Audio Systems: 63 thunderbird, ford thunderbird, time tom

Question
My dad restored his 63 ford thunderbird but left his radio up to me. I would really like to  upgrade it to a newer radio with an amplifier and subwoofer. can you give me some advice on how much power the car can withstand without having to convert it to a current alternator. or if i do have to convert it, what exactly do i have the to tell the mechanics to change. thanks a million for your time -Tom

Answer
Thomas,
With an old alternator, or perhaps a generator!, a new stereo system of no more than 50 watts per channel should work OK. Any more power and you will need to upgrade the alternator and possibly the battery also. If you install a sound system that puts out 250 to 500 watts an alternator rated at 80 to 100 amps should do the job.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net