Two RCA drive-in speakers and an Eprad junction box (holder)
DESCRIPTION: Here are two RCA drive-in theatre speakers and an Eprad speaker holder (junction box). They have the rare concessionaires switch position on the top of the speaker. The switch has been removed but can be replaced. These were used in the 1940's and 50's to summon a snack bar attendant to the car so a food order may be placed. Most drive-ins removed the switch when in-car service was abandoned decades ago. RCA invented the in-car speaker in the 1940's. This model was the first used in Australia at Hoyts Burwood in 1954, Australia's first, and other early drive-ins.
These speakers were installed at the Cloudland drive-in theatre in SA, I purchased them from the owner of the drive-in when it closed. It was a very early drive-in and was an RCA installation. RCA provided equipment and plans to Australians who wished to build a drive-in in the 1950's. A true piece of Australian cinema and theatre history that is vanishing fast.
CONDITION: The speakers and junction box are in used condition, and would require restoration to work perfectly, but they come complete. Remember they have hung in the weather for several decades. These ones do have some surface blemishes. The volume controls turn, but you may wish to replace the switches, volume controls and speakers inside to have them work perfectly. One speaker is missing part of the rear hook, I will include a complete spare back including hook with this auction.
RESTORATION: The juction box may have some rust to the terminals on the inside. Replacement speakers to install inside the shell can be obtained from Jaycar Electronics stores located Australia wide and their website for around $4.00 each. The existing units would be well worn. At drive-ins, we replaced them every few years to ensure the sound quality was maintained. Some screws may be stuck or missing too; please don't expect new or restored speakers!
The juction box can be mounted to a pole or post and the speakers hang from it. I have a pair of drive-in speakers in the backyard hanging from the junction box on a pole, they are wired up so I can have background music playing - just like before the show! or listen to football etc.
These classic speakers look fantastic hanging on your Dodge, Plymouth, De Soto, Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Lincoln, Ford Mustang, Austin, Morris, Hilman or other classic car. Hang them on the window and just wait for the comments!
Long gone are the days when you could grab a drive-in speaker at any auto swap meet at $20 each especially RCA. Remember these units had the very rare concessionairs switch and are as old as you'll find in Australia.
Please ask any questions you may have about these speakers and I'll be happy to answer them.
Postage within Australia will be $12.00, $14.00 for WA, $10.00 for Victoria and $8.00 for Melbourne. For other countries, please email me for a quote.
Paypal preferred for all buyers, but Australian buyers may send an Australia Post money order or use direct bank deposit.
Good luck with your bidding!