Posted September 17, 20195 yr comment_584249 Hello, I have a query for 71-73 240z Hitachi AM/ FM Radio owners both current and prospective. Does it matter to you if the the insides of the radio are not OEM? If the obsolete 40 year old circuitry is swapped out for new digital innards does it make a difference as long as the exterior is identical to OEM? Thanks, daniel p. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 17, 20195 yr comment_584253 My personal answer is no, it doesn't matter as I consider the throbbing pulse of that overhead cam six enough sweet music to my tender ears so that I wouldn't turn the radio on. But to a period perfectionist it would matter. I should, however, admit that I plan to install the optional 8-track in 26th. But the same thought applies; I don't plan to turn it on! Might ruin it! Current standard of affairs for clock repair share a similar question. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584253 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 17, 20195 yr comment_584254 33 minutes ago, dhp123166 said: If the obsolete 40 year old circuitry is swapped out for new digital innards does it make a difference as long as the exterior is identical to OEM? It doesn't make a difference to me, although others may feel differently. I would prefer it to be updated and if it kept the OEM exterior appearance, all the better. My '71 Z is currently a collection of OEM, installed at the factory in Japan, and replacement parts installed in five or six states. So, no worries. I can't imagine a "purist" pulling a radio and opening it to see if it had original circuitry. That kind of fanatic would probably also "sniff-check" the air in the original spare to see if it had been replaced. After dealing with Porsche cars and car shows for 40 years, I know there are Porsche owners and show judges who are probably that fanatical. But, I haven't run across the equivalent in the "Z" community. Dennis Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584254 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 17, 20195 yr comment_584259 If you are not entered in a Concours d'Elegance event, why should it matter? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584259 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 18, 20195 yr Author comment_584274 2 hours ago, DatsunZGuy said: If you are not entered in a Concours d'Elegance event, why should it matter? Because I appreciate that some Datsun owners are fanatically obsessive about detail but am wondering if it really makes a difference to the average owner. I have a bunch of nonfunctional Hitachi AM/ FM radios and need to make a decision what to do with them. One of my vendors is a business in Sacramento whom repairs these old relics but repair time is getting frustratingly long (like 6-8 months on end). For years they did a very excellent and cost effective job for me but I am pretty much of the opinion at this point that they are unreliable. Solid state radio repairmen are a dying breed and trying to find another is a dauntless task. Perusing the internet, there seems to be a fair amount of repairmen whom replace the old guts with new circuitry while utilizing the stock case, knobs, plug and dial. So I guess I am doing cost/ benefit analysis for both directions. Thanks for the help folks! daniel p. Edited September 18, 20195 yr by dhp123166 Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584274 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 18, 20195 yr comment_584278 I like the time machine effect of getting into a period correct car. Too bad there are no AM radios any more in most regions. I guess buy a USB to AM transmitter and carry your radio station with you. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584278 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 18, 20195 yr comment_584280 It would matter to me. I would probably rather have a non functioning factory radio than one that has had the insides removed. I have a '71 with the factory radio. I think the speaker cone is ripped. So it sounds pretty bad. I bought an AM for a '70 I am redoing. I have no idea if it works but I will install it anyway. If I am going over 40mph with the windows down, I cant hear it anyway. Especially with my wife in the car. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584280 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 18, 20195 yr Author comment_584286 4 hours ago, 87mj said: It would matter to me. I would probably rather have a non functioning factory radio than one that has had the insides removed. I have a '71 with the factory radio. I think the speaker cone is ripped. So it sounds pretty bad. I bought an AM for a '70 I am redoing. I have no idea if it works but I will install it anyway. If I am going over 40mph with the windows down, I cant hear it anyway. Especially with my wife in the car. Your wife gets in your Z? Wow, she's a keeper! ? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584286 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 18, 20195 yr comment_584295 My Hitachi AM/FM is gutless, only picks up a few stations, and drifts away from the stations it gets. I'm planning to swap in a new radio but would rather keep it looking stock. So hell yes I'd do that. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584295 Share on other sites More sharing options...
September 20, 20195 yr comment_584370 I went with a RetroSound, looks pretty stock, but I can listen to any choice of album off my phone via bluetooth. Beach Boys, Beatles, CSN, Airplane, Big Brother, all the stuff I grew up with. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-584370 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 13, 20205 yr comment_592564 To me the whole "ambiance" inside the cabin is what matters. That includes all switches and knobs looking good and working properly, including the radio. I really don't mind if the radio was repaired with old or new technology as long as it looks era correct, but the best sound possible it emits is truly appreciated. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-592564 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 13, 20205 yr comment_592565 Matters to me since I like to keep it original for reasons that I had this same car as a teen new, and just want it the same now. That and I really don't care if the quality is not up to todays standards since I don't listen to music much while driving, I prefer the sound of the engine. For music I have my Fisher 400/HH Scott/Sansui 8080 etc... Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/62857-survey-240z-hitachi-am-fm-radio-question/#findComment-592565 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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