Connect phone to factory AM radio

[TravisB]

Hi guys! I would like some opinions on the best way to connect my phone to the factory am radio in my truck.

I’m planning on running the tailgate tour and power tour both this year and would like to explore options on having my phone play music or turn by turn directions from the factory speakers.

I know there are options out there to replace the head unit with a radio that does this but my factory stereo is fine and original. I’ve tried fm transmitters in the past without a ton of luck but this is am only. Has anyone done this and were you successful at all?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I used to use transmitters back in the day. Thats about the only option. If your radio has a cassette player you can get a cassette with an aux cord. That works the best but you have to have an aux port on your phone and a cassette player.

 

[Ricko1966]

You're going to need to buy or build an A.M transmitter with Bluetooth or or Audio input jack.

 

[Hunter79764]

How handy are you with electronics? This might be an option, assuming the AM and AM/FM radios aren't too different internally?

73-87 Delco radio with aux. input added - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

73-87 Delco radio with aux. input added 73-87

67-72chevytrucks.com

My other thought would be getting a second/standalone stereo system or a small amplifier that has bluetooth compatibility. Get something like this if you don't need it too loud and want an easy install, or go on up to a 500w+ 2 or 4 channel and pick your speakers for either.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q157FY/

 

[squaredeal91]

This is really interesting. Never thought or had any idea I could modify our stock radios to do more.

 

[AZ Highlander]

Hi guys! I would like some opinions on the best way to connect my phone to the factory am radio in my truck.

I’m planning on running the tailgate tour and power tour both this year and would like to explore options on having my phone play music or turn by turn directions from the factory speakers.

I know there are options out there to replace the head unit with a radio that does this but my factory stereo is fine and original. I’ve tried fm transmitters in the past without a ton of luck but this is am only. Has anyone done this and were you successful at all?

I've been thinking about using am transmitters, but there aren't many options it seems.
This one is currently at the top of my list:

AM Transmitter DIY Kit And Bluetooth Adapter For Retro Vintage Or Antique Radios.

While you don’t need to be an electrical engineer, an understanding of basic electronics and soldering is required to assemble this kit. Comes with easy to follow step by step, instructions. Transmit to that old antique or vintage radio with your very own, in house, AM radio station! No...

www.retroradioshop.com

 

[silverbackreef]

Or use bone conduction headphones like these

OpenRun

OpenRun, Top-selling Wireless Sport Headphones. 8th Generation Bone Conduction. IP67 Water-Resistant, not for Swimming. 8-Hour Battery Life & Quick Charge.

shokz.com

Ears are open so you have situational awareness, sound is good, mic has good noise cancellation.

Work well for me. Good in the shop too....

 

[TotalyHucked]

The transmitters are always "meh" for me, quality wise. IMO I'd just pony up the money for a RetroSound or similar headunit with bluetooth capability and keeping the stock look

 

[TotalyHucked]

Or just throw a bluetooth speaker up on the dash

 

[AZ Highlander]

Or just throw a bluetooth speaker up on the dash

this is what I do currently since the PO pulled all audio components out. It was really nice of him to cut 6x9 holes in the door panels though! The nice big holes can hold my thermos in there.

 

[Grit dog]

Great idea but seems like an effort in futility. IMO, if you don’t want to upgrade the stereo, (and the original factory speakers sound like an old phonograph anyways) just use a Bluetooth speaker and make sure your cig lighter works to keep it charged all day.

 

[SirRobyn0]

I have a deal in my 77 Cadillac that plugs in between the radio and antenna cable, and then there is a box under the dash. You can select AM or FM and the station. Has a 3/8" cord off of it. Came from Radioishack years ago when they still had brick and mortor stores. You might be able to do a websearch and find something similar.

The other option is a transmitter of some sort.

 

[Camar068]

in a pinch I'd just do a bluetooth speaker until you know exactly what you want to do. Then once you've got the truck sound fixed, you've got a BT speaker for the garage. No money wasted.

 

[JamesSam]

My trucks cig lighter has been transformed to a 12V power source so you can, plug in to use power from the battery(tire inflator), charge stuff(cell phone), or I have a cheap Bluetooth insert from Wally World(Wal Mart) that I plug in to listen to personal music with through my phone. When you connect to it from your phone the Bluetooth will put all incoming calls though your speakers like your trucks audio is your phone. It is connected to Bluetooth through an FM channel though... There are some guys on here that do this too right? Help me out.

 

[BRetty]

Search eBay for "Mr. Microphone"