1963 FM/AM radio

[Frank Murch]

I am running an original AM/FM radio and I want to improve my situation.

 

The radio works, However:

 

-       AM has some static, and is unusable at high speeds. This is not engine related. I think it is front wheel and speed related. At 70mph, I can turn the engine off and still have the problem. At a stop, it works. I understand there were noise suppressors in the front hubs. I heard these were routinely removed when the brakes were serviced. I do not have any. Question – How can I get the AM reception to work at all speeds????

-       FM works, but it fades in and out based off location. At a stop – no worries, but going through areas it will be strong and then fade low or to nothing, then come back. Any cure??? Antenna booster???

-       I have a working manual tuner, but the band that drives the tuner capacitor is weak – I am looing for a fix (new band?).  Or could I drill a hole and use a string??

What Cha think??

[David Thomas]

Be sure all of your ground straps are in place and in good condition. There should be a ground strap on each upper control arm to bushing bolt, on the rear side toward the firewall. My car does not have the ground spring in the dust cap, fortunately I don't have a problem with static but I do have the ground straps on the upper control arm. Also, be sure the suppression capacitors are on the coil and regulator. Be sure the ground strap from the firewall to each head are installed. There should be a ground wire from the alternator to the regulator mounting bolt. I added an extra ground wire here that goes directly to the frame mounting bolt where the battery ground cable is attached. You should have a very heavy ground strap from the frame to one of the starter mounting bolts.