Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Posts that have nothing to do with the Model T. You can post here or OT posts will be moved here.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:09 pm

Anyone an antique radio expert ?

Trying to find some information on this Ford/Stewart Warner, but haven’t been able to determine the model or any identifying number.
Radio
Radio
C02547D7-C5C7-4AAC-A033-3F7EC1E60E86.jpeg (45.98 KiB) Viewed 5528 times
Remote
Remote
The remote is mounted to the steering column, and the radio unit is floor mounted.

There are no identifying numbers on or in either, and not (currently) operational.

Any leads would be appreciated.

User avatar

BE_ZERO_BE
Posts: 541
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:27 pm
First Name: BOB
Last Name: CASCISA
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 TOURING
Location: POULSBO, WA
MTFCA Number: 16897
MTFCI Number: 16628

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by BE_ZERO_BE » Mon Feb 08, 2021 3:43 pm

Most likely there is information inside the main radio.
Take the cover off and look inside.
Respectfully Submitted,
Be_Zero_Be

I drive a Model T ... Microseconds don't matter :D

For every Absolute Model T Fact there are at least three exceptions.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:11 pm

Been there - nothing.
C76ED495-DDAF-454D-8745-E4D31B582840.jpeg
Innerds
Innerds
Last edited by PDGx on Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar

perry kete
Posts: 1563
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:46 am
First Name: Dennis
Last Name: Seth
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Coupe 1927 Touring
Location: Jefferson Ohio

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by perry kete » Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:12 pm

BOB! ... If he takes the cover off all the music will spill out!
1922 Coupe & 1927 Touring

User avatar

perry kete
Posts: 1563
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:46 am
First Name: Dennis
Last Name: Seth
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Coupe 1927 Touring
Location: Jefferson Ohio

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by perry kete » Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:13 pm

Well there you go.. see all the music is out and the box is full of other junk! get rid of that junk and dump some music back in and put the lid on it!
1922 Coupe & 1927 Touring

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:15 pm

Ok, I’ll just hide an 8track inside ! 🙄

User avatar

BE_ZERO_BE
Posts: 541
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:27 pm
First Name: BOB
Last Name: CASCISA
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 TOURING
Location: POULSBO, WA
MTFCA Number: 16897
MTFCI Number: 16628

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by BE_ZERO_BE » Mon Feb 08, 2021 8:06 pm

Found it ... I Think
 
 
It looks like one of these
Stewart-Warner.pdf
(2.92 MiB) Downloaded 159 times
Respectfully Submitted,
Be_Zero_Be

I drive a Model T ... Microseconds don't matter :D

For every Absolute Model T Fact there are at least three exceptions.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Mon Feb 08, 2021 8:45 pm

BE_ZERO_BE wrote:
Mon Feb 08, 2021 8:06 pm
Found it ... I Think
 
 
It looks like one of these

Stewart-Warner.pdf
Ok, I hope you’re right. But what leads you to it being one of those model #’s ?

Thx

User avatar

BE_ZERO_BE
Posts: 541
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:27 pm
First Name: BOB
Last Name: CASCISA
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 TOURING
Location: POULSBO, WA
MTFCA Number: 16897
MTFCI Number: 16628

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by BE_ZERO_BE » Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:19 pm

The references to remote control.
Tube locations.
Vibrator power supplies.

The next step would be to compare the tube numbers and locations in your radio to the schematics.
I searched 7 volumes of Riders schematics to find these.
Respectfully Submitted,
Be_Zero_Be

I drive a Model T ... Microseconds don't matter :D

For every Absolute Model T Fact there are at least three exceptions.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:32 pm

BE_ZERO_BE wrote:
Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:19 pm

The next step would be to compare the tube numbers and locations in your radio to the schematics.
I searched 7 volumes of Riders schematics to find these.
[/size]
Ok, I will take a closer look. Thx.

User avatar

BE_ZERO_BE
Posts: 541
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:27 pm
First Name: BOB
Last Name: CASCISA
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 TOURING
Location: POULSBO, WA
MTFCA Number: 16897
MTFCI Number: 16628

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by BE_ZERO_BE » Mon Feb 08, 2021 10:34 pm

Further research reveals this is a 1935 - 1936 (approximately) radio.
Respectfully Submitted,
Be_Zero_Be

I drive a Model T ... Microseconds don't matter :D

For every Absolute Model T Fact there are at least three exceptions.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Tue Feb 09, 2021 10:41 am

Bob, I believe you are correct ! 🏆

I got a cleaner copy of your doc, and the tube layout matches that 1171/1172 layout. The top left tube is not marked with anything but F7 on the base, but someone had marked the frame as a 78, and it appears to be identical to the other 78
AB7CB4D2-751F-43AD-9E25-1B1DD4A7D9F3.jpeg
(Much clearer as an original)

Now to find someone to see if it is operational.

I do not have the cables between the radio and the remote.

