Has anyone had experience repairing this car radio ? I've been asked to repair one out of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird but all my research suggests that it's not the easiest one to tackle without previous experience. Also if it is a viable job would anyone have a circuit for it ?

Regards

Rudy

The Sams is under Ford 354-8 .. Being this is for a classic car. You might consider professional restoration if you are not familiar with mechanical issues and the electronics of vibrator car radios.

:The Sams is under Ford 354-8 .. Being this is for a classic car. You might consider professional restoration if you are not familiar with mechanical issues and the electronics of vibrator car radios.
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Thanks Warren but I was under the impression that this model does not have a vibrator. The earlier ones did but I wanted to confirm this without going to the expense of buying a circuit. I served my apprenticeship doing car radio back in the late 50's so vibrator car radios are very familiar to me.
Regards
Rudy

You are correct about the 57 model. It has a pair of audio output transistors. In this case it should be a little more easy to restore.

http://classiccarradiodoctor.com/tbird%20radio%20desc.htm

:You are correct about the 57 model. It has a pair of audio output transistors. In this case it should be a little more easy to restore.
:
:http://classiccarradiodoctor.com/tbird%20radio%20desc.htm
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Warren I actually read that file several days ago but it didn't convince me that I really wanted the job especially after reading this from antique radio forum. http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1137432&sid=0bb13b061cec94eff9b170296d6a2e70

Regards
Rudy

You can expect problems, often it takes two or three of these to make one good radio. They are well known for having a bad motor, relay, on-off switch, silver mica disease in the IF transformers, or bad output transistors. Sometimes all of those are bad in one radio.

At the very least you can expect to replace several electrolytics, the output transistors, and the on-off switch, and clean, lube and align the radio.

Pros charge several hundred to rebuild one based upon availability of good used parts if a motor or relay is needed.

If you need a good place to send your radio to. Here is a link to the " Antique Radio Store " here in San Diego.
I know Jeff the owner. He does excellent work. Has parts for car radios.

http://www.oldradiosrus.com/

Send him an E-Mail about your radio.

:You can expect problems, often it takes two or three of these to make one good radio. They are well known for having a bad motor, relay, on-off switch, silver mica disease in the IF transformers, or bad output transistors. Sometimes all of those are bad in one radio.
:
:At the very least you can expect to replace several electrolytics, the output transistors, and the on-off switch, and clean, lube and align the radio.
:
:Pros charge several hundred to rebuild one based upon availability of good used parts if a motor or relay is needed.
:

Melrose you've convinced me that I don't need this grief,thanks.
Warren, I will pass on the details to the customer, the only problem being is that Australia is a long way from San Diego,but I'll leave the decision up to him.

Regards

Rudy