Amphicar Radio

[Holland]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a radio that will fit the existing dash opening? Thanks

 

[Tedredamphi]

If you want to spend some $$ you can get some nice Blaupunkt radios from Europe. Some of the German restorers even advertise on ebay.
Ted

 

[jfriese]

Hello,

The opening and shaft spacing in the Amphicar is for what was called a "mini Euro" size opening. It's the same size as the opening in Volkswagen bugs of the 60's. During the early 70's, the Japanese made a number of radios designed to be aftermarket replacements for the VW radios. These radios are a perfect fit, though most of them are negative ground and stereo. I use such radios in my cars but my cars are converted to negative ground. I also use old Alpine booster amps in my cars and 5 x 7" speakers mounted under the dashboard. The stereo separation is marginal but the sound is good and can even be heard at freeway speeds with the top down. I found mine on Ebay. Mine are AM/FM stereo with a period correct dial scale and 5 push buttons. I also found them that look the same but have an auto reversing cassette deck in them. The dial glass folds back when you insert the tape. Generally, I use a small MP3 player and small transmitter to broadcast the tunes to the FM radio. I simply load up all the tunes I like in my player and hand both of them from the rear view mirror while playing. All of these things are available on Ebay but the old radios can be a bit scarce.

Regards,

John Friese

 

[EricM]

This thread came at just the right moment for me. I want to update
the sound in my amphi. The current radio is installed below where the
heater controls are. Its hooked up to a 10 disk changer. But its old
and doesn't work well after last summer's adventures on the mississippi.

What I'd like is something that fits into the dash that I can plug my
iPod or iPhone into.

Thoughts?

Eric M
Chicago (white 62)




On Jan 12, 2009, at 6:23 PM, jfriese wrote:

> Hello,
>
> The opening and shaft spacing in the Amphicar is for what was called
> a "mini Euro" size opening. It's the same size as the opening in
> Volkswagen bugs of the 60's. During the early 70's, the Japanese
> made a number of radios designed to be aftermarket replacements for
> the VW radios. These radios are a perfect fit, though most of them
> are negative ground and stereo. I use such radios in my cars but my
> cars are converted to negative ground. I also use old Alpine booster
> amps in my cars and 5 x 7" speakers mounted under the dashboard. The
> stereo separation is marginal but the sound is good and can even be
> heard at freeway speeds with the top down. I found mine on Ebay.
> Mine are AM/FM stereo with a period correct dial scale and 5 push
> buttons. I also found them that look the same but have an auto
> reversing cassette deck in them. The dial glass folds back when you
> insert the tape. Generally, I use a small MP3 player and small
> transmitter to broadcast the tunes to the FM radio. I simply load up
> all the tunes I like in my player and hand both of them from the
> rear view mirror while playing. All of these things are available on
> Ebay but the old radios can be a bit scarce.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Friese
>
>

 

[LSolheim]

Check out these folks http://www.oldautoradio.com/



--Larry



From: EricM [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 4:38 PM
To: lrsnpark@gmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio



This thread came at just the right moment for me. I want to update
the sound in my amphi. The current radio is installed below where the
heater controls are. Its hooked up to a 10 disk changer. But its old
and doesn't work well after last summer's adventures on the mississippi.

What I'd like is something that fits into the dash that I can plug my
iPod or iPhone into.

Thoughts?

Eric M
Chicago (white 62)




On Jan 12, 2009, at 6:23 PM, jfriese wrote:



Quote:

> Hello,
>
> The opening and shaft spacing in the Amphicar is for what was called
> a "mini Euro" size opening. It's the same size as the opening in
> Volkswagen bugs of the 60's. During the early 70's, the Japanese
> made a number of radios designed to be aftermarket replacements for
> the VW radios. These radios are a perfect fit, though most of them
> are negative ground and stereo. I use such radios in my cars but my
> cars are converted to negative ground. I also use old Alpine booster
> amps in my cars and 5 x 7" speakers mounted under the dashboard. The
> stereo separation is marginal but the sound is good and can even be
> heard at freeway speeds with the top down. I found mine on Ebay.
> Mine are AM/FM stereo with a period correct dial scale and 5 push
> buttons. I also found them that look the same but have an auto
> reversing cassette deck in them. The dial glass folds back when you
> insert the tape. Generally, I use a small MP3 player and small
> transmitter to broadcast the tunes to the FM radio. I simply load up
> all the tunes I like in my player and hand both of them from the
> rear view mirror while playing. All of these things are available on
> Ebay but the old radios can be a bit scarce.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Friese
>
>

 

[EricM]

Thanks Larry ... I just didn't see anything that had an ipod or MP3 plug. I'm not concerned about a period look. I'm looking for modern function that will fit in the hole.

