AC Delco car tube radio

[white_shadow]

Anyone know anything about AC Delco tube radios, car tube radios, or just tube stuff that can help me out? I've got an AC Delco, ID# 32mlb-5803 (I think) and need schematics or just plain info on it such as which connections go where, what tubes do I have, and the power requirement on it. Also can I convert this to a home tube amp?

[lynnm]

These folks may be able to help you identify your radio:

http://www.justradios.com/oldcarschematics.html

I doubt that that radio would ultimately be very satisfying used as a tube amplifier.

Firstly the amplifier stage would be monaural and of very low power.

Secondly you would have to build a replacement power suppply as those units were designed to run on either 6 volts or 12 volts D.C. The plate voltages were generated by means of a device called a vibrator which would vibrate and alternately present a positive or a negative voltage to a circuit which featured voltage doubling circuitry and stepup transformers which could create a sufficiently large A.C. voltage for the plates. That A. C. voltage would then be rectified to become the B+ supply.

The circuitry described above is ingenious but utterly unsuitable for home use because the vibrator makes one hello of a racket. That was not a big deal in the relatively noisy confines of an automobile but would be distracting in a quite listening room.

[Dale W]

I just restored a 58 chev for a gentleman and he sent his radio out to a local guy here in edmonton. I'll get the phone # on monday and call this repair shop and see if they have what your after. I'll try and get back to you early next week.