Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

ok - this is a project for the coming cold winter. I bought a used, not tested radio for the Packard on ebay. I can probably get it working with some new tubes. However, has any one had any luck with the "convert your radio to am/fm" folks? I have seen ads for firms that actually remove the old internals and install new transistor radios inside. Also, does anyone have a wiring/test shooting diagram for a 51? We seem to have the 47-50 and 55 up radios covered, but I couldn't find one for the 51-54 series. thanks

51 and 52 radios are the same PA416387. If yours is that number, this should be the schematic.https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/RadioDiagrams.pdf

Tubes may be needed but more likely the old style capacitors have dried out and should be changed. Here is a site that sells capacitor kits.http://www.justradios.com/capkits.html They have a good primer on capacitors and hows and whys to change but their kits are pretty elaborate and I think more than is needed for a single radio. You could probably find just the ones you need individually.

I have read the conversions work very well but are expensive. I have not used one but have also heard another downside besides authenticity is there is no scale for the FM band. Tuning a particular FM station is by guess and trying to remember where it is in relation to the AM number.

If you just want a broader content selection and are not wanting anything fancy that the conversions might provide, then this adapter allowing use of a regular ipod or small hidden radio has gotten good reviews on some forums.http://www.rediscoveradio.com/index.html#.TmBPLJhmbyE