Swapping over radio and clock
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Parksville, BC
Swapping over radio and clock
So I've got a stock radio and clock from an 84 f150 that I want to switch into my 81.
Now I'm pretty sure that my truck used to have the old radio in it but not a clock, the type of radio I'm taking about are the ones with the chrome ***** and what not.
Now there is a after market CD player in the truck currently, which I'm all good for except that it's the most ugliest setup ever and just isn't as awesome as the old radio.
The wiring is all screwed up and I have no idea what's what. I wanted to come here for some suggestions before I started ripping wires.
Now for the clock in the old truck there was a completely different wire for that.
If I were to cut out the wire from the 84 could I just simply use it in my current truck? I want to say splice it in to the other wiring but I forget the term. I'm sure you kinda get what I mean.
Thanks! Bye.
Now I'm pretty sure that my truck used to have the old radio in it but not a clock, the type of radio I'm taking about are the ones with the chrome ***** and what not.
Now there is a after market CD player in the truck currently, which I'm all good for except that it's the most ugliest setup ever and just isn't as awesome as the old radio.
The wiring is all screwed up and I have no idea what's what. I wanted to come here for some suggestions before I started ripping wires.
Now for the clock in the old truck there was a completely different wire for that.
If I were to cut out the wire from the 84 could I just simply use it in my current truck? I want to say splice it in to the other wiring but I forget the term. I'm sure you kinda get what I mean.
Thanks! Bye.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Florida
Your factory wire colors should be Yellow/Black hash for Power,and Lt Blue/Red for Illumination.These are the only two wires your truck should have for a radio in 81.I'm not sure how the **** and Shaft Radios utilize the station presets,but if they use a memory wire,than the wire you need is lt green/yellow,which is the clock wire circuit.To put a clock in the truck,you'll need the clock as well as the Extension Harness.Your truck should be prewired from factory for the clock,unless a P.O hacked the wiring.The plug will be at the bottom of your dash behind the Heat and A/C controls.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
IIRC from 81-explorer the clock wiring changed a bit over the years but I don't remember
the specifics... I think it might have been, some clocks used the light blue/red wire as a
signal to have the clock's display dim down (for nighttime use) and maybe others used the
brown wire (powers side marker, tail,optional roof clearance lights, etc.) but I don't
remember for certain. In any event, it can be made to work pretty easily. As was stated,
the plug is already there, down by the HVAC controls/ashtray on the RH side.
the specifics... I think it might have been, some clocks used the light blue/red wire as a
signal to have the clock's display dim down (for nighttime use) and maybe others used the
brown wire (powers side marker, tail,optional roof clearance lights, etc.) but I don't
remember for certain. In any event, it can be made to work pretty easily. As was stated,
the plug is already there, down by the HVAC controls/ashtray on the RH side.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Florida
Why do I always overlook the years people post for the parts trucks?
Thanks Chris for pointing that out.
The clocks are as follows:
1980-1982
1983-1986.
The differences between the two clocks aren't very noticeable when they're in the truck,but when you have them both out,you see that Ford pretty much re-designed the entire clock for 83.
I'm not sure exactly what it takes to make the newer clock work in the older truck,but I don't recall many people doing it,so i'm kinda torn on the simplicity of it.Alot of people ask about it,but I don't see alot of success updates.
Thanks Chris for pointing that out.
The clocks are as follows:
1980-1982
1983-1986.
The differences between the two clocks aren't very noticeable when they're in the truck,but when you have them both out,you see that Ford pretty much re-designed the entire clock for 83.
I'm not sure exactly what it takes to make the newer clock work in the older truck,but I don't recall many people doing it,so i'm kinda torn on the simplicity of it.Alot of people ask about it,but I don't see alot of success updates.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I *think* I did it, but I can't say if it's optimal... I think I'm using a clock that's set up for the
brown wire but am using it on the lb/r wire in the harness. This works until you go dim the
dash lights, the clock display will begin to dim for a SMALL bit (as you turn the ****) but
then brightens to full intensity as you turn it more, I don't think it's intended to be continuously
adjustable.
Or, something like that, maybe 81-explorer will clarify.
brown wire but am using it on the lb/r wire in the harness. This works until you go dim the
dash lights, the clock display will begin to dim for a SMALL bit (as you turn the ****) but
then brightens to full intensity as you turn it more, I don't think it's intended to be continuously
adjustable.
Or, something like that, maybe 81-explorer will clarify.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Parksville, BC
I'm not concerned about dimming it I would just like it to work. Thanks for the updates I hope to give you guys an update on how it works this weekend.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
Clocks:
1980-1982: Two connectors at bottom of dash: Plug and Play
1983-1986: One connector at bottom of dash: Plug and play
Both clocks are different and function different, even though they operate and look simular. You should get the correct year clock and wiring for what you are doing, however see #1 below to make it work.
Radio:
1981 and older radios: Rubber Connectors
1982 and newer: Plastic connectors:
You have two problems switching the 1984 clock and radio to your 1981, and it's all to do with wiring.
1: You will need the whole clock wiring from the bottom of the dash to the top, and you will also need the connector off the main harness for the clock as well from the 1984. The 1980-1982 has two seperate connectors at the bottom of the dash for the clock and convenience light group. The 1983-1986 has one. You need to remove the wires from the 1981's two connectors and transplant them into the 1984's one connector from the donor truck. You do not have to splice wires. With the connectors apart or seperated, you will see a red "retainer" in the connector. Remove the retainer and the wires and terminals will come out of the connector. Transplant the wires in the correct order to the new connector from the 1984 donor truck. Then you can plug it in and use it. Disconnect the battery Negative terminal as a few of those wires are hot with the ignition off.
#2: The radio, you will have to make your own adapter plug, or splice something else in to use a newer radio than 1981.
1980-1982: Two connectors at bottom of dash: Plug and Play
1983-1986: One connector at bottom of dash: Plug and play
Both clocks are different and function different, even though they operate and look simular. You should get the correct year clock and wiring for what you are doing, however see #1 below to make it work.
Radio:
1981 and older radios: Rubber Connectors
1982 and newer: Plastic connectors:
You have two problems switching the 1984 clock and radio to your 1981, and it's all to do with wiring.
1: You will need the whole clock wiring from the bottom of the dash to the top, and you will also need the connector off the main harness for the clock as well from the 1984. The 1980-1982 has two seperate connectors at the bottom of the dash for the clock and convenience light group. The 1983-1986 has one. You need to remove the wires from the 1981's two connectors and transplant them into the 1984's one connector from the donor truck. You do not have to splice wires. With the connectors apart or seperated, you will see a red "retainer" in the connector. Remove the retainer and the wires and terminals will come out of the connector. Transplant the wires in the correct order to the new connector from the 1984 donor truck. Then you can plug it in and use it. Disconnect the battery Negative terminal as a few of those wires are hot with the ignition off.
#2: The radio, you will have to make your own adapter plug, or splice something else in to use a newer radio than 1981.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I *think* I did it, but I can't say if it's optimal... I think I'm using a clock that's set up for the
brown wire but am using it on the lb/r wire in the harness. This works until you go dim the
dash lights, the clock display will begin to dim for a SMALL bit (as you turn the ****) but
then brightens to full intensity as you turn it more, I don't think it's intended to be continuously
adjustable.
Or, something like that, maybe 81-explorer will clarify.
brown wire but am using it on the lb/r wire in the harness. This works until you go dim the
dash lights, the clock display will begin to dim for a SMALL bit (as you turn the ****) but
then brightens to full intensity as you turn it more, I don't think it's intended to be continuously
adjustable.
Or, something like that, maybe 81-explorer will clarify.
The 1983-1986 has a more modern LCD display. The actual seperate LCD sectons lights up themselves when activated. There is a seperate diode in the clock when it senses 12 volts from the Brown wire, it dims the LCD display.
Why the difference in wiring.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 90
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From: Parksville, BC
Clocks:
1980-1982: Two connectors at bottom of dash: Plug and Play
1983-1986: One connector at bottom of dash: Plug and play
Both clocks are different and function different, even though they operate and look simular. You should get the correct year clock and wiring for what you are doing, however see #1 below to make it work.
Radio:
1981 and older radios: Rubber Connectors
1982 and newer: Plastic connectors:
You have two problems switching the 1984 clock and radio to your 1981, and it's all to do with wiring.
1: You will need the whole clock wiring from the bottom of the dash to the top, and you will also need the connector off the main harness for the clock as well from the 1984. The 1980-1982 has two seperate connectors at the bottom of the dash for the clock and convenience light group. The 1983-1986 has one. You need to remove the wires from the 1981's two connectors and transplant them into the 1984's one connector from the donor truck. You do not have to splice wires. With the connectors apart or seperated, you will see a red "retainer" in the connector. Remove the retainer and the wires and terminals will come out of the connector. Transplant the wires in the correct order to the new connector from the 1984 donor truck. Then you can plug it in and use it. Disconnect the battery Negative terminal as a few of those wires are hot with the ignition off.
#2: The radio, you will have to make your own adapter plug, or splice something else in to use a newer radio than 1981.
1980-1982: Two connectors at bottom of dash: Plug and Play
1983-1986: One connector at bottom of dash: Plug and play
Both clocks are different and function different, even though they operate and look simular. You should get the correct year clock and wiring for what you are doing, however see #1 below to make it work.
Radio:
1981 and older radios: Rubber Connectors
1982 and newer: Plastic connectors:
You have two problems switching the 1984 clock and radio to your 1981, and it's all to do with wiring.
1: You will need the whole clock wiring from the bottom of the dash to the top, and you will also need the connector off the main harness for the clock as well from the 1984. The 1980-1982 has two seperate connectors at the bottom of the dash for the clock and convenience light group. The 1983-1986 has one. You need to remove the wires from the 1981's two connectors and transplant them into the 1984's one connector from the donor truck. You do not have to splice wires. With the connectors apart or seperated, you will see a red "retainer" in the connector. Remove the retainer and the wires and terminals will come out of the connector. Transplant the wires in the correct order to the new connector from the 1984 donor truck. Then you can plug it in and use it. Disconnect the battery Negative terminal as a few of those wires are hot with the ignition off.
#2: The radio, you will have to make your own adapter plug, or splice something else in to use a newer radio than 1981.
Anybody have any suggestions on how to do it? I'm still a bit confused. Really all I care about is sound and power of course, lighting the bulb in the radio is of no big concern. Same thing with the dimmer switch, don't care.
Just tell me which wires to tangle with.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
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From: Florida
As for speaker wires,I don't have them at the moment,but if nobody gets it for you by tomorrow afternoon,I'll get my diagram from the shop and post them up.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Parksville, BC
Okay so a few more things before I start choppin' up wires.
This is what I'm guessing has power/illumination/something else awesome!
Fig 1.
I realize now that the Orange/Grey wire is probably Orange/Green, I'm also guessing that Yellow/Black is the power on this. I'm also guessing that Pink/blue is possibly illumination, but what would the third wire be? Memory wire? If so what would I splice this to? I cannot find any yellow/green wires anywhere.
This is for speakers and a bunch of other cool things it looks like.
Fig 2.
And I'm not even sure where to start with this, I took this picture and set it up for future reference when I get to it. I'd like power first.
EDIT/ So it turns out that the way that PO got power for the aftermarket radio was through a speaker wire plugged into the fuse panel, now my chiltons manual says that the appropriate fuse is a 7.5 amp or something like that, and beside it it says "in-line" whats up with that? I don't get it mack. Also for some reason I was expecting the fuses to be the glass ones, but the fuse panel is not. I'm guessing that is the norm? I really have no idea what I'm doing, I just know that in shop I was really good with splicing wire.
