AM to FM Converter

[DSVW]

Hi,

1966 Bug here. All original and still running 6 volts.

I have an old AM to FM 12-volt converter from the 1980s that I would like to use in conjunction with my original AM 6-volt radio.

Is this possible?
If the converter needs 12 Volts, how would that be accomplished in a 6 Volt Bug?

Thanks.

[Glenn]

Buy a 6v to 12v converter.

https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Converter-Regulator...&gQT=1
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

[DSVW]

Thanks for your reply.

Oddly enough, I had a thorough look at the wiring going into the dash and I found one of these tucked above the radio. It was attached to what I think may have been a GPS.

I am going to use it for my am to fm converter and a power source for my phone.

Should I place a 15-amp fuse in-line coming from the 6-volt power supply entering the converter, or should it be placed after the converter where the wires measure 12 Volts and before it enters the accessories I wish to supply 12V to.

Thanks.

[wimkever]

The fuse should be mounted before the converter. The output of the convertor is max 2A, so in case of a short the fuse won't blow.
And if there's a short in the wiring before the convertor, a fuse in the output wiring of the convertor has no use.

I am curious about this AM/FM convertor, I've never seen one. Do you have a picture of it and some specs?
_________________
a beetle is like a cocker spaniel, always funny but sometimes not listening

[DSVW]

The AM to FM is an old Audiovox that I got sometime in the 1980s.
Photo here:
https://www.ebay.com/p/1623255452

I think I may have confused things in my earlier post.

I have two converters.
#1 - The converter that changes 6 volts to 12 volts
#2 - The converter box that changes the original am radio to fm. The fm radio converter is an old Audiovox. It looks like an old car radio that you dial FM stations into. You have to tie it into your existing original am radio through the antenna wire. You must also wire 12 Volts to it simply because it operates off of 12V.

Do I add the 15-amp fuse before #1
or
Do I add the 15-amp fuse after #1

[panicman]

That brings back memories! In the early 90's I had a buddy with a 64 Chevelle Malibu and he had that same converter.

[KTPhil]

FM radios were not common from the factory until at least the '70s. But with the rise of FM in popularity, these converters sold through JC Whitney, Pep Boys, etc.

Similar devices allowed portable CD players to connect through FM when those first came out, but weren't yet popular from the factory.
_________________
Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[Glenn]

Bluetooth speaker and streaming from your phone.

FM is dead, you have sxm, pandora and Spotify on your phone.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

[obnoxiousblue]

Ditch the converter. They are a power drain and work like crap.
Look up Richard Langenwalter here on TheSamba, he restores radios.
I sent him the Saphire I from my 64 and he was able to restore it, and add FM and Aux In for a small BT receiver I bought tron Aluratek.
Now my factory 6V radio runs like a modern radio, getting my local FM stations and music from my phone.
_________________
Mike
1964 Beetle
2001 Eurovan Camper

[zerotofifty]

Back in high school I had an AM to FM converter. I ran it off a 6 V to 12 V converter.

Later i converted my Bug to 12 V and installed a modern Am/FM/ Cassette player.
_________________
Sorry About That Chief.

Give Peace a Chance.

Words to live by.

[DSVW]

I hooked up my old AM to FM converter with the 12V step up and it works brilliantly in conjunction with my original AM radio and single dash speaker. Now that is some high-tech!

It is neatly hidden in the glove box where I will also add a charging port for my phone. My dash is in pristine condition, and I certainly didn't want to put any holes into it for this application.

Last time I had this converter hooked up was in the 1980s so it is kind of cool to be using it again.

I have had tubed radios rebuilt to modern standards from cars that I owned from the 50s and in hindsight, I really don't think it was worth the cost in the end. But that is just me.

This is not a daily driver, so I am not looking for the highest end sound equipment. I am looking more to keep the car original. I grew up with AM radios (or no radios) and have had a couple of 8-track players in cars I have owned, so for me the originality is kind of nostalgic.

Yes, I will use my phone and portable speaker when I take the Bug out for a long drive.

[obnoxiousblue]

[DSVW]

That dash and its upgrades look great.
My Bug is the same color as well.
Thanks for the info. and the links are most helpful!