Hey all, a couple of quick questions. I'm still running my original 6 volt system but it has always had an 8 volt battery in it. My radio has worked the entire two years I have owned it until recently. I checked the fuse and it was shot, so I ordered the new fuses and put one in but it blew immediately- tried once more with the same result. Should I try to find a higher amp? fuse in the same small original size (is there such a thing?) or is there another solution? If you couldn't tell, I'm an idiot when it comes to electrical. I realize that the reason my tail light bulbs blow every now and then is because I am running the higher voltage- I can deal with that. Is there a voltage regulator or something that could help with my issues but still allow me to keep the 8 volt starting power? I really love listening to the original am radio- keeps me in the time machine mode. Also, one of my courtesy lights went out and the parts shop told me that new bulbs are $2- no biggie, but they said they are only sold by the case now (10). Does anyone else know where i can get individual bulbs? I really hate the thought of having to shell out $20. Thanks
I saved all my 6 volt bulbs when I switched to 12 volt and you can have them. PM your address to me and I will send them to you.
The blown bulbs may be from the slightly higher voltage, Scott, but it's more likely your radio has a more serious problem if it blows fuses. After you've checked the wiring between the fuse and the radio for shorts to ground (remember you've got a positive-ground electrical system) locate an older radio shop in your area and have your radio tested. It could be that it has a bad tube or two. I've got a couple old Ford radios that you're welcome to for the tubes in them you may need. If you haven't alreardy, I'd suggest a HAMB search for 6-volt radio problems as well. Ebay is probably your best source for a replacement radio... Good luck...and thanks again for your photoshop work!
One of the guys on www.1954ford.com just posted yesterday that He is giving a '54 radio away free,just pay shipping.
Thanks for the advice fellas. I'll let you know what I decide to do. When I was underneath hooking up the fuse, I saw the tubes light up- again, I am an electrical idiot so I'm not sure what that means. On the other hand, I was over at my Mother's house a few weeks ago letting an electrician in to do a couple of things and he was commenting on my Ford that I drove over- turns out he's an old hot rodder! He lives a mile away and has about 20 projects (more than a few T's and A's that he's had since the late 60's in a barn but have never seen the road)! I think I'll give him a yell to see if he can stick his nose under my dash and take a peek. He said he'd give me a call so I could come over and check out his stash. Who knows, maybe he wants to get rid of one of those old projects...
Dibs on the '28/'29 roadster! Oh...and if he's got a set of Deuce rails I'll take them too! But they gotta be nice ones... I know, I know...in my dreams.
The Jalopy Journal