This is what I'm guessing has power/illumination/something else awesome!
Fig 1.
I realize now that the Orange/Grey wire is probably Orange/Green, I'm also guessing that Yellow/Black is the power on this. I'm also guessing that Pink/blue is possibly illumination, but what would the third wire be? Memory wire? If so what would I splice this to? I cannot find any yellow/green wires anywhere.
This is for speakers and a bunch of other cool things it looks like.
Fig 2.
And I'm not even sure where to start with this, I took this picture and set it up for future reference when I get to it. I'd like power first.
EDIT/ So it turns out that the way that PO got power for the aftermarket radio was through a speaker wire plugged into the fuse panel, now my chiltons manual says that the appropriate fuse is a 7.5 amp or something like that, and beside it it says "in-line" whats up with that? I don't get it mack. Also for some reason I was expecting the fuses to be the glass ones, but the fuse panel is not. I'm guessing that is the norm? I really have no idea what I'm doing, I just know that in shop I was really good with splicing wire.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
You shouldn't have to chop up the wires for the clock if you follow my suggestion in the previous posts. Radio wiring you can cut the connectors off the 1984 and use those to wire to the 1981.
Two of those is not the correct colors for the application.
1: The Yellow/Black wire is 12 Volt Switched Power.
2: The orange/green wire (should be solid orange) is for the Power antenna. (not used in trucks)
3: Pink/Blue: This wire should be Blue/Red stripe, however I have seen simular color errors on the radio side of the harness. Blue/Red stripe is radio dial illumination. Use the connector from the 1984 and that will help as the wires on the main harness side should be correct.
This is for speakers and a bunch of other cool things it looks like.
Fig 2.
1: Black/White hash: Speaker Ground.
2: Orange/light Green: Left Front Speaker
3: White/Light Green: Right Front Speaker
4: Pink/Light Green: Left Rear Speaker (hooked to left front speaker on trucks)
5: Pink/Light Blue: Right Rear Speaker (hooked to Right Front Speaker on trucks)
You should use the speaker harness from the 1984 as well and the door rubber conduits. This way there is no splicing of wires.
If you don't have access to the 1984 and it's connectors, go to the wrecking yard and grab some. It will save you a heck of a lot of headache. 1983-1986 radio and clock connectors are compatible.
The fuses changed to ATO/ATC type in 1980. The radio fuse is 15amps factory fuse at the factory location in the fuse panel.
This is what I'm guessing has power/illumination/something else awesome!
Fig 1.
I realize now that the Orange/Grey wire is probably Orange/Green, I'm also guessing that Yellow/Black is the power on this. I'm also guessing that Pink/blue is possibly illumination, but what would the third wire be? Memory wire? If so what would I splice this to? I cannot find any yellow/green wires anywhere.
Fig 1.
I realize now that the Orange/Grey wire is probably Orange/Green, I'm also guessing that Yellow/Black is the power on this. I'm also guessing that Pink/blue is possibly illumination, but what would the third wire be? Memory wire? If so what would I splice this to? I cannot find any yellow/green wires anywhere.
1: The Yellow/Black wire is 12 Volt Switched Power.
2: The orange/green wire (should be solid orange) is for the Power antenna. (not used in trucks)
3: Pink/Blue: This wire should be Blue/Red stripe, however I have seen simular color errors on the radio side of the harness. Blue/Red stripe is radio dial illumination. Use the connector from the 1984 and that will help as the wires on the main harness side should be correct.
This is for speakers and a bunch of other cool things it looks like.
Fig 2.
2: Orange/light Green: Left Front Speaker
3: White/Light Green: Right Front Speaker
4: Pink/Light Green: Left Rear Speaker (hooked to left front speaker on trucks)
5: Pink/Light Blue: Right Rear Speaker (hooked to Right Front Speaker on trucks)
You should use the speaker harness from the 1984 as well and the door rubber conduits. This way there is no splicing of wires.
