1968 Radio qn

[Tequila]

I was thinking about adding an original Ford 8-track radio to my 68 Coupe, AT, non-console car with factory A/C. I just thought it would be cool to show the kids what an 8 track player looks like and sounds like... Plus I could add 2 speakers instead of the center mounted speaker (based on wiring diagrams that I've seen so far).

Couple of qns. The car originally had a regular AM FM radio and I sent the original radio bezel for chrome plating so I can't measure it to see if the 8 track radio would fit. I doubt that it would...

Assuming the AM/FM radio bezel doesn't fit, is there a similar bezel out there that would fit my car? I have no plans for adding the center console... unless that's the only way I can get the 8-track to fit. Any source that I could buy the bezel from? Any info that you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

[dalorzo_f]

OEM 8 track will fit right in the bezel.

 

[dalorzo_f]

 

[dalorzo_f]

The 8 track shown is a '72, but dimensionally/mounting the same as a '68. When looking for one I found it hard to find a date correct unit and compromised on the '72 in good shape...

 

[Tequila]

Awesome!!! Thank you so much for the info and the pictures. I owe you one.

 

[dalorzo_f]

NP, too easy.... 5 mins... out to the shed and snap a few photos and post 'em... we are here to help each other!:smile:

 

[BigJim]

I remember 8-tracks. We still have a couple boxes of them somewhere and an old stereo that can play them.

 

[dalorzo_f]

One note if anyone goes this route.

Old tapes generally fail at the splice. Its a good idea to get the deck cleaned or better yet fully serviced (old rubber rollers in some turn to goo) and to resplice the tapes before playing as 40+ year old ones often fail at the seam on first play and foam pressure pads turn to dust.

End up with a pile of tape jammed in the deck if the roller sticks to the tape or the tape splits....

http://www.8trackavenue.com/do-it-yourself-tape-repair.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlBcAik0IUk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmGPudGGIqU

http://www.katestrackshack.com/suppliesforsale.htm

 

[68 special]

It's amazing how many comments I get on mine. If I remember right it's a '70 AM/FM 8 track. picked it up for $30 at the swap meet and it plays perfectly. Bolted right in the bezel. Still considering sending it out to get refurbed.
I usually search Ebay for new unsealed tapes. been pretty lucky so far.

Bret

 

[Tequila]

I finally gotten around to installing the radio and the bezel but noticed that the bezel is too small. Do I have the wrong 8 track radio? What's strange is that the bezel seems to fit the original Philco radio, but not the 8 track. Both are the same height.

I just noticed from earlier pictures that my 8 track looks differently than the ones on this thread. Do I have a later year 8 track?

Thanks...

 

[dalorzo_f]

Looks like a mid/late 70's era AM/FM/8-track... unfortunately, as you have found, they are not the same face size...

 

[Tequila]

Thanks Bud. Appreciate the info.

It's a bummer because I spent about $250 refurbishing it. Nothing like learning the hard way.. May be I can list it on eBay although I don't think the late 70's 8-tracks are worth that much. I did find a 68 style 8-track listed on eBay for $795 --- way too much for my budget.

 

[Ruppstang]

68-70 should fit your car. Always check the part numbers. First digit should be the year.
Marty

 

[68 special]

Also, don't they go by Alpha characters, C = 60's, D = 70's, E = 80's, and so on on most all Ford part numbers?

I could be wrong or just mistaken.

Bret

 

[Ruppstang]

You are correct Bret in Ford part #s I was speaking of radio numbers.
A 68 AM-FM radio number is 8TBZ
A 68 AM radio number is 8TPZ
The ford part number for a 68 Mustang AM 8 track is C7WA-18806-A

Tequila you may want to check with West Coast Classic Cougar, they may take your radio in trade for the one you need.
Marty

 

[390cs68rcode]

love my 8 track and listening to the really old music.

 

[Tequila]

You are correct Bret in Ford part #s I was speaking of radio numbers.
A 68 AM-FM radio number is 8TBZ
A 68 AM radio number is 8TPZ
The ford part number for a 68 Mustang AM 8 track is C7WA-18806-A

Tequila you may want to check with West Coast Classic Cougar, they may take your radio in trade for the one you need.
Marty

Thanks Marty. I checked their website and they had 1 non functioning unit for the correct style. I will give them a call anyways. Having the part number will be very handy. Thank you again.

 

[dalorzo_f]

You could also look at cutting the bezel to suit, assuming it can fit. As you have a functioning 8 track... finding a donor bezel would be far cheaper than the correct unit. This is a similar modified bezel I have...