AM 8 track UM1 (build sheet code)

[RalphN]

I've heard of these retro radios that look like the original radios but updated with blue tooth and aux plugs.

Any input and or pictures of a AM 8track? 

Thx

 

[Canuck]

I had my AM 8-track refurbished. It now has FM and an aux input. It looks completely stock. Adding Bluetooth, modern guts, etc was an extra thing I didn’t need for my 71SS.

There are some places you can send your radio and they will do whatever you want to it. I know a fried who had his AM/FM 8-track refurbished and added all modern guts (amps, bluetooth, equalizer, etc) but it wasn’t cheap.

[RalphN]

Back in the early 80's I removed my radio,  which i believe was a am 8-track. I thought i kept it.  I replaced it at the time with a top of the line Alpine. But now not so much. Thanks for the picture and info. 

[RalphN]

Does your build sheet list this radio as a "um1"? See picture. Thx

[1970mcss]

My build sheet does show the radio as um1

[1970mcss]

[Canuck]

Mine is UM1 also

[RalphN]

If I read your comment correctly it was something you didn't need?  But it works good?

I don't think I have a radio to reconfigure the insides. 

The pictures I'm getting should help in acquiring a stock looking radio, with the aux and Bluetooth I'm looking for.  Instead of belting in a job rocker (boombox) in the back seat

[Mopper77]

Just my $0.02, but I think the decision you need to make first is if you want the 8-track or not.

There are some "new" radios out there that look pretty stock (Antique Automobile Radio brand is one example) - these will have Bluetooth, aux, etc., but none of the manufacturers are producing new radios with 8-tracks to my knowledge.

My build sheet shows UM2 which is AM/8-track and FM, and I really wanted to stick with that set-up, so I went with the rebuilt OEM option. Problem is, in my experience, there are a lot more original UM1's out there vs UM2's, and the respective costs track with the rarity.  So I ended up buying a much cheaper UM1 off of eBay as well as the main and 8-track door lenses (to show the "FM" and frequencies) and sent all that stuff to Barry's 8-track repair in AZ.  He also added Bluetooth, aux, etc.  Before and after photos below. 

-Bill

[1970mcss]

4 minutes ago, Mopper77 said:

Just my $0.02, but I think the decision you need to make first is if you want the 8-track or not.

There are some "new" radios out there that look pretty stock (Antique Automobile Radio brand is one example) - these will have Bluetooth, aux, etc., but none of the manufacturers are producing new radios with 8-tracks to my knowledge.

My build sheet shows UM2 which is AM/8-track and FM, and I really wanted to stick with that set-up, so I went with the rebuilt OEM option. Problem is, in my experience, there are a lot more original UM1's out there vs UM2's, and the respective costs track with the rarity.  So I ended up buying a much cheaper UM1 off of eBay as well as the main and 8-track door lenses (to show the "FM" and frequencies) and sent all that stuff to Barry's 8-track repair in AZ.  He also added Bluetooth, aux, etc.  Before and after photos below. 

-Bill

Can you share what they charged for the upgrade?? 

[Canuck]

13 hours ago, RalphN said:

If I read your comment correctly it was something you didn't need?  But it works good?

It does work very well. I’m happy with it. Since my 71 SS is all stock with low-ish miles I decided to keep the radio fairly stock. I don’t drive it as often as my 70 Monte so bluetooth, etc aren’t a big deal.

In my 70 Monte I left the stock AM radio in the dash (unhooked) and hid a modern Alpine stereo inside the dash. It has all the modern toys with bluetooth, hands free calling, etc. I have a remote I use to change songs, change input, change volume, answer calls. my setup isn’t for everybody since you can’t see the face of the unit but it works for me. The unit was $80 but of course there’s no 8-track in this scenario.

[Mopper77]

Sure.  The non-functioning UM1 and lenses were ~$250.  Barry's 8-track dinged me ~$900 for all of his work. 

[1970mcss]

Thanks, I'll keep the factory radio and stream to smart speaker. 

[Scott S.]

I think "Classic Radio" might have what you're looking for Ralph...... There's a couple outfits that build modern stereos that look and fit like the original.

[Scott S.]

Classic Car Stereo.

[FrankOC]

I've had two AM radios converted to AM/FM stereo by Muscle Car Radio Conversions