew in Central California... with temperatures in the 100's for days on end.... I drove around in a '51 Chevy with the windows down... The best relief was a coiled wire, mesh seating pad... that allowed air to flow to your back and legs... Without it, total saturation of your back and ***....

Those were the days...

 

Found the radio. Give me a bit to check it over. I've owned 4 different F-100's in the 65-66 range and no idea which one it came out of. If I can come up with an antenna connection (maybe use my 78 F-100) I'll see if it still works.
Needs a good cleaning, and I think it currently has a mud dobbers nest inside it.

Steve