I have a 55 Ford Fairlane fordor 272V8 Fordamatic 6volt positive ground with a weird elecrtricial problem, when I purchased the car I thought the radio didn't work, one night I took it out and the radio played but it will only play when the park lights are on and the instrument panel lights are adjusted to their brightest, today I traced some wiring and the radio is powered directly to the ignition switch and a heater wire is supposed to be attached to the same terminal on the switch but mine is spliced into the radio wire so that isn't an issue.

The radio has to be connected to the wiring in the park lights some where, anyone have any ideas as to where to start? 

Claim to fame is the car was used as an extra in the movie Diner with Micky Rourke, Steve Gootenburg, Paul Riser and Kevin Bacon.

Sounds like the leads to the radio are switched.  Does the radio light come on when you turn the key on?

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I believe the Radio has to be switched (along with the key) on also for the light to come on, but I agree that maybe to wires have been switched.

BOB

Crossed wiring had actually crossed my mind but forgot to pursue it until you posted , I'll try to switch the wires and see what happens.

Thanks

Claim to fame is the car was used as an extra in the movie Diner with Micky Rourke, Steve Gootenburg, Paul Riser and Kevin Bacon.

Nope not crossed wires, actually can turn radio on when lights are on so looks like I have some major wire tracing to do.

Claim to fame is the car was used as an extra in the movie Diner with Micky Rourke, Steve Gootenburg, Paul Riser and Kevin Bacon.