Adding a Radio Question
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New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Adding a Radio Question
I have a '53 f-1. i would like to add a modern radio and put in 2 speakers. I dont want it to stand out so im thinking about mounting the deck under the seat and using a remote. Any Ideas or pics? also the truck is obviously a 6 volt system, where could i find a deck to get around this problem?
I know theres a lot of people that are against throwing in a modern radio, im not 100 percent sure i want to do this unless i can find a way to do it clean.
I know theres a lot of people that are against throwing in a modern radio, im not 100 percent sure i want to do this unless i can find a way to do it clean.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 797
Likes: 3
From: Cape Coral FL
I have not done this yet with my truck, but this is what can be done with a dc to dc converter. Here is a link to a seller on ebay and Macs sells them also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-to-...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-to-...QQcmdZViewItem
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I don't know of anyone making a 6V +grnd stereo system much less with a remote.
Why not convert your truck to 12V -grnd first, not expensive or difficult, then you'll never have to be concerned about it again. You likely have more room behind than under your seat. In the glove compartment is another popular hiding place.
AFA modifying your truck, there are very few purists here.
By the way, if your truck is a 53, it isn't an F1. F1 designation ended in 52, starting with 53 they were designated F100 for the 1/2T pickup.
Why not convert your truck to 12V -grnd first, not expensive or difficult, then you'll never have to be concerned about it again. You likely have more room behind than under your seat. In the glove compartment is another popular hiding place.
AFA modifying your truck, there are very few purists here.
By the way, if your truck is a 53, it isn't an F1. F1 designation ended in 52, starting with 53 they were designated F100 for the 1/2T pickup.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 5
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
I have a modern radio, with a mostly black face mounted right under the dash using holes that were there already. At a glance it looks stock, would come off easily if needed.
12 volts likely a good idea anyway..
12 volts likely a good idea anyway..
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 1
From: oh
I like the glove box mounted stereos and will do that in mine soon. Under the seat would be a hassle --to me /and unless you use a remote would not be the way I would go. Under the seat-is where I store jack/handle/flares/extinguisher/tools....Bill
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
it's really pretty simple:
You'll need to adapt a 1 wire (GM) 12V alternator to your engine, there are conversion mounts available, and buy a 12V battery, 12V bulbs for all the lights, 12V coil, 12V solenoid, voltage reducers for the instruments, fan motor and wiper motor if electric. You could use the inexpensive wire wound reducers, but I'd recommend using solid state ones instead since the wire wounds get quite hot. Ford used 6V instruments for some time after they went 12V so they installed voltage reducers you could use or aftermarket suppliers like Mid Fifity www.midfifty.com sell them. Your 6V starter motor will spin faster than before but that won't be a problem. The 6V wiring is actually heavier than what 12V requires, so all your wiring can be used if in good condition. I don't think I missed anything, but other's will chime in if I have.
On the radio install, I saw one in a magazine on an F1 that had the chrome speaker trim in the center of the dash. They hinged the trim and installed the radio behind it.
You'll need to adapt a 1 wire (GM) 12V alternator to your engine, there are conversion mounts available, and buy a 12V battery, 12V bulbs for all the lights, 12V coil, 12V solenoid, voltage reducers for the instruments, fan motor and wiper motor if electric. You could use the inexpensive wire wound reducers, but I'd recommend using solid state ones instead since the wire wounds get quite hot. Ford used 6V instruments for some time after they went 12V so they installed voltage reducers you could use or aftermarket suppliers like Mid Fifity www.midfifty.com sell them. Your 6V starter motor will spin faster than before but that won't be a problem. The 6V wiring is actually heavier than what 12V requires, so all your wiring can be used if in good condition. I don't think I missed anything, but other's will chime in if I have.
On the radio install, I saw one in a magazine on an F1 that had the chrome speaker trim in the center of the dash. They hinged the trim and installed the radio behind it.
Last edited by AXracer; Dec 17, 2007 at 01:52 PM.
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