• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Tuning thumb roller stereo knob not working

pearljam724

pearljam724

Well-Known Member
Local time
6:49 AM
Joined
Oct 14, 2018
Messages
1,260
Reaction score
555
Location
U.S.
69 Coronet thumb roller stereo tuning roller doesn’t change the stations or move the orange tuning needle. Radio works, preset buttons move the orange needle, but tuning thumb roller doesn’t. I’d like to open up the stereo in the next few months and figure out why this is the case. Does anyone know off hand for sure or can lead me in a direction when that time comes ? So, I can be ahead of the game in knowing what to look for. My only guess to this point is perhaps the knob is stripped, not allowing the needle to move. But that’s only a guess.
 
The nylon gear is probably cracked. FBBO member @JimKueneman fix his with wire and epoxy.
Second cause is the tuning clutch rubber disc has cracked and dry rotted. They are time consuming to replace and the parts are now almost impossible to find.
 
The gear will break off of the knob. If the wheel turns very easy, it is likely the culprit. Easy thing to replace. Tap the pin out a little to the far side put the replacement in and tap the pin back. Likely the easiest thing you will have to fix on your car. If you can't find one I should have one with decent chrome still on it. Also easy to glue back together.
 
Thank you, I was thinking that would be the case. Also thinking Epoxy would do the trick. What pieces of the dash need to be removed in order to remove the stereo ? How much do you want for the knob ?
 
pearljam724 said:
Thank you, I was thinking that would be the case. Also thinking Epoxy would do the trick. What pieces of the dash need to be removed in order to remove the stereo ? How much do you want for the knob ?
Click to expand...

Four screws on the faceplate, two bolts on the front of the radio, one nut on the back, antenna and harness plug. While it is out use a brass brush and mildly clean the ridges on the other knobs. See if it will glue first, I did mine in the seventies and it held together forever. Cheaper than a knob and shipping and a very dependable fix. Back then I used superglue! If you need the knob it will still be here.

Check the "linkage" for any areas that may be tight and caused the problem.
 
Thank you. Yeah, Im pretty sure I can fix it. I just haven’t had enough time. I removed half of the dash today to see how much was involved and I realized the lower dash pad and speedo is gonna have to be removed. I realize removing duct work will make the job so much easier. But, refuse to for various reasons. I put everything back together just in case I have to move the car in the next week because I’m having a home (garage) currently being built for her, lol
Are there speed nuts holding the bolts for the lower dash pad or are they regular nuts ? I can feel them by hand. I’d like to fix the radio to use for a little while until I buy a new one with FM. Then I intend to sell the original. It’s in excellent condition, minus the tuning knob not working.
 
I took and drilled a small hole on the tuner wheel hub to the point where it drilled all the way though the hub. And then I continued to drill into the plastic gear a shallow depth. Then I took that drill bit and cut a section of it off the end to use as a pin. Put a dab of super glue on the end of the pin and took a small hammer & drift to set the pin into the hole. Tuner wheel spins fine after that shade tree mechanic job lol. Pics below to help explain it better.

EDIT. You won't see the pin once the chrome trim is in place. Just make sure that the length of the pin doesn't stick out too long as it would interfere with the chrome trim.


Untitled1.jpg Untitled2.jpg Untitled3.jpg
 
Thanks, for sharing. Wouldn’t epoxy work ?
 
I have the am radio I will sell you cheap
 
Had a few hours, to remove radio today. Sure enough, gear in knob is cracked. Radio and tuner works when I turn opposing gear by hand. Gonna try the pin and glue trick
 
pearljam724 said:
Had a few hours, to remove radio today. Sure enough, gear in knob is cracked. Radio and tuner works when I turn opposing gear by hand. Gonna try the pin and glue trick
Click to expand...

Just be patient when drilling. If you have long drill bits, that makes it easier. Also try using a tiny drill bit first for a starter hole.


Good luck. :thumbsup:
 
Thank you, 68 Charger. It’s fixed, good as new. The dash in these cars are a real p.i.t.a. If the dash, heater/ac box remains in the car. I have it all apart now. Going to restore my dash a little. Replace defroster vents, install some good speakers, paint a few things while it’s apart.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

MoparGuy68
Dissection and Study of 1971 Philips AM/FM Multiplex Stereo
2
Replies
27
Views
4K
Nacho-RT74
Nacho-RT74
JerrySS
New Member
2
Replies
24
Views
2K
JerrySS
JerrySS
SteveSS
  • Locked
This is the best anti-EV article I have ever read.
3 4 5
Replies
97
Views
6K
Geetex
Geetex
Bill Monk
TUNING A SIX PACK
13 14 15
Replies
288
Views
93K
bigpetesbee
bigpetesbee
'72 Charger
Slammed & Shaved E85 Turbo 1971 Dodge Charger Project
Replies
4
Views
4K
chargersb71
C
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top