VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Radio Condenser

Just got my repaired radio installed in my 48. It works, but has static. What and where do I place a the radio condenser?

I assume you mean while the engine is running...And it's the same sounding "static" while driving...?

Do the RPM's of the motor effect the sound of the static...?

There are several places to install a condenser...I've even noticed a "ground" inside my grease cap on the wheels.

There is a screw on the generator to mount a condenser too.
And attach the lead to the "A" terminal of the generator.

*****DO NOT ATTACH TO THE "F" OR (FIELD SIDE OF THE GEN.)****

You can also place one on the Ign coil, and regulator but that to me is overkill!! The one on the Gen. should do the trick! They also made static collectors made of copper to put in the dust caps of the wheels. Also is a static eliminator powder they use to inject into the tires also.

I saw some of that "powder" for tires a while back on Ebay...Don't know if it work's for "static", but I did find it amusing.

Don't know if the "collectors" in the grease caps work, either, but I leave them there 'cause I also find them "amusing".

Now Keith, if you've listened to AM in our area lately you might find the "static" about as interesting as the stations available...! Although I did hear one one out of Chico that "comes in" late at night that played "oldies"...Everything else is "talk" & "religion"...Glad to hear you've got your radio working...What'd you have done to it...? Is it the original that came with the car...? Kevin

The static does get worse with a RPM increase. I know the AM stations aren't too good, but I like to have a radio on when I'm driving. I don't drive it at night. I found a guy in Sac that repaired the radio. It didn't work and I pulled it when I did my rewire. Took it to a guy in Sacramento. He was working on an old B&W tv when I got there. Looks like the vibrator, capacitors and resisters. Checked the tubes repaired tuning needle and cleaned aligned and adjusted. Labor was the big item.

Hi Keith, read this post from a while back. radio Also, did your radio guy tell you to "Please adjust antenna trimmer for loudest volume on a weak station around 1400 KC". That doesn't help static but helps reception, I think? Can you make heads from tails of the pic in my link???

I haven't put my radio in yet so take notes on what you do to resolve your issues.

Late thought about the pic in my link. This was in my car and a '47 AND a '48 I have pictures on file so I figured it must have been part of the radio install. One lead from the condenser goes to the + side of the ammeter, the other to ground.

AMEN! In my area AM is absoutely worthless. All we get is political crap and religion. No music.

At any rate, regarding the condenser, my 1951 Chevrolet came new with the deluxe radio installed and there is a condenser on the generator and on the voltage regulator. Get some static from time to time depending upon weather conditions. At other times the stations are clear.

He set all of the settings on the radio. I did ask him about the antenna and how to check it to see if it was good. He said to check for zero resistance on it. I had about 30 and my electical neighbor said that would be good and it is. I have a bunch of old ignition parts and will see if I have a 54 condensor or any other ones.