Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1959 ford fairlane tube radio, 1959 ford fairlane, control knobs

Question
The factory am radio in my 59 ford fairlane is not working. The tubes (4) seem to all light up but all I get is a faint hiss form the speaker. Would you have any ideas what might be wrong?

Answer
Listen to the "hiss" as you turn the volume and tone control knobs - if both knobs affect the loudness and tone of the hiss, your radio is probably OK.  In that case, the problem is your antenna.  Go to your local auto parts store and buy a replacement. Note the special plug on the end of the cable and find the matching socket on the back of the radio.  Just plug in the new radio and stick the new antenna out the window. If that makes the radio work, just install the new antenna in the same location as the old one, and route the cable in the same way.

If adjusting the volume and tone controls have no affect on the hiss, your radio is probably going to have to come out of the car and get sent off to one of the many antique auto radio repair shops that advertise in the hobby magazines.

Dick