Thanks for your lead. ( I guess the 8 track will have to wait til later 🙄)
Last edited by PDGx on Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar

BE_ZERO_BE
Posts: 541
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:27 pm
First Name: BOB
Last Name: CASCISA
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 TOURING
Location: POULSBO, WA
MTFCA Number: 16897
MTFCI Number: 16628

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by BE_ZERO_BE » Tue Feb 09, 2021 1:01 pm

Paul,
Glad I could help.
Finding the interconnecting cables will be difficult.
They are mechanical parts of the radio and do not show up on the electrical data.
Try an automobile radio repair shop.
I think one could be found in Hemmings.
Maybe they would have parts from other similar radios that might work.
Those cables are similar to a speedometer cable.
You might be able to fabricate something that would work just fine.
Respectfully Submitted,
Be_Zero_Be

I drive a Model T ... Microseconds don't matter :D

For every Absolute Model T Fact there are at least three exceptions.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Tue Feb 09, 2021 7:03 pm

Bob- Anything on that schematic lead you to believe positive or negative ground ?

User avatar

BE_ZERO_BE
Posts: 541
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:27 pm
First Name: BOB
Last Name: CASCISA
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 TOURING
Location: POULSBO, WA
MTFCA Number: 16897
MTFCI Number: 16628

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by BE_ZERO_BE » Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:43 pm

I don't have any first hand experience with this radio.
Based on what I see in the schematic, there is nothing polarity conscious in the power input unless the vibrator is.
Were 1936-37 Fords positive or negative ground?
That would be my first choice for connecting the radio to power.
Respectfully Submitted,
Be_Zero_Be

I drive a Model T ... Microseconds don't matter :D

For every Absolute Model T Fact there are at least three exceptions.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Tue Feb 09, 2021 9:19 pm

I believe most, if not all vehicles in that era were positive ground, and was my intent. Just don’t want to let the smoke out of anything, if I try to power it up. It is out of the vehicle so there won’t be any issue with the vehicle power.
And I don’t see anything internally that indicates anything has been burnt previously.

Thx.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:19 pm

Powered it up on 6v positive ground. All tubes lit, but a bit of a hum. 🤔 :?:
No smoke, so at least it not dead. 👍
Looking for a local radio shop to get it tuned.

User avatar

BE_ZERO_BE
Posts: 541
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:27 pm
First Name: BOB
Last Name: CASCISA
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 TOURING
Location: POULSBO, WA
MTFCA Number: 16897
MTFCI Number: 16628

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by BE_ZERO_BE » Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:50 pm

Consider having all of the capacitors (condensers) replaced.
Most likely it won't work well (if at all) until that is done.
That is pretty much standard procedure in radio restoration.
Respectfully Submitted,
Be_Zero_Be

I drive a Model T ... Microseconds don't matter :D

For every Absolute Model T Fact there are at least three exceptions.


TXGOAT2
Posts: 6411
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
MTFCA Number: 51486
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Mar 14, 2021 10:37 am

If your SW radio for a late '30s Ford or Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler, it's 6V positive ground. The hum coming from the radio itself is probably the vibrator. They usually don't work if they've been sitting for years, but when they do work, they normally vibrate and make a low humming or buzzing sound. They perform a similar function to the vibrator points on a T coil, being used in conjunction with transformers and the rectifier tube to provide a higher, filtered DC voltage (over 100 volts) for the vacuum tube plate circuit. If the radio speaker gives out a low volume hum, that is also normal. The radio will probably have several large value filter capacitors (condensers) which are prone to decay over time. They may be OK, but they are suspect. A bad one can cause a very loud howl or buzz at the speaker. The smaller capacitors are usually OK. There are a number of antique radio specialists around the country who may be able to help with tubes, vibrators, capacitor replacements,advice, or service, etc. Early car radios can draw quite a bit of power compared to "modern" electronics. When the radio is first turned on, it will need several seconds to warm up before it will operate. Old radios, especially car radios, usually had very good receiving capability. Sound quality on pre-WW2 units may not be so great. Pre-1970 car audio equipment is getting hard to find. I'd handle that thing with great care! Keeping RF interference from the car's generator and ignition system out of the radio can be challenge, but it's do-able. I would NOT gut that radio and put newer electronics inside it. If you want high fidelity music, get a modern set-up with SXM and you can ride along in your T listening to 1940's music, or whatever, without interference from your car's electrical equipment. You can get great sound quality at high volume and almost infinite programming choices from modern equipment that takes up very little space and could be installed without altering the car.


TXGOAT2
Posts: 6411
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
MTFCA Number: 51486
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:00 am

///// It looks like a modern audio set-up can be used to play a variety of actual period programming.... ///// Radio Programs : Free Audio : Free Download, Borrow and ...
https://archive.org/details/radioprograms
Old Time Radio Programs, News , Winston Churchill News and Speeches. Alot of these are here in the WW2 collections, I posted this collection to make The Winston Churchill Speeches in one place. Topics: Old Time Radio, WW2, Winston Churchill .... ///// A number of sites offer old radio programming for Mp3 or free download... Will Rogers? FDR Fireside Chats?

