Fitting a period radio…

[Neilson]

Hi all, I purchased a TR6 H frame to add the kidney speaker panels to the sides.

I’ve purchased the radio, which is being converted to Bluetooth.

My question is does the radio need a bracket that sits behind the H frame to support the radio, and if so can anyone recommend where to get one?

Many thanks in advance

Edited October 29, 2024 by Neilson

[RogerH]

Which radio did you go for?   On my 4A there is a stud sticking out the back of the radio and a metal strip with holes in attached to the heater.

Also many of the Motortrola/Radiomobile radios simply attached by their front knobs.

 

Roger

[Neilson]

Just now, RogerH said:

 

Hi Roger, I went for this Motorola model.

i have a H frame with a large rectangular cut out, so the radio just slides in rather than the dials holding it in place.

 

[RogerH]

Wow - that is a radio and a half - with an OC26

That is seriously older than your TR6 but it looks stunning.

Your rectangular hole is a DIN cut out for modern radios.

I ended up buying a TIG welder   to put my DIN back to original shape

 

Roger

[Dave McDonald]

1 hour ago, Neilson said:

i have a H frame with a large rectangular cut out, so the radio just slides in rather than the dials holding it in place.

 

Neilson, you might need one of these adapter plates to fit into the large hole in your H frame to reduce the size and allow the knob spindles to support the radio, though I think it would still be a good idea to support the unit underneath as well. 
Dave McD

[Dave McDonald]

Contact details for company in my post above. 
Dave McD

[RogerH]

Hi Dave,

 you might have a DIN adaptor but I have a TIG welder  

 

OK, slight bit of overkill but good grin factor.

 

Roger

[Dave McDonald]

11 minutes ago, RogerH said:

Hi Dave,

 you might have a DIN adaptor but I have a TIG welder  

 

OK, slight bit of overkill but good grin factor.

 

Roger

Each to their own Roger. 
Dave

[RobH]

56 minutes ago, RogerH said:

Wow - that is a radio and a half - with an OC26

The case of that OC26 is not at earth potential but has a DC voltage on it.  It is insulated from the radio case by a mica washer and must not touch anything earthed which is why it is recessed into the case.  Make sure there is nothing metal at the rear of the mounting slot which could touch the transistor.  

It is actually a single ended transformer-coupled output stage so available volume will be a bit limited. 

 

 

Edited October 29, 2024 by RobH

[stuart]

Is that radio positive earth being that old?

Stuart.

[RobH]

If it is a Motorola model 727T It should have a polarity-switching plug somewhere inside Stuart ,  but since it was built under licence that may not have been fitted of course. 

 

 

Edited October 30, 2024 by RobH
updated model number

[stuart]

2 minutes ago, RobH said:

If it is a Motorola model 717 It should have a polarity-switching plug somewhere inside Stuart ,  but since it was built under licence that may not have been fitted of course. 

Thats why Im always wary with period radios that havent either been converted to modern spec or dont have the Pos/Neg switch on the outside.

Sturt.

[Neilson]

21 hours ago, Dave McDonald said:

 

Thanks Dave, appreciate the link.

I’ve received the radio back today after being converted to DAB/FM with Bluetooth functionality, and hands free phone setup.

The work was carried out by Mike at Classic Car Radio Bluetooth Conversions and comes with 3 years guarantee! 
It’s also a negative earth, which is great.

Best
Neil

[Neilson]

21 hours ago, RogerH said:

Wow - that is a radio and a half - with an OC26

That is seriously older than your TR6 but it looks stunning.

Your rectangular hole is a DIN cut out for modern radios.

I ended up buying a TIG welder   to put my DIN back to original shape

 

Roger

Hi Roger,

I know, I was extremely lucky to get this, and just been converted to Bluetooth, DAB/FM and mobile hands free!

It’s going in my TR250, I only purchased a TR6 H frame as it has the side speakers. Can’t wait to get it installed now! 

[Neilson]

6 hours ago, stuart said:

Thats why Im always wary with period radios that havent either been converted to modern spec or dont have the Pos/Neg switch on the outside.

Sturt.

Hi Stuart, it’s a negative earth, with Bluetooth, Hands Free phone and DAB/FM.

Best

Neil

[RobH]

Ah - so basically it is a 1960's metal box with modern innards.    Pity really - it would have been collectable as-is, there can't be many of those left now......

 

 

 

[Neilson]

4 hours ago, RobH said:

Ah - so basically it is a 1960's metal box with modern innards.    Pity really - it would have been collectable as-is, there can't be many of those left now......

 

 

 

Hi Rob, I understand what you’re saying, but still very collectible, but with modern day technology.
For me personally, it gives me the best of both worlds.
Best  

Neil

[tim hunt]

On 10/29/2024 at 6:06 PM, Neilson said:

Hi Roger, I went for this Motorola model.

i have a H frame with a large rectangular cut out, so the radio just slides in rather than the dials holding it in place.

 

I have exactly the same Motorola model in my  '66 TR4A. It was in the car when purchased in 1970 and I assumed a dealer fit.   

[stuart]

17 hours ago, Neilson said:

Hi Stuart, it’s a negative earth, with Bluetooth, Hands Free phone and DAB/FM.

Best

Neil

Ah OK then thats fine, no need to worry.

Stuart.

[Neilson]

7 hours ago, tim hunt said:

  

 

Hi Tim, yes definitively they were around in the early 60’s. My car’s a 68, so probably a bit late, but will still look great like yours!