Hi -

I am looking at replacing my existing aftermarket radio with another in my 69 Cutlass. I will use the yellow factory radio lead for the switched power. My dash clock is not in use and am considering using the orange clock power lead as a constant 12v source for the radio's memory etc.

I assume this is indeed a constant power source, or else the clock would be wrong all the time, right? Any other considerations? Just looking for a quick easy solution without tapping into wires or the fusebox.

Ray

 

If it's anything like my '68 or '69, orange is hot all the time (check the lead to your lighter - it should also be orange and hot all the time) and yellow is the hot to your radio (hot when car is started or in acc position).

Randy C.

 

Yes, the orange clock feed is constant 12V. If it was switched, the clock would be just an hour meter for runtime...

Shoudl you want to use the clock again, the same lead can be used for both since the current draw is so low.

 

You can check this faster than the time it took you to sit down at your computer and post the question on here. With a voltmeter or test light and the ignition off and the key out, see if there's 12 volts on it.

As noted, the clock lead most certainly needs to be a constant 12 volts or the clock would run only when the ignition is on, and what good would that be?