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:44 am

TXGOAT2 wrote:
Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:00 am
///// It looks like a modern audio set-up can be used to play a variety of actual period programming.... ///// Radio Programs : Free Audio : Free Download, Borrow and ...
https://archive.org/details/radioprograms
Old Time Radio Programs, News , Winston Churchill News and Speeches. Alot of these are here in the WW2 collections, I posted this collection to make The Winston Churchill Speeches in one place. Topics: Old Time Radio, WW2, Winston Churchill .... ///// A number of sites offer old radio programming for Mp3 or free download... Will Rogers? FDR Fireside Chats?
Pat

I did find that radioprograms site earlier when searching.

I will not be gutting this radio- it’s too complete of a unit, and in great shape. Just having trouble finding someone to tune it up. Lots of sites claim they do, but get no response when asking if they will.

Not that it would get much use, especially when driving, but would be neat to have it operational at shows controlled with the remote tuning pod.

Thx


TXGOAT2
Posts: 6411
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
MTFCA Number: 51486
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Mar 14, 2021 2:23 pm

It's very clean and complete. Remarkabley so. It looks as if some capacitors may already have been replaced at some point. It was probably long ago, and they likely need replaced again. You aren't likely to find any to physically match the originals, but functional equivalents should be available, and they will probably be a lot smaller than the originals. The resistors in that set date it to before WW2. They have the "BED" color coding (Body, end, dot). I don't remember how to read it, but information ought to be available. If the speaker is deteriorated, it can be re-coned in most cases.

User avatar

JohnH
Posts: 344
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 6:57 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Hunter
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Geelong Tourer
Location: Blue Mountains, Australia
Board Member Since: 2002
Contact:

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by JohnH » Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:27 pm

BE_ZERO_BE wrote:
Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:43 pm
[size=150
Based on what I see in the schematic, there is nothing polarity conscious in the power input unless the vibrator is.
[/size]
Exactly. Like most car radios, this set uses a non-synchronous vibrator with separate rectifier, so the input is not polarised. The only exception is a very few sets that used electrolytic filter capacitors on the 6V side. If it used a synchronous vibrator, then input polarity is important. Most such sets had a reversible vibrator, or a set of links to change over, to allow for either polarity.

User avatar

Topic author
PDGx
Posts: 233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:12 pm
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Grohsmeyer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘17 TT Holmes Wrecker
Location: Central Florida
MTFCA Number: 27359
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by PDGx » Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:39 am

Thanks John

After a year, I’ve contacted many radio people from online listings, but still have not found anyone up here that will retune it.


TXGOAT2
Posts: 6411
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
MTFCA Number: 51486
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by TXGOAT2 » Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:16 am

You will need to locate someone with antique radio experience. There are people who buy, sell, collect, and repair antique home and auto radios. I would not take the radio to a modern radio repair facility, if any such exist. It's most unlikely that anyone there has any experience with pre-WWII equipment, and most unlikely that anyone whold have any clue as to where to source parts. (It may be possible to use or adapt speedometer cables from 1940s-1960s cars to replace the missing control cables. It may have used commmon Stewart Warner speedometer cables.


TXGOAT2
Posts: 6411
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
MTFCA Number: 51486
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by TXGOAT2 » Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:28 am

A DuckDuckGo search for "Antique Car Radios" yields a number of possible sources of help. www.antiquecarradios.com looks like someone who deals with pre-WWII auto radios. Location is W. Virginia.


Phoenix88R
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2019 8:46 pm
First Name: Doug
Last Name: Wilson
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Touring
Location: Saline, MI
MTFCA Number: 51005
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by Phoenix88R » Wed Apr 27, 2022 9:52 pm

I would ask for help on this site https://antiqueradios.com/forums/index.php. I have repaired a couple 30s and 40s radios, but am far from an expert.

Know there are folks on there that specialize in tube automotive radios. Much like this site often members share experience, pieces and parts that are no longer available to complete a restoration. Would post your request in the Antique Radio Discussion category. Let them know what if your looking for someone to fix it for you or if you want help to do it yourself. Photos are real helpful along with any numbers on the chassis, tube #s and count, etc.

User avatar

JohnH
Posts: 344
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 6:57 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Hunter
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Geelong Tourer
Location: Blue Mountains, Australia
Board Member Since: 2002
Contact:

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by JohnH » Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:55 am

I restore vintage car radios like this, but unfortunately being on the other side of the world makes it a bit impractical.

User avatar

Mark Gregush
Posts: 4956
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:57 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Gregush
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1920 Dodge touring, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
Location: Portland Or
MTFCA Number: 52564
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Stewart Warner Vehicle Radios

Post by Mark Gregush » Sat Jun 11, 2022 11:21 am

You might also post on Fordbarn.com in the Early V8 section or https://forums.aaca.org/?_gl=1*14v7al4* ... 1646793887
With the control head mounted on the steering column, might have been Ford branded aftermarket. I get the impression from a quick look see in the Victor Page Ford V8 repair book, that factory supplied might have been mounted in the dash.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic