| Classic Car Radio Repair |
| Different levels of service we provide |
| When it comes to repairing and restoring a Classic Car Stereo Radio that is 20, 30, 40 years and even older, there are many options to choose from depending on how much you want to spend and the specific results you're looking for. This page describes the many options. |
| Level One - The Basics |
Our basic service includes all parts and labor required to return your radio to factory performance.This will involve a complete internal cleaning and lube, motor disassembly and lube, replacement of all defective parts, a quick touch-up alignment of the tape deck and AM - FM radio sections if needed, and a rigorous two weeks of testing, letting the unit operate continuously for several hours per day on the bench at normal room temperature to uncover any reliability issues. This basic procedure is the minimum service available at Classic Car Radio Repair, and ensures a unit that will operate satisfactorily for many years. It does not, however, address the outside of the unit or any cosmetic issues. If your intention is to have the original stereo in your car operating primarily for your own personal use, this is the best option and is also the most popular. Lifetime warranty applies only to work performed and parts replaced |
| Note: BOTH options include new belts and lamps |
| Level Two - Audiophile |
In addition to all services included in the Basic level, Level Two also includes replacement of ALL capacitors (which leak or dry out over time), new dial cord stringing, complete alignment per the original factory manual using top notch test equipment, and extreme environmental testing from below freezing temperatures to as high as 160 degrees. Level Two service costs an average of $200 more than the Basic service, and adds one month to turnaround. At your request and for an extra fee, we can also install inputs for MP3 players, line output jacks for connection to a power booster. These extra inputs and outputs will automatically activate when used, and do not require any extra switches or knobs unless requested. Lifetime warranty applies to all work performed, and 5 years on the entire unit |
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For a detailed, exhaustive (and perhaps obsessive) tour of my treatment of the 8 track section, please take a moment and visit my dedicated 8 track site: Barry's 8 Track Repair |
| Repairs guaranteed for LIFE |
Phone: 928-533-9666 E-mail: Barry8Track@cableone.net |
| eBay finds are welcome! We receive many radios that were purchased on eBay and were supposed to be in good working order. Unfortunately, many of these car radios have been sitting in the garage for years and now need repairs, even though they probably worked when last used. We are happy to take in your classic eBay orphan purchases. |
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| YES, we can install MP3 inputs and Line Outs - Click here |
| Here is a job I did for a customer in New Zealand. He has a radio and cassette player, both with their own built-in amplifiers. When he asked me if he could simply connect the radio and tape outputs together in order to use the same speakers for both, I knew why the output chips in the cassette player were blown! No, it's not a safe idea. So I added a relay that automatically connects the speakers to the radio when the tape machine is not playing, and connects them to the tape machine when in use. Since he paid $85 to ship his equipment from New Zealand, I didn't charge extra for the feature. |
| For ease of installation, I always identify all wires. Click image for larger view |
| I clearly identify all wiring for another reason: Because I don't warranty output circuitry. There are only two ways to blow your outputs - by playing it too loud for long periods of time, or by not hooking everything up correctly. I fully test all customer units before shipping, check for proper bias, current draw and output power. It you blow it up, sorry - it's not covered by my warranty. In my 40 years of technical work, I've never seen an output section fail except from misuse. |
| Guitar amps and stage equipment are designed to be used at full volume settings, but consumer audio equipment is NOT. If you hear distortion, it's time to back off the volume (and in most cases, the bass too). A good rule of thumb is to never turn the volume past two-thirds of its full range, or to the point of noticeable distortion. |
| Sorry, we don't sell parts or belts |