Modern 12V stereo in a 6V 356? Can it work? Any Comments?
Modern 12V stereo in a 6V 356? Can it work? Any Comments?
hey guys - i want to run a basic "hidden" 12V stereo CD head unit with an internal amp (35 watts max) in my 62 T-6 6V 356 - i've seen the 6v-12v converters, but i've got some pretty predictable reservations! does anyone run a 12V radio with a converter? if so, any tips? and where do you recommend getting the converter? thanks for taking a look! brad in seattle!
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- 356 Fan
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:23 pm
- Location: Indiana
you can get old radio converted.
There are several companies that will install new electronics in vintage radio chassis, with the knobs and face functional. can include stereo, input jacks for IPOD or CD players. If you have a real nice original radio worth some money might not want to do it, but if your radio doesn't work well but front looks good it is a great option. I had a preA nonfunctioning radio done, for the 51 that I am pretending to be working on. not installed yet. there are at least two companies doing this, can look up there name if you can't find it. I would google vintage auto radio conversion and I think you would find them. Cost is $300 or a bit more. Ray Knight
- Dave Wildrick
- 356 Fan
- Posts: 1953
- Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008 2:10 pm
- Location: Houston, TX
Re: DC-DC Convertors
Note that the $154 6 to 12V converter on this site is positive ground only and will not work in a 356.
Also, their negative ground model costs $375.
What to use depends on how much wattage and amperage you plan to use. The 356 generator is fairly limited in output for a 6V system. So far, I have only used the old Radio Shack 6 to 12V convertor (discontinued at least 10 years ago) which has a wimpy 12V output (probably 3amps or less), but sufficient to run a Custom Autosound radio/cassette in-dash unit.
For a little more output, try the Great Lakes Classics website (formerly Mustang Jack's): http://greatlakesclassics.com/Custom%20 ... sories.htm
He still has them for $58.95 for the high current model 6 to 12V converter (Part no.NGVB-HC Negative Ground 6 to 12 volts; 5 amps max output). This is a 1 1/4 inch cube. I bought one 2 years ago, but have not installed it since my Radio Shack unit still works.
If you need more amps, there is a larger one (6” x 4.5” x 2”) for $149.95 with 8 amp output at: www.pressenter.com/~cmeyer/
Dave Wildrick
Houston, TX
#10230
64C coupe
65C coupe
Houston, TX
#10230
64C coupe
65C coupe
-
- 356 Fan
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2008 11:09 am
- Location: SW-Florida
Modern 12V stereo in a 6V 356? Can it work? Any Comments?
Hi Brad, Listers,
I'm running a late model Blaupunkt 12-V Radio-Cassette in my 6V-65/C
Cabriolet. Yes I am using 6V-12V Older Radio Shack Converter. These I
understand are pretty hard to find. It works perfectly. I also ran a splice
in the circuit and fed it to a Power-Receptacle under the dash where I can
plug in the Wife's Cell-phone and re-charge it. [ I avoided using the
standard Cigarette Lighter Receptacle for that task, upon the advice of more
knowledgeable Electrical whizzos!]
---------
However, that being said When I was considering adding an Alternative Fresh
Air Blower- to the Original BEHR Unit, I searched for 6-12 Converters that
would handle the additional amperage that the Bilge-Pump Blower I was
incorporating into my design would require.
--------
Like so many before me, I "Googled 6V-12V Power-converters.. and came up
with several sources. Unfortunately, after locating my BEHR-Blower, I
deleted those references, but the firm I zeroed in on was up in Wisconsin.
---------
Try a Google Search for: 6V - 12V Power Converters, and I'm sure you will
find something that meets your needs.
---------
Of course some folks will not appreciate your use of a non-original
component, so you may encounter some criticism.
----------
However, it's your car, so you can do with it what you wish.
Thanks for Keeping the Faith.
