Depends on the conversion. Near as I can tell, some are by guessing. On the stock display putting 2 bands in means I need my magnifying reading glasses to read either one.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Thanks for the input. I am thinking having mine converted might be the best option. How do you see where the FM stations are with the original radio converted?

I had my 56 gutted and an am/fm installed 6 yrs ago. Kept the original push buttons. First turn on fm, turn off and back on am. Was done in central Cali, found in Hemmings.

Much has changed. After the new yr a guy I know is going to up date it all the goodies and phone friendly. Showed me one he did on a 40 ford that plays Sirius radio from an app from his phone. No antenna. A lot changes quickly with Technolgy.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Don, could you share which unit you have, and what the idiosyncrasies it has? I’m going to be doing a couple of them, and probably a recommendation to an OT friend who’s in the market.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I have on of the repops in my 55 and like it so much better than the Custom Autosound that I had before.  The autosound only lasted a couple of years, about the same length of time I've had this unit.  It looks stock, sounds good, but does have some idiosyncrasies that might have been corrected in newer units.  Worst thing about it is it makes the rest of my dash chrome look worn. 
Don

You have three options:  Buy a substitute; convert an original radio or  buy a clone.  I do not recommend buying an after market substitute.  Most buyers of those radios regret it after a year or two.  See the above reviews.  Converting an original radio to AM/FM gives the best looks and all the advantages of modern radios such as high power multiple speaker outputs, MP3 input and bluetooth.  Reliability is a plus.  Costs range from $400 up.  The exact clones are good for those that don't have an original radio.  With the clone you get new knobs and show quality chrome.  Prices start at $600.  Buying an original radio and converting it can be a lower cost unless you have to add in the cost of knobs and chrome plating.

For more info go here:  https://classiccarradiodoctor.com/

'55 Tbird

I had one of those custom autosound radios quite a few years ago. Complete piece of junk. About 3 years ago I sent to radio from my '60 F100 to Joe's classic car radio in South Carolina for restoration and the addition of an I-pod jack. He did a great job and the price was very reasonable. He'll do stock restorations, FM conversions, bluetooth, pretty much anything you want. 

I can't speak for the repo Tbird radios  but my brother got a Mustang unit and odds are they're the same quality. They look the part but the controls feel cheap and nasty. When operating the controls they don't have that nice tight feel that the original stuff had and they felt loose/sloppy. Just made in China junk. Yes it did have a sticker saying made in China on it.

I didn’t have an in dash converted, but I had a radio built to go under the dash of my 32. I found a NOS remote (as in cable operated) for a 40 Ford deluxe dash for a 30’s Motorola under dash radio. They converted that to electrically run the am/fm/ Bluetooth. So my iPod would play thru it, of course you’d use the phone now. So, they’re out there and it’s nothing new. The link above shows the dealer network, and the guy by me (WA state) shows conversions on his web site IIRC. If I were starting over, and I am with both Custom Autosound units failing, I’d either convert the original, or bite the bullet for a converted or reproduction OEM radio.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Anyone had an orginal converted? There are companies that will do it.