Eric



________________________________
From: LSolheim <>
To: e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 7:19:21 PM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio


Check out these folks http://www.oldautoradio.com/



--Larry



From: EricM [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 4:38 PM
To: lrsnpark@gmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio



This thread came at just the right moment for me. I want to update
the sound in my amphi. The current radio is installed below where the
heater controls are. Its hooked up to a 10 disk changer. But its old
and doesn't work well after last summer's adventures on the mississippi.

What I'd like is something that fits into the dash that I can plug my
iPod or iPhone into.

Thoughts?

Eric M
Chicago (white 62)




On Jan 12, 2009, at 6:23 PM, jfriese wrote:



Quote:




Quote:

> Hello,
>
> The opening and shaft spacing in the Amphicar is for what was called
> a "mini Euro" size opening. It's the same size as the opening in
> Volkswagen bugs of the 60's. During the early 70's, the Japanese
> made a number of radios designed to be aftermarket replacements for
> the VW radios. These radios are a perfect fit, though most of them
> are negative ground and stereo. I use such radios in my cars but my
> cars are converted to negative ground. I also use old Alpine booster
> amps in my cars and 5 x 7" speakers mounted under the dashboard. The
> stereo separation is marginal but the sound is good and can even be
> heard at freeway speeds with the top down. I found mine on Ebay.
> Mine are AM/FM stereo with a period correct dial scale and 5 push
> buttons. I also found them that look the same but have an auto
> reversing cassette deck in them. The dial glass folds back when you
> insert the tape. Generally, I use a small MP3 player and small
> transmitter to broadcast the tunes to the FM radio. I simply load up
> all the tunes I like in my player and hand both of them from the
> rear view mirror while playing. All of these things are available on
> Ebay but the old radios can be a bit scarce.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Friese
>
>

 

[Tedredamphi]

Eric,
You can use an FM modulator to play your ipod through any FM radio. Tune your radio to any unused FM frequency, set the modulator to the same frequency and it will transmit to your radio. My daughter uses the Griffin iTrip FM transmitter + auto charger for ipod with good results. Griffin also sells a totally wireless unit, but it won't charge the ipod.
Ted

 

[LSolheim]

Are you converted to negative ground? If not there are + to - inverters
that will allow installation on the positive ground system. You won't find
any modern, solid state electronics happy w/ the + ground (at least
non-space program/affordable hardware)!



Goodluck,

--Larry



From: EricM [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 5:49 PM
To: lrsnpark@gmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio



Thanks Larry ... I just didn't see anything that had an ipod or MP3 plug.
I'm not concerned about a period look. I'm looking for modern function that
will fit in the hole.

Eric



________________________________
From: LSolheim <>
To: e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 7:19:21 PM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio


Check out these folks http://www.oldautoradio.com/



--Larry



From: EricM [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 4:38 PM
To: lrsnpark@gmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio



This thread came at just the right moment for me. I want to update
the sound in my amphi. The current radio is installed below where the
heater controls are. Its hooked up to a 10 disk changer. But its old
and doesn't work well after last summer's adventures on the mississippi.

What I'd like is something that fits into the dash that I can plug my
iPod or iPhone into.

Thoughts?

Eric M
Chicago (white 62)




On Jan 12, 2009, at 6:23 PM, jfriese wrote:



Quote:




Quote:

Quote:

> Hello,
>
> The opening and shaft spacing in the Amphicar is for what was called
> a "mini Euro" size opening. It's the same size as the opening in
> Volkswagen bugs of the 60's. During the early 70's, the Japanese
> made a number of radios designed to be aftermarket replacements for
> the VW radios. These radios are a perfect fit, though most of them
> are negative ground and stereo. I use such radios in my cars but my
> cars are converted to negative ground. I also use old Alpine booster
> amps in my cars and 5 x 7" speakers mounted under the dashboard. The
> stereo separation is marginal but the sound is good and can even be
> heard at freeway speeds with the top down. I found mine on Ebay.
> Mine are AM/FM stereo with a period correct dial scale and 5 push
> buttons. I also found them that look the same but have an auto
> reversing cassette deck in them. The dial glass folds back when you
> insert the tape. Generally, I use a small MP3 player and small
> transmitter to broadcast the tunes to the FM radio. I simply load up
> all the tunes I like in my player and hand both of them from the
> rear view mirror while playing. All of these things are available on
> Ebay but the old radios can be a bit scarce.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Friese
>
>

 

[EricM]

Thanks Ted .. I'm well aware of that. I find that its not an acceptable
solution, at least not in the Chicago area. I spent 3 months playing with
it and finally ditched it. It was the griffin unit as they are thought to
be the best. In high density areas like Chicago I had to swap stations at
least once between my house and office. That's only 30 miles. Longer
trips (like Chicago to Lake Ozark, MO) were more hassle than I thought
reasonable. The lists of "good" frequencies only got me so far. Luckily my
daily driver came with a port. It also has a 6 CD changers that I've never
used and AM/FM buttons that I haven't programmed in a year. It's the power
of an iPOD with a massive hard drive..