Vince Cappelletti
Registry Member #5491
Rep F/MainelyCustomByDesignInc.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Having said all that, should you ever find need for:
Stainless Badge-Bar for B/C Cars OR;
Alloy Badge Mounting Collars for all 356's, OR;
Gold-Anodized Alloy Wheel Adapter for Balancing
Pre-"A", or "A" or "B" wheels, 15" or 16" OR;
Alloy Air-Cleaners f/Solex & Webers w/Integral
Velocity Stacks, & K&N Filters, OR;
Alloy Sump-Plates: for 356, 912, 911, 914 OR;
Wooden Gear-Shift Knobs-in 5 Exotic Woods, OR;
Comb. Dip-Stick & Oil-Temp Gauge, OR;
Fuel Pump-Alloy Block-off Plate when you
switch to an Electric Fuel Pump;
Well then, drop me a line as I believe I can be of help!
----- Original Message -----
From: "b bradford kogut" <interweb4@comcast.net>
To: <356talk@356registry.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 8:52 PM
Subject: [356Talk] Modern 12V stereo in a 6V 356? Can it work? Any Comments?
I'm running a late model Blaupunkt 12-V Radio-Cassette in my 6V-65/C
Cabriolet. Yes I am using 6V-12V Older Radio Shack Converter. These I
understand are pretty hard to find. It works perfectly. I also ran a splice
in the circuit and fed it to a Power-Receptacle under the dash where I can
plug in the Wife's Cell-phone and re-charge it. [ I avoided using the
standard Cigarette Lighter Receptacle for that task, upon the advice of more
knowledgeable Electrical whizzos!]
---------
However, that being said When I was considering adding an Alternative Fresh
Air Blower- to the Original BEHR Unit, I searched for 6-12 Converters that
would handle the additional amperage that the Bilge-Pump Blower I was
incorporating into my design would require.
--------
Like so many before me, I "Googled 6V-12V Power-converters.. and came up
with several sources. Unfortunately, after locating my BEHR-Blower, I
deleted those references, but the firm I zeroed in on was up in Wisconsin.
---------
Try a Google Search for: 6V - 12V Power Converters, and I'm sure you will
find something that meets your needs.
---------
Of course some folks will not appreciate your use of a non-original
component, so you may encounter some criticism.
----------
However, it's your car, so you can do with it what you wish.
Thanks for Keeping the Faith.
Vince Cappelletti
Registry Member #5491
Rep F/MainelyCustomByDesignInc.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Having said all that, should you ever find need for:
Stainless Badge-Bar for B/C Cars OR;
Alloy Badge Mounting Collars for all 356's, OR;
Gold-Anodized Alloy Wheel Adapter for Balancing
Pre-"A", or "A" or "B" wheels, 15" or 16" OR;
Alloy Air-Cleaners f/Solex & Webers w/Integral
Velocity Stacks, & K&N Filters, OR;
Alloy Sump-Plates: for 356, 912, 911, 914 OR;
Wooden Gear-Shift Knobs-in 5 Exotic Woods, OR;
Comb. Dip-Stick & Oil-Temp Gauge, OR;
Fuel Pump-Alloy Block-off Plate when you
switch to an Electric Fuel Pump;
Well then, drop me a line as I believe I can be of help!
----- Original Message -----
From: "b bradford kogut" <interweb4@comcast.net>
To: <356talk@356registry.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 8:52 PM
Subject: [356Talk] Modern 12V stereo in a 6V 356? Can it work? Any Comments?
Post generated using Mail2Forum via email.hey guys - i want to run a basic "hidden" 12V stereo CD head unit with an
internal amp (35 watts max) in my 62 T-6 6V 356 - i've seen the 6v-12v
converters, but i've got some pretty predictable reservations! does anyone
run a 12V radio with a converter? if so, any tips? and where do you
recommend getting the converter? thanks for taking a look! brad in
seattle!
thanks for all of the tips and info - looks like i'm going to buy the most powerful 6-12 converter mentioned here (negative ground!) - i also would like to run a socket for a cell or GPS, and maybe upgrade to a blower for the interior as well - this project is a very non matching #'s outlaw, so originality doesn't matter here - thanks again, and keep the info coming - bbk!
