How to take apart radio?

[26th-Z]

These are all pictures of my radios, ZSaint. The AM goes in 27th. I'm hoping to restore the face plate for this 8-track to put in 26th. I'll get out to the shop and look at the silver finishes, Enrique. You are the second guy I've talked to who suggested JB Weld.

See the two little silver triangles on the 8-track flapper door? The door is brushed metal painted (or anodized) black and masked for the Hitachi name. Those little triangles are wear marks from the 8-track cassette. How am I going to get that black again? Ink? The coating is not a thick mil paint. Its almost like anodizing.

[EScanlon]

Chris:

Off the top of my head, and not because I've tried or know these work, just proposing some thoughts:

Got any gun collectors in your circle of friends? Ask them if they have a Black in the same form as Gun Metal Blue (Which I've been told just brushes on).

I've seen Sharpie's (kind of a "magic marker" pen) used with considerable success (i.e. not noticeable), but not on the face metal, but on the back metal which is hidden behind the needle.

E

[ddezso]

Here's the results. I wound up using a silver pen from my local grocery store. I think it looks really good. I can't say the finish is an exact match to the original, mostly because I dont have one to compare it to, but I am very happy with it.

You can see, I did get some ink in the middle of the letter 'o' and Im not sure how to fix that (I'll probably just leave it as it is so small and minor).

I dont think I would have had the patience or steady hand to deal with a nail polish brush - the silver pen applicator tip was the exact perfect size for me.....

The first pic is the radio before it was cleaned and finished, and the 2nd is after my mini restoration...

Thanks 26th and Enrique for the pointers. You guys rule

[Go240Zags]

You can see, I did get some ink in the middle of the letter 'o' and Im not sure how to fix that (I'll probably just leave it as it is so small and minor).

To fix the O, I think I'd just get a fine point black pen and mark over the mistaken part. Just a thought.

By the way, you did a great job -- it looks nearly as good as new.

[26th-Z]

Yea! There ya go! That looks great!

[ddezso]

Thanks guys - that is awesome.

Now....tomorrow I attempt install. Do you know if there are any articles out there on which wires connect to which wires and how to mount and install and all that? I plan to pull the heater faceplate tomorrow because I need to connect up the map light, radio, and heater control wires so that part is complete. I also need to figure out how the lighter connects....

Any advice?

[EScanlon]

I'll give that "mini" restoration a MAJOR Thumbs Up!

Here's a link to an article I wrote some time back on removing the dash. Hope you find it helpful:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6981

As far as removing the over-paint on the "O", you can try the above mentioned felt tip pen (a fine point Sharpie works well), and hope that the black blends into the background well enough that it doesn't cause it's own problems. Another thing you might try is to scrape the excess paint off. I've done this with a regular pin, or with the very tip of a #2 X-Acto Blade. Scrape very carefuly and you should be able to chip off the excess.

To ensure you minimize problems with your HCP removal, etc, LABEL the connections as you disconnect them. You only need to use some masking tape and tag both connectors "A" and "A", then "B" and "B" and so on. Label both sides so that there are no guesses later. No need to get fancy with the label as A/A and B/B is easy, be careful with numbers as 6/9 can be confusing when read upside down.

Good Luck;

Enrique

[ddezso]

I 'installed' it today.

I dont know how to hook it up at all so I just put it in the dash for cosmetic reasons. I have a few electrical issues that I want a professional to look at so at some point down the road I'll have someone hook it up for me.

I also got the map light (or what we used to call the 'dope scope') working which is really cool.

Lookin pretty good. I should have a new ashtray with lid next week to fix that cosmetic issue.......

While you are looking at the pic - notice the button above the hazard flasher. When I press it, something in the engine compartment seems to spin into life. I assume it's the starter. Anyone know what this button is for? I assume it's not a stock item...

[Arne]

Nope, not stock at all, so who knows what it might be. You'll just have to trace the wires to their end to find out.

[ZSaint]

OK! I have the same radio in my '71 that DD has. I am wondering if I can screw the antennae switch onto the side of the '74 AM/FM radio and use my old face plate? It look like this antennae power switch is not a part of the radio harness. I am guessing all I need to do is screw it onto the radio and hook it up. What do you guys think?

[Virto]

While you are looking at the pic - notice the button above the hazard flasher. When I press it, something in the engine compartment seems to spin into life. I assume it's the starter. Anyone know what this button is for? I assume it's not a stock item...

Some backyard mechanic starter button perhaps, wanted something a bit different. Next time you go to drive the car, turn the key to on and press the button. You might be able to save your wrists the horrible strain of twisting the key and holding it for 2 seconds.

[ddezso]

Thanks - my wrist has been hurting lately from that terrible strain.