If you don't have access to the 1984 and it's connectors, go to the wrecking yard and grab some. It will save you a heck of a lot of headache. 1983-1986 radio and clock connectors are compatible.
And I'm not even sure where to start with this, I took this picture and set it up for future reference when I get to it. I'd like power first.
EDIT/ So it turns out that the way that PO got power for the aftermarket radio was through a speaker wire plugged into the fuse panel, now my chiltons manual says that the appropriate fuse is a 7.5 amp or something like that, and beside it it says "in-line" whats up with that? I don't get it mack. Also for some reason I was expecting the fuses to be the glass ones, but the fuse panel is not. I'm guessing that is the norm? I really have no idea what I'm doing, I just know that in shop I was really good with splicing wire.
EDIT/ So it turns out that the way that PO got power for the aftermarket radio was through a speaker wire plugged into the fuse panel, now my chiltons manual says that the appropriate fuse is a 7.5 amp or something like that, and beside it it says "in-line" whats up with that? I don't get it mack. Also for some reason I was expecting the fuses to be the glass ones, but the fuse panel is not. I'm guessing that is the norm? I really have no idea what I'm doing, I just know that in shop I was really good with splicing wire.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I'm going to throw this out here,but i'm sure it'll be completely missed.
What I did with my 80,was grabbed some connectors from an 85 at the junkyard.I got the Radio side Speaker/Power,as well as Truck Harness Speaker/Power connectors.Next,I went to Napa and grabbed some Ford Micro Oem Terminals for the Radio.Here's a link.Store Locator | NAPA Online
After I had all my supplies,I cut the Rubber Connector off the wires,stripped the insulation on the Illumination/Power wires,and then crimped the New Terminals onto the wires.I then simply inserted them into the proper space in the connector,and plugged the radio in.I found that way was alot easier than having to solder the donor plug and wires to my existing wires.
What I did with my 80,was grabbed some connectors from an 85 at the junkyard.I got the Radio side Speaker/Power,as well as Truck Harness Speaker/Power connectors.Next,I went to Napa and grabbed some Ford Micro Oem Terminals for the Radio.Here's a link.Store Locator | NAPA Online
After I had all my supplies,I cut the Rubber Connector off the wires,stripped the insulation on the Illumination/Power wires,and then crimped the New Terminals onto the wires.I then simply inserted them into the proper space in the connector,and plugged the radio in.I found that way was alot easier than having to solder the donor plug and wires to my existing wires.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Parksville, BC
I'm going to throw this out here,but i'm sure it'll be completely missed.
What I did with my 80,was grabbed some connectors from an 85 at the junkyard.I got the Radio side Speaker/Power,as well as Truck Harness Speaker/Power connectors.Next,I went to Napa and grabbed some Ford Micro Oem Terminals for the Radio.Here's a link.Store Locator | NAPA Online
After I had all my supplies,I cut the Rubber Connector off the wires,stripped the insulation on the Illumination/Power wires,and then crimped the New Terminals onto the wires.I then simply inserted them into the proper space in the connector,and plugged the radio in.I found that way was alot easier than having to solder the donor plug and wires to my existing wires.
What I did with my 80,was grabbed some connectors from an 85 at the junkyard.I got the Radio side Speaker/Power,as well as Truck Harness Speaker/Power connectors.Next,I went to Napa and grabbed some Ford Micro Oem Terminals for the Radio.Here's a link.Store Locator | NAPA Online
After I had all my supplies,I cut the Rubber Connector off the wires,stripped the insulation on the Illumination/Power wires,and then crimped the New Terminals onto the wires.I then simply inserted them into the proper space in the connector,and plugged the radio in.I found that way was alot easier than having to solder the donor plug and wires to my existing wires.
Thanks again you two.
