Lousy AM band reception

[Gfbourcier@aol.com]

Hello list,
I was able to drive the wife's V8 to work today (so I could install a new OXS 
sensor at lunch) and noticed horrible reception in the AM band.  The patient 
is a factory Bose system with a windshield mounted antenna.  Sounded like 
"white noise" that changed frequency with the engine RPM.  Aside from 
checking grounds, which I will do this weekend, are there any other obvious 
culprits I should look for?  Additionally, the speaker in the dash on the 
left side is not producing sound.  Are the two related?
Once again, thanks in advance,

Gil Bourcier
Columbia, MD USA
87 4kcsq - 86k mi.
90 V8Q - 128k mi.