I've always thought that the metal plate goes directly behind the plastic faceplate to protect it from distorting.

 

But... looking at the manual for the 78 with the clarion, it shows no metal plate. Perhaps an oversight in the manual?

My 78 had the metal plate when I got the car and it was directly behind the plastic faceplate.

I was thinking that since it would tend to more broadly distribute the pushing force (push buttons) against the console. That's the way I will go.

On 7/25/2016 at 7:02 AM, siteunseen said:

 

Is there a way for me to put a 3.5 plug on an OE 240Z radio?  

Yes there is. If you can't DIY there is a guy in CA who can add an AUX jack to any radio for about $60 bucks. I had him do a radio out of a 1992 LS400 for me and it worked great. I'm getting ready to send him the OEM radio out of my 78 280Z for the same mod. I've already checked and he says he can do it. Here is his web site:

http://factoryradioservice.com/index.php

Closer, switch installed and tested.

 

Edited October 11, 20168 yr by Dave WM

installed, some how I managed to goof the L an R plug, when I get motivated I will pull it and reverse.

 

Edited October 16, 20168 yr by Dave WM

How does the 2 channel stereo sound?

Edited October 17, 20168 yr by hr369

very good separation. Sound is cleaner than the old aftermarket that came out. I suspect it needed some new caps as I was getting a lot of noise as well as muddled sound. I did test the 8 track drive and it worked, but there was a lot of motor noise (again prob caps) getting thru. I will prob take it apart and re do just to have one on hand.

speaking of bad caps... I just repaired a 78 quartz clock with a bad cap. The top looked ok but the bottom was bulging and the clock was dead.

Also on my hitachi 8 track i noticed this cap is leaking and will need to be replaced.

They're both chemi-con capacitors.  Lots of these caps in the 70's electronics.  I'm on the fence where this is concerned.

If there is no signs of leaking or bulging and the radio sounds good, should you change all of them anyways?

 

you could try sweeping them with an ESR meter, they can be used in circuit. My buddy just uses an audio source and feeds a signal thru them and test by ear (again in circuit). But if they are easy to get at, I would just replace them. I am sure they are way past any expected service life. I generally will not replace a part unless I am pretty sure its bad but on caps like those, if you have one bad then good chance the others of same brand/make are suspect.

Dave,  did you ever get that faceplate from Blue?

Yes i've seen that method of testing caps in circuit. I may give it a go.

My latest toy, a 77 fairlady hitachi am fm 8 track thats

stereo. This is my first one so im curious of all its functions. 

I think i'm going to make a silicone mold of the faceplate

so i can reproduce it at a later date as these are pretty rare. 

Edited November 15, 20168 yr by hr369

On ‎11‎/‎5‎/‎2016 at 10:09 PM, hr369 said:

Dave,  did you ever get that faceplate from Blue?

Yes i've seen that method of testing caps in circuit. I may give it a go.

My latest toy, a 77 fairlady hitachi am fm cassette thats

stereo. This is my first one so im curious of all its functions. 

I think i'm going to make a silicone mold of the faceplate

so i can reproduce it at a later date as these are pretty rare. 

Not yet, been PMing, hope he sees them soon.

Got it!!!