With all the Radios out there with MP3 inputs it seems silly to settle for
an FM modulator or cassette adaptor (although the cassette adaptor was much
better than the FM modulator). It's taken almost 2 years to get all my
music loaded, classified and sorted and I'm just not ready to go back to
life with just a single CD.



_____

From: Tedredamphi [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 8:01 PM
To: e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio



Eric,
You can use an FM modulator to play your ipod through any FM radio. Tune
your radio to any unused FM frequency, set the modulator to the same
frequency and it will transmit to your radio. My daughter uses the Griffin
iTrip FM transmitter + auto charger for ipod with good results. Griffin also
sells a totally wireless unit, but it won't charge the ipod.
Ted

<http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000BWACX2/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8
&n=172282&s=electronics>

Attached to this message is base_media.jpg
<http://www.amphicar770.com/amphicarforum/attachments/general-amphicar-discu
ssion/291d1231812028-amphicar-radio-base_media.jpg>

 

[PeterP]

I swear I saw a modern radio jammed into the faceplate of a classic on one of the car restoration shows.

vintage vibes classic car stereo

I don't know if that's it, but seems like a decent starting point...

 

[mike_israel]

One option is to leave the period correct radio in the dash and install a modern unit in the glove box.* This is exactly what Dave D. did for my Amphi when it underwent restoration.* Then you can use any modern head unit with an ipod or audio input jack.* For show purposes I have a great looking old Blaupunkt.* For every day use I have the AM/FM/HD/CD.* You will need to cut a hole in the rear of the glovebox compartment.

Another option, a bit more expensive, are the systems from Secret Audio.* I do not have any experience with these but here is a link to one reseller who popped up via google.

http://soundmove.com/secretaudio.htm

 

[Tedredamphi]

The FM modulator works great IF YOU'RE NOT IN A BIG CITY. My son didn't like using one in the Dallas area and I'm sure Chicago is the same way, because you're alway having to search for a new "unused frequency." However, my daughter lives in Birmingham, Alabama and travels all over the southeast and uses her Griffin with good results.
Ted

 

[Midwest Amphicar]

Re: Amphicar Radio for sale

I have a excellent working Blaupunkt. Long and short wave,am and fm. Has jumpers for + or - ground (earth). This is currently installed and working as negative ground. $300. Later Dave the Wave *** Hey Ted Red post some more pics of Your car, its just about done?

 

[Tedredamphi]

Dave,
That's the exact same Blaupunkt radio I have installed and pictured in my earlier post. Only difference is knobs and mine has a faceplate. AM/FM work good but I haven't even tried the long/short waves. My car was supposed to be finished this summer, but I 've got too many distractions. Have to take my wife to Thailand for 3 weeks to visit our daughter who is a missionary there and our son is getting married in June. My list of "honey-do's" is a mile long, and the Amphicar is nowhere on the list.
Take care,
Ted

 

[kdroy]

I have a box full (a dozen or so?) old radios that filt an Amphi.
Some are Motorola, some are AM, some are AM/FM, some are + ground, some are - ground, & some are both. Some work, some don't.
If anyone's interested in some, let me know offline.
Till later....Ken Roy Oakdale, MN kdroy@hotmail.com

 

[chasgould]

This is another interesting solution to incorporating your MP3 or other personal tunes into an existing old AM radio, and it says that it works with positive ground applications. The designer is a friend of a friend of mine, and my friend does vouch for his products, so hopefully someone will consider trying it out.
Chas
Home of the RediRad car radio adapter.

 

[EricM]

Chas ,... that was a great suggestion. I think I've already solved my problem though. Since my car never had an original radio I've settle on a Modern radio Manufactured to look like an old Baupunkt. It fits the stock hole and looks period but has a built in 200 watts of power and a plug for my MP3 player.

If it works out I'll post a link.

Eric M
62 White - Chicago












________________________________
From: chasgould <>
To: e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:59:24 PM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20292] Re: Amphicar Radio


This is another interesting solution to incorporating your MP3 or other personal tunes into an existing old AM radio, and it says that it works with positive ground applications. The designer is a friend of a friend of mine, and my friend does vouch for his products, so hopefully someone will consider trying it out.
Chas
Home of the RediRad car radio adapter.