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Early Auto-radio Model-N ?? - Printable Version

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Early Auto-radio Model-N ?? - KB7GP - 10-20-2021

I am working on an early Ford car radio. 1933-1934. The radio has no visible identification. Web searching I was able to come up with the designation of Model-N. The photo and description provided match what I have. Also, it is identified as a Glove-box radio in my searches. I have attached a photo.

I am looking for verification of my information and I am asking for any input concerning schematics or other useful service information.

Thank you, Dave KB7GP

RE: Early Auto-radio Model-N ?? - KB7GP - 10-20-2021

I may also be barking up the wrong tree here. I have a second designation located as a Zenith 5604. No photos were found using that info.

RE: Early Auto-radio Model-N ?? - wannchev - 10-20-2021

Set looks in good condition for such an early model say 1932-1934

RE: Early Auto-radio Model-N ?? - fenbach - 10-20-2021

dave
you have a 1933-34 zenith ford-lincoln radio http://www.nostalgiaair.org/pagesbymodel/385/M0006385.pdf

the model N mounted on the firewall over the steering column and had a separate tuning head in the dash.

see also https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/ford_ford_lincoln.html

google had a site that showed most old ford radios but it seems to be down.

https://sites.google.com/site/identifyingcarradios/home

i have instructions somewhere for disassembling it. let me know. common sense, mostly. also let me know if you're able to touch up the crinkle finish. to look original. rustoleum textured paint isn't even close.

RE: Early Auto-radio Model-N ?? - Antipodal - 01-17-2022

Hi there everyone,
We're basking in+20 C. weather here in the Southern Hemisphere.
Reading your request for information on this radio rang a bell for me.I have recently taken delivery of a  good book "The Auto Radio - a Romantic Genealogy " by Donald Matteson.The picture of the set you are enquiring about is ,to me , strikingly similar to the illustration on page 119 of that book showing a 1933 Ford dashboard  "showing the famous  Glove Box radio". However Mr. Matteson identifies it initially  as a Grigsby -Grunow. But according to the text the first 25,00 of these were built by Grigsby- Grunow but toward the end of 1933 this company filed for bankruptcy leaving Ford needing another 30,000 units ,whereupon an order was placed with Zenith to produce the balance.So , I guess, depending on whether yours is an early or late set  it could be,if Mr. Matteson is correct,either a Grigsby -Grunow or a  Zenith.
If I were more computer literate I would attempt to post a copy of the illustration on line.Maybe my granddaughter will be able to help

RE: Early Auto-radio Model-N ?? - GarySP - 02-28-2022

Hello David! This is a first for me. I just commented that us "northerners" are only 20 days away from Spring. At the same time I can also say it's 20 days away from Fall! Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary