Car Stereos: 1989 Town Car Amplifier, car amplifier, factory radio

Question
Hi Brian: The original amplifier in my 1989 town car is no longer working. The fuse has blown as I was changing the volume and replacing the fuse did not resolve the problem.  I tired having it repaired in at a car stereo dealer in Jacksonville and was told since it is a JBL they would have to send it off and it would cost around $350.00.  Do you know where I might purchase a replacement, after market or whatever or can you advise where I might get this one repaired for a reasonable price?  I realize the car is 20 years old but I plan keeping it since it is in prestine condition. Any information will be appreciated.   
Thanks for your support.
Don

Answer
Hi Don,

Sorry, I don't have a definite answer on where you can purchase a replacement amplifier or have yours repaired.  It's actually pretty common to see replacement JBL factory amplifiers offered on eBay.   A quick search came up with this one:  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JBL-amplifier-92-Town-Car_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkp...

I'm not certain whether that particular amp is a match for your vehicle, though.  Some Town Cars had an older-style "football" amplifier (so called because of its shape).   I think it's more likely that yours had a similar amplifier to the one shown in the link, however.   The factory amplifier is typically located under the trunk liner, either behind the driver's-side wheel well or mounted right behind the rear seat.

When we replace the factory radio in cars like yours, we routinely "bypass" the JBL amplifier and connect the speakers directly to the new head unit.  If you're not able to find an inexpensive replacement for your amp, then a new head unit might actually be the most cost-effective option.

Hope this helps a bit.

Brian