Radio for 6 V and 12 V

Dan2973 · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 2:26 pm Post subject: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

Radio for 6 V and 12 V. I have a 66 beetle with a 6 V system that I just finished restoring and I want to put a radio in it. I’m going to keep the car 6 V for a while but I do plan on possibly putting a bigger engine in with the 12 V conversion down the road. Is there a radio that will work for both?

rcooled · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 3:32 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

ZENVWDRIVER · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 5:16 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

Yes, I had that Frankfort (6v/12v) in my '52 Zwitter - what a great unit.

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Dan2973 · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 5:27 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

ZENVWDRIVER · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

fly2kads · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 5:52 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

It may be possible to use a "step up transformer" to power a 12v radio from your 6v electrical system. When you change over to 12v down the road, just take it out. They generate a fair amount of heat, so you would have to mount it accordingly. There is some inherent inefficiency in the conversion process (hence the heat), so you would be drawing a bit more power than the radio needs on its own. I haven't tried it, myself, but I have read about other classic car enthusiasts that have done it successfully. Another thing to keep in mind is that the physical dimensions of car radios have changed over the years, so you would have to make sure it fits, and that you can get or make a faceplate to suit.

On another note, if you keep your newly restored 6v electrical system well maintained, you may find that you don't need a 12v system.

rcooled · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:09 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

Dan2973 · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 3:42 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

Zandman · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 12:18 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

In my '67 6 volt I installed an amplifier with bluetooth I bought from amazon, but it can be found cheaper on aliexpress (7 USD).
It works on different voltages (5-24V), without any adjustments.
I hooked it up to the dash speaker, that was in my bug.
I steam wathever I like from my phone to this 'car stereo' (I put my phone's output to mono)

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4000101528589.html?spm=a2g0z.12057483.1000001.8.45e024e8rAY7y3

Dan2973 · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

Zandman · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2020 3:11 am Post subject: Re: Radio for 6 V and 12 V

I have no radio installed.
Just this amp (hooked up to a dash speaker), which can be used in 6 and 12V beetles


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