- Robert Cugini
- 356 Fan
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:21 pm
- Location: Seattle/Bellevue/Renton
I run a very different system in my t-6 coupe. I have the head unit under the pass seat and I have the power amp under the driver's seat. The amp can be set to be a 3 channel amp, (2 stereo, and one bridged for sub woofer). The controller is a thumb controller which sits hidden between the seats ( the unit is a Sony, I can give you the numbers). This allows volume, source selection and to control the 6 disk changer in the front trunk. The sub woofer in the system is a removable base tube that mount in the orginal luggage strap locations. Its completely removeable. So the system has replacement speaker in the stock location, the addition of SS tweeters under the dash, and the 8" subwoofer in the rear. It is completely hidden if you remove the bass tube. The system really performs. It sound better than the sound system in my new boxster. A point of difference though is that this is a 12 volt car. Maybe you could use a small gel 12v for the radio and accessories and charge it with the converter? I'm going to incorporate my Iphone shortly. Good luck!
- Ed Cave
- 356 Fan
- Posts: 95
- Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:42 pm
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia USA
- Contact:
A Different Perspective
I would be careful not to set your expectations too high for an exceptional stereo experience in a 356 or other car of a similar vintage/type. Over the past 20 years or so many of us have become accustomed to the high end 12-14 speaker Bose/Mark Levinson/Harmon Kardon set-ups in our Lexus/Infiniti/Mercedes/BMW that almost regardless of what you do, you may come up short in your audio expectations in the 'ol tub.
I guess if your 356 is your daily driver you would probably want a good source for tunes but outside of that you will likely be disappointed in the results, especially if you spend a bunch of money and realize you hardly ever turn it on because it just doesn't sound that great. Ummmm but that engine sure sounds sweet!
I'm sure there are several out there who will take exception to this but also plenty who know exactly what I am talking about, too. It's easy to get fired up about the idea of putting a nice sound system in your coveted classic but the results often fall short when trying to enjoy in what is most often a naturally noisy environment.
I guess if your 356 is your daily driver you would probably want a good source for tunes but outside of that you will likely be disappointed in the results, especially if you spend a bunch of money and realize you hardly ever turn it on because it just doesn't sound that great. Ummmm but that engine sure sounds sweet!
I'm sure there are several out there who will take exception to this but also plenty who know exactly what I am talking about, too. It's easy to get fired up about the idea of putting a nice sound system in your coveted classic but the results often fall short when trying to enjoy in what is most often a naturally noisy environment.
Ed Cave
Member No. 10615
1958 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe
1998 Porsche Carrera S
2014 Porsche 911/50 - Coming in the fall of 2013
Member No. 10615
1958 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe
1998 Porsche Carrera S
2014 Porsche 911/50 - Coming in the fall of 2013
A Different Perspective
I would caution against buying a power DC/DC convertor without either a well finned
enclosure or, better still, a fan.
On a hot day with your 35 Watt stereo giving the Beach Boys full welly a cheap DC/DC convertor will get very hot.
I would buy a quality item as shown at: http://www.powerstream.com/dc6-12.htm
The $154.00 positive ground one will work in a 356 but you need to isolate all the wiring from the convertor to the stereo, and the stereo from the cars chassis, no bad thing in any case.
A 2nd point is that as you are drawing up to 35watts the current will be 6 amps.
A good rule of thumb in any power supply is to make the supply capable of twice the load.
This is why Rolls Royce cars are stll driving about over a hundred years after they were built.
meker
enclosure or, better still, a fan.
On a hot day with your 35 Watt stereo giving the Beach Boys full welly a cheap DC/DC convertor will get very hot.
I would buy a quality item as shown at: http://www.powerstream.com/dc6-12.htm
The $154.00 positive ground one will work in a 356 but you need to isolate all the wiring from the convertor to the stereo, and the stereo from the cars chassis, no bad thing in any case.
A 2nd point is that as you are drawing up to 35watts the current will be 6 amps.
A good rule of thumb in any power supply is to make the supply capable of twice the load.
