I have a restored 6V AM radio that I run in my 1948 Chevy 1/2 ton truck. Are front wheel static collectors (GM part 494786) still needed to maximize reception? I do NOT have them on my truck. I read somewhere that today's modern tires contain graphite, cancelling out the need for the static collectors. A few condensers are installed in various locations around the truck. If advised that using the static collector is still a good idea, where would a guy source a pair of them?
They were an item offered I believe by GM, I think on their big trucks. Today I think they are irrelevant. They did use condensers on the generator, regulator and coil feed to cut down on other interference. They are useful, especially in low signal situations.
When I first started driving in 1974 I had a 62 Chevy Impala and then a 64 Impala. I remember putting some sort of condenser inline of the radio wiring to cut out the engine noise. It was sold specifically as a noise suppressor for the radio. They worked for the most part but were not 100%.
