radio and 8 track repair

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by j69shep, Feb 22, 2021.

Tags:
  1. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    Hey Buick enthusiasts, I am repairing and restoring 64-77 Buick Olds Pontiac Delco radios and 8 track players full time now. I just retired after 39 years as an electrical engineer in the semiconductor industry. I know these analog radios very well. I offer 7-10 day turnaround on most repairs with a 10 year warranty on all work performed. I have my own lab here at my house in Scottsdale and over 150 delco AM and AMFM radios if anyone needs a restored radio. I can also add bluetooth to any radio that works well and keeps the original fit and function and electronics of the stock radio. Send me a message and I'll get you in the que for a fast repair. Thanks, Jim
    Jim Shepard
    11052 East Butherus Drive
    Scottsdale Az 85255
    480-235-1964 call or text and I'll respond within 24 hours.
     
    gs66, Dano, 2manybuicks and 5 others like this.
  2. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Thanks Jim! Do you have a website?
     
  3. Max Damage

    Max Damage I'm working on it!


    Is the bluetooth add on very expensive? Is it the one I have seen elsewhere that includes a new amp/tuner/etc? Or is it something new you have cooked up? Thanks for offering your services!
     
  4. tdacton

    tdacton Gold Level Contributor

    Last edited: Feb 26, 2021
    Danny Riggan likes this.
  5. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Jim,

    We spoke a while back via email and I'd still like to have my Sonomatic AM radio converted to AM/FM & bluetooth.

    What's your typical pricing for that upgrade?
     
  6. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    Well I can't convert and AM to AM FM but I can add BT to any radio and then you can stream FM stations all day. I do have a good selection of Buick AMFM radios that I could restore for you and add BT to any of them. Typically I charge $175 for AM only $225 for AM FM and $50 bucks to add BT to any radio. Prices include shipping and insurance. 10 year warranty on all repairs. Turnaround time is 7-10 days on most radios/8 track players.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  7. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    Bill,
    It should be ready in about a month I have pics and videos of past repairs.
     
  8. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    No BT is quite easy to add to any radio. I charge $50 bucks to add it. The module itself costs around 10 bucks and then there is some wiring mods to the existing circuitry to make it plug and play. All of the existing electronics stays intact. I do not include an amp but you don't really need one.
     
    Max Damage likes this.
  9. pilgrim

    pilgrim Well-Known Member

    I'm interested in one of your restored am/fm w/BT that will fit my 1972 gs factory location. I also have a few delco am/fm radios some work some don't any interest?
     
  10. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    Sure, I am interested. What type of radios do you have? It doesn't matter if the radios work as long as they are not too rusty. I can have a Buick radio ready to go this Sunday. I am finishing it up right now. I'll send you a pic. Thanks, Jim
     
  11. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    Pilgrim,
    I got busy on it today, just have to add the BT. I'll get that done tomorrow and send you a video.
     

    Attached Files:

    Brett Slater and Utah455 like this.
  12. Utah455

    Utah455 Platinum Level Contributor

    Looks great! I need to get some pics of what I have and send to you.
     
  13. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I'd be interested in an AM radio for a '70 GS with Bluetooth.

    How is the Bluetooth connected to the device? Do you set it up by turning a knob a certain direction?
     
  14. sbrmd

    sbrmd Well-Known Member

    Following. Also interested in how the bluetooth is actuated and utilized.
     
  15. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    For the BT to work I just connect the output of the BT receiver module into the inputs of the preamp of your radios audio circuitry. Once the BT is powered up and your phone finds it you go to whatever music service you use and press play. Sweet downloaded music will now be coming out of your radio. I use the BT almost exclusively now to play Sirius or Spotify when I drive the old school car. The BT module fits entirely inside your radio and can be wired up to a switch with an LED indicator in a tiny box that fits in your glove box or ashtray. You can switch the BT on and off this way and in the off position the radio plays as normal. For my own car I only use the BT to play music not for answering phone calls. I can add a small mic if the user wants this function.
     
  16. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Is there a way to set it up so the BT is activated by turning a knob?

    My radio looks like this with no letters on the buttons.

    20210225_142545.jpg
     
  17. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    Nice radio Brett,
    I would need to do some fabricating but I bet I could use the pushbuttons with a micro switch to turn it on and off. Possibly the tuning knob. Let me look into it. Right now I just put a switch inside a 1 inch plastic box with an ale LED inside and put it in the ashtray.
     
  18. tdacton

    tdacton Gold Level Contributor

    IIRC, Mine was set up by pushing in one of the preset selectors? Jim, does this sound right?
    Troy
     
  19. j69shep

    j69shep Active Member

    Troy,
    You are correct, I did do this awhile back and it worked well. I'll look through my notes.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  20. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Thanks. Do you have an AM one like that to do the conversion on?
     

Share This Page