This is why Rolls Royce cars are stll driving about over a hundred years after they were built.
meker
thanks for the additional info - fyi - this is the 3rd porsche in my collection, which has a 73 r gruppe 911 and a 76 914 "S" from the original owner - i have a variety of stereo set-ups in these cars, including running the stock MONO blaupunkt unit in the 914 with a 200w amp, 10-cd changer, infinity 4x6's and a small subwoofer - i can't believe how good it sounds for what it is!!! - that being said, i agree with those who think that a stereo in a vintage porsche (or newer porsche) kind of misses the point - the engine sounds much better than any radio!!! - but, i USE all of my cars, and i routinely travel up and down the west coast for trips and track days (seattle to willow springs and back as one example!) (10-15k annual miles on the 911 and 914) - i need the stereo for those long slogging stretches or to check out traffic for a better route - this is why i need a GPS too! - hope this makes more sense - thanks again, brad in seattle
- Peter Nichols
- 356 Fan
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 4:50 pm
- Location: Duxbury MA
Why not use an iPod?
I looked into a stereo hookup but found something far better for my purposes. I use my iPod! You can get a small device called an iTrip connected it to your iPod and it will play all your tunes and play lists through your radio. You simply tune your radio and the device to an unused FM frequency and you are all set. This device is not available through Mac anymore but is readily available at Mac Mall and other online catologue sites. It costs about $50. If you have a radio in the car, it is a very nice solution. I even have a couple of play lists of R&R from the sixties, which can take you and your car back to its vintage years.
- Brian R Adams
- 356 Fan
- Posts: 3328
- Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:34 pm
- Location: N. Nevada
I just bought an Archer DC/DC converter off Ebay. However, the chap who sold it does not have a manual or schematic. Does anyone out there have an Archer (Radio Shack) converter they are actually using, and can tell me which wires go where? (Or can send
me a photocopy of an original manual? Or can point me to a web site where a manual can be viewed? I Googled to no avail.)
me a photocopy of an original manual? Or can point me to a web site where a manual can be viewed? I Googled to no avail.)
Welcome to the era of policy-based evidence-making.
Difficile est saturam non scribere (Juvenal)
Difficile est saturam non scribere (Juvenal)
I have one of those Archer units. In my car I routed the black wire to switched ignition (see your Joe Leoni book for the number on the switch). From looking up on my back that means that I attached a bullet connector and put it in the center top. WARNING: Check Joe's book FIRST or use your multimeter to make sure you are getting 6V positive there when the switch is on. Joe might have better ideas - my system works. Green goes to any ground. Red goes to your 12 volt unit - in my case to the cigar lighter (I did put a 12V element in it).
I googled the expression "archer voltage inverter" and found what looks like Radio Shack tech help, including this page which has a schematic: http://support.radioshack.com/support_s ... /38781.htm
I googled the expression "archer voltage inverter" and found what looks like Radio Shack tech help, including this page which has a schematic: http://support.radioshack.com/support_s ... /38781.htm
Brian R Adams wrote:I just bought an Archer DC/DC converter off Ebay. However, the chap who sold it does not have a manual or schematic. Does anyone out there have an Archer (Radio Shack) converter they are actually using, and can tell me which wires go where? (Or can send
me a photocopy of an original manual? Or can point me to a web site where a manual can be viewed? I Googled to no avail.)
- Brian R Adams
- 356 Fan
- Posts: 3328
- Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:34 pm
- Location: N. Nevada
Bill,
Thanks! You're a better Google pilot than me. Problem is my Archer has a couple of white wires coming out of it, too. But I think if I use the black, red, and green as described in this schematic it should work fine.
Brian
Thanks! You're a better Google pilot than me. Problem is my Archer has a couple of white wires coming out of it, too. But I think if I use the black, red, and green as described in this schematic it should work fine.
Brian
Welcome to the era of policy-based evidence-making.
Difficile est saturam non scribere (Juvenal)
Difficile est saturam non scribere (Juvenal)
- Everett Barnes
- 356 Fan
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- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Contact: