VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Radios, Tools, Accessories 1954 Chevy Bel air radio

Hi, I am trying to get my 54 Bel air radio up and running. I have a fused line coming from a 12 volt source and then to a 12v to 6 v reducer and from there to the radio. When powered up, the dial light comes on but I can't get any sound out of it. I see the connection for the antenna, power and the speaker. I notice my original speaker which is still in place only has one terminal. There is a single wire plugged into the side of the radio that I assume goes to that speaker. Shouldn't that wire have 2 leads and go to the speaker? I am thinking a positive and a negative and maybe this is my problem with sound. The speaker is still in place in the grill and the best I can see it only has one lead.
Thanks.

You only need one wire as the speaker frame is the second wire and is the ground.

If you are using a resistor for the voltage drop to 6-volts, that may be your problem. When the radio is first fired up it will receive a 12-volt blast which is very damaging to the radio. If you insist on operating you radio from 12-volts, purchase a device that actually renders 6-volts to the radio. This device is readily available, but a tad spendy.

If you purchase the reduction device, I know a reliable radio repair person that can restore your radio for you.

This same repair person can also convert your radio to 12-volts which will eliminate the voltage reducer and make a completely reliable radio for operation on the 12-volts.

Your radio can be converted to 12 volt using the Aurora Design board to give you am fm and a free aux jack to hardwire your phone or you can also have bluetooth and USB added depending on your needs. It will work on 12 volts so you will not need a spendy voltage dropper that drops the voltage in half generating a lot of heat. You would have 4 x 45 watts capability. You do not have to use all four speakers just one if you wish. You would have all new electronics in it and it woul be guaranteed if for a year. Latest state of the art technology am fm and amp

Please contact me if interested: bill@billtheradioguy.com