Radio Conversion

[Big Blue 72]

I want to convert my ORIGINAL 1972 radio to have modern functions....bluetooth, FM, etc. There's sites I've found but controlling the radio is a confusing mix of clicking knobs quickly back and forth and I'd think it'd be hard to keep track on how to do what, and what mode you're in once you've clicked the volume knob on back and forth three times, or whatever is needed.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a quality conversion that keeps the original look without all the mess of confusing steps needed to change modes?

[cash667]

I´m doing these conversions in germany but I think it´s not worth it shipping your radio twice around the grand lake

I´m using a selfmade FM Conversion pcb board which is controlled from the original station knob on the right, even the push buttons are usable.
I did FM, bluetooth and line In conversions, also all 3 options together with no external switches or weird knob settings.

It just follows a pre set hierarchy; on top of all is the bluetooth connection: if a device is connected to the radio all other functions are disabled automatically. When you disconnect bluetooth, the FM radio becomes active. But the FM Radio could be interrupted by plugin in a 3.5mm jack in the line In connector. So the line In is activated by simply plugin in the 3.5mm jack.

no external controls needed. Bluetooth is audio only, no hands free calls.


here are some pictures:
full converted 68 Mustang Radio:


my FM conversion PCB boards:


the station control for the fm board is picked up with a fader from the original dial mechanic:


bluetooth module inside the radio:


custom bluetooth friendly name:



cheers
Chris

[Big Blue 72]

Thank you!

[DisneysPatB]

Does it have phone connection? Important feature to me.

[MikeB]

You could try this guy. https://www.joesclassiccarradio.com/services.html

[1968f250429]

Give Richard at r&b vintage auto radio a call. He did my 68 with all the goodies. Bluetooth, HD tuner hands free calling, auto seek. https://youtu.be/ffodBA6YpSo
Link to video of my radio. It cost me a good chunk but well worth it.

Tell em Beau Murray sent ya, he's a great guy.

[Big Blue 72]

Thank you! I'll look into that.

[1968f250429]

I know they have updated the control functionality through the push button.
Then you just adjust fade, balance on the radio. Look through r&b vintage auto radio on YouTube and he shows how the new setup works.