Posted 2016-03-31 6:08 PM (#508456) Subject: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Johan contacted me looking to convert his 1961 Chrysler New Yorker radio Mopar 317 “Golden Tone” based off of pictures of my original prototype and he quickly sent me the radio from Sweden.
This radio was in immaculate esthetic condition, but like all of them, not working. Digging a bit deeper in the story, Johan told me that the car was originally from Arizona and later exported to Sweden, which explain the rust free condition of the unit.
The owner also required every option available with an LCD screen, so the final conversion ended having the most options to date, just one option over another 1961 Dodge due to the lighted buttons (Dodge radio has plain chrome buttons). During this conversion I developed another two new additional options:
-LCD screens dimmer using the radio original inner left knob.
-Pushbuttons and background dimmer using the other side original inner knob.
These two unrequested options were added after consulting; and he was more than pleased to make them permanent.
Thanks Johan for trusting your radio to my conversions and let me share it with the group, this old Mopar 317 “Golden Tone” it is likely the most technologically advanced 1961 New Yorker radio in the world!
This is the video and some pictures of the final result..
Posted 2016-03-31 10:56 PM (#508485 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Another awesome conversion Denis. I love the lighted buttons. When I bought my ( now ex) 1962 Chrysler 300 back in 1982, I was very disappointed that the buttons didn't light up, as I was expecting them to match the lights in the trans. and heater buttons. The other reason I expected them to light up is that at that time I also owned my (now ex) 1960 Polara, in which the stock radio DOES have lighted buttons. Some of the 60 Dodge radios have chrome buttons, but mine were transparent. Some day I may get the radio in my 60 Saratoga done. For now I live with a modern radio mounted under the left side of the dash.
Posted 2016-04-01 4:11 AM (#508496 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Awesome! And to keep you updated: My radio works great and I get a lot of positive comments on it. I'll soon make a video how it looks and sounds like in the car
Posted 2016-04-01 9:33 AM (#508511 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Thanks a lot guys!
I'm constantly researching for new ways to do this, looking for different screens, functions and such.
Being able to hear the music for the first time inside of the car is a special moment and it will change the driving experience forever....
I have another converted radio radios that I'm going to post pending the owners permission
Posted 2016-04-01 9:39 AM (#508512 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Yes, Ian, radios are never lighted on the buttons for some reason, but it makes a big different in the appearance of the dash but also they are functional to find them at night.
Posted 2016-04-01 3:29 PM (#508537 - in reply to #508512) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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hemidenis - 2016-04-01 6:39 AM
Yes, Ian, radios are never lighted on the buttons for some reason, but it makes a big different in the appearance of the dash but also they are functional to find them at night. :)
Actually, the 1960 Dodge optional radios had lighted buttons from factory - mine was one of them on my old Polara. There was a small incandescent bulb inside an opaque blue housing above the top front center of the radio case that sent light down to the buttons. That's why I was so disappointed in the 60-62 Chrysler radios when I first got one.
Posted 2016-04-02 10:12 AM (#508581 - in reply to #508456) Subject: RE: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Posts: 68
Location: Stockholm Sweden
When I viewed the final result it was like an overwhelming WOW yaw dropping factor as well as your updates during the process of the conversion
This radio conversion with all its highlights will cntribute with an impressive perfect match to the Astradome. (now trying to fix the flickering Astradome some way)
I´m most grateful to you Denis for your patience answering differnt inquires.
It will certainly be a true pleasure listening to and operating the radio, looking forward
Very pleased,
Johan
An amazing contrast btw, US built these FL-cars 1961 while the opposite SU built the Berlin wall 1961
Posted 2016-04-02 2:33 PM (#508597 - in reply to #508588) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Location: Stockholm Sweden
wizard - 2016-04-02 6:16 PM
I can help you with the astradome problem...
Hi Sven,
Appreciate your willingness to help, yet I have to check/test voltage output of the power unit.
Got real useful info from hemiDenis how to test it as well as for the headlight switch, the latter, a spare one, after deoxidation seems to function perfectly.
I guess it would be very good to have the power unit rebuilt, in any case for safety reasons, good to know that you can fix it.
Thanks, Johan
Posted 2016-04-03 2:43 AM (#508649 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Is it that unusual for an original to work? I bought my '61 G in '87 and the Golden Tone worked and still does. I never knew if the buttons should light, so I learned something here.
Posted 2016-04-05 1:13 AM (#508795 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Location: Northen Virginia
Thanks a lot of guys, today Johan radio is in route to Sweden, crossing the fingers!
Steve in answer to your question about the website , no I don't yet, but I'm gathering info for face book page. Get permission from the owners to post the conversions sometimes could be a challenge.
Andy, the radio pushbuttons for Chrysler 60-61-62 was not lighted from the factory, that it is just a option that Johan requested for his radio.
Posted 2016-04-20 12:27 PM (#509831 - in reply to #508456) Subject: RE: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Location: Stockholm Sweden
Thank you Denis, this converted radio has now arrived and is just waiting to get wired up and turned on, that will quite a delightful moment to enjoy the lights and the sound from these multiple choices you have added to this mopar radio.
When mounted I'll let you know. Johan
Posted 2016-04-21 3:33 PM (#509920 - in reply to #509915) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
Location: The Mile High City
Outstanding work, Denis! It is always fun to see these conversions. Personally, I think these sympathetic conversions add value to the cars they are in - which is a rare thing among audio conversions!
Posted 2016-04-22 11:30 AM (#509993 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Location: Northen Virginia
Thanks!
This is one of my favorites displays and the good thing about them is that they are several sizes and colors combinations green, red, blue, yellow lettering with black, blue, white, yellow or silver backgrounds...The possibilities are endless..
Posted 2016-09-26 8:48 AM (#522116 - in reply to #508456) Subject: RE: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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I have a 1961 Chrysler Newport with the 5 button Golden tone radio Mopar model number 327. I would like it updated and converted. Who do I contact? Where do I send it? Any idea of cost?
Posted 2016-09-26 5:45 PM (#522137 - in reply to #522116) Subject: RE: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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ricks61 - 2016-09-26 5:48 AM
I have a 1961 Chrysler Newport with the 5 button Golden tone radio Mopar model number 327. I would like it updated and converted. Who do I contact? Where do I send it? Any idea of cost?
Contact Hemidenis . Click on his profile above / send him a private message.
Posted 2017-06-05 7:11 PM (#541585 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Location: Stockholm Sweden
Hi Denis, Finally this week after a year of obstacles of other matters I had this fabulously FM-converted radio with all the extra add-ons installed. Just tested it, looking just plain awesome, and together with all the other glowing lights was quite amazing to see, sounds really good, replaced the old front and rear speakers into the same places as before in the middle. BTW how easy access it was to get to the clock when the front speaker was out.
I´m most pleased with the radio how it works with all these options to enjoy from and the looks of it and your almost everlasting support. Amazingly work done by you,
Thank you,
Johan
PS. thanks goes also to Wizard for upgrading my oscillator, no more flickering. DS
Posted 2017-06-06 3:23 PM (#541629 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Location: Northen Virginia
Hi Johan
Glad all went right with your radio, it was one of the most complete conversion at that time. Hope you enjoy it and send us a picture once is installed in the car.
Posted 2018-03-11 9:03 AM (#559634 - in reply to #508456) Subject: Re: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Digital Radio Conversion
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Posts: 68
Location: Stockholm Sweden
Hi Denis, finally a pic of the radio you converted to this shining fabulous radio with all the options there are, and most importantly sounds good
Thanks, Johan