Replacement/Replica 1974 Radio
04-26-2014, 08:44 AM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Replacement/Replica 1974 Radio
Hi All,
I want to replace the aftermarket radio in my 74 coupe with a replica of the original radio. Any recommendations or suggestions pls ?
I want it to fit the original bezel which is still in the car.
Cheers
Greg
I want to replace the aftermarket radio in my 74 coupe with a replica of the original radio. Any recommendations or suggestions pls ?
I want it to fit the original bezel which is still in the car.
Cheers
Greg
04-26-2014, 09:53 AM
#2
I went with USA Sound. Old looks with new technology.
*On a sidenote, our factory radio had a rather odd output requiring the use of 10 ohm speakers. Odds are pretty good any radio designed for our Vettes that is aftermarket in nature will require 4 ohm speakers. Case in point is the speakers should be swapped out as well. Good luck!
*On a sidenote, our factory radio had a rather odd output requiring the use of 10 ohm speakers. Odds are pretty good any radio designed for our Vettes that is aftermarket in nature will require 4 ohm speakers. Case in point is the speakers should be swapped out as well. Good luck!
04-26-2014, 11:15 AM
#3
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2000
Location: Southbound
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Cruise-In II Veteran
Shop for an actual factory unit. Mono or stereo, your choice. I am not aware of anyone making an actual reproduction.
04-26-2014, 02:37 PM
#4
Former Vendor
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I handle two different radios... (both are 15 off till Sunday night too)
This one is a nice looking radio and seems to do okay... I don't get any complaints on it except that it is imported.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27106
Radio, AM/FM/iPod Stereo, Close Reproduction, Imported. 349.00
68-76. Corvette AM/FM/iPod Stereo. Looks Like Original Installed Smaller Body For Easy Installation Separate Bass & Treble Includes Remote Control Inlcudes CR202 S Battery For remote ***** Not Included 4 Channel (45 Watts Per Channel) Requires 4 Ohm Speakers Electronic Volume & Tuning Controls Balance & Fader Controls 30 Presets -12 AM & 18 FM No Modifications To Dash Required Imported
This one I love.... and it is the best selling reproduction style radio we have at the moment. Enough so that I also carry the cable to hook up to your cell phone.
The only hang up I see (and to me its not that important) is the needle movement is all digital so it tends to be a little jumpy. But I usually plug up my phone to it and roll on..
I have this style radio in two of my personal cars. One is my 62 the other is my 72.
Radio, AM/FM/iPod Stereo, Reproduction, 72-76 Original Appearance. 595.00
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27107
1972-76 Corvette AM/FM Stereo Radio Specifications
Fits in dash without any modifications
Quality chrome plated faceplate and ***** exactly match the original
4 x 45 watts RMS output allows up to 180 watts of audio power
AM or FM “roll over” dial looks and works like the original
AM or FM band selected with slide bar like the original
10 presets (5 AM, 5 FM)
Digitally tuned AM/FM stereo front end provides stable, high quality reception
RCA jacks provided for MP3, CD player or satellite radio
Analog controls look and feel like the original radio
All controls easily accessible. Volume, Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader and Tuning from original-looking controls
Convector and/or Multiplexer not needed
7/16” shafts on controls for mounting (same size and thread as original shafts)
Memory retention for user settings more than 40 years
LED dial lights never need replacing
European channel spacing available
This product has a Six Week Lead Time before delivered.
This sound bar works great with it too! I have some experience with it as well. You can put it in a coupe or convertible, and either mount it permanently or it has friction adjustment arms to hold it in place. The center pad comes Black with a generic cross flag emblem on it.. and in this case we removed the painted on emblem and dyed it to match the interior.
Sound Bar:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=2861
Cable for phone if need:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=28009
This one is a nice looking radio and seems to do okay... I don't get any complaints on it except that it is imported.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27106
Radio, AM/FM/iPod Stereo, Close Reproduction, Imported. 349.00
68-76. Corvette AM/FM/iPod Stereo. Looks Like Original Installed Smaller Body For Easy Installation Separate Bass & Treble Includes Remote Control Inlcudes CR202 S Battery For remote ***** Not Included 4 Channel (45 Watts Per Channel) Requires 4 Ohm Speakers Electronic Volume & Tuning Controls Balance & Fader Controls 30 Presets -12 AM & 18 FM No Modifications To Dash Required Imported
This one I love.... and it is the best selling reproduction style radio we have at the moment. Enough so that I also carry the cable to hook up to your cell phone.
The only hang up I see (and to me its not that important) is the needle movement is all digital so it tends to be a little jumpy. But I usually plug up my phone to it and roll on..
I have this style radio in two of my personal cars. One is my 62 the other is my 72. Radio, AM/FM/iPod Stereo, Reproduction, 72-76 Original Appearance. 595.00
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27107
1972-76 Corvette AM/FM Stereo Radio Specifications
Fits in dash without any modifications
Quality chrome plated faceplate and ***** exactly match the original
4 x 45 watts RMS output allows up to 180 watts of audio power
AM or FM “roll over” dial looks and works like the original
AM or FM band selected with slide bar like the original
10 presets (5 AM, 5 FM)
Digitally tuned AM/FM stereo front end provides stable, high quality reception
RCA jacks provided for MP3, CD player or satellite radio
Analog controls look and feel like the original radio
All controls easily accessible. Volume, Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader and Tuning from original-looking controls
Convector and/or Multiplexer not needed
7/16” shafts on controls for mounting (same size and thread as original shafts)
Memory retention for user settings more than 40 years
LED dial lights never need replacing
European channel spacing available
This product has a Six Week Lead Time before delivered.
This sound bar works great with it too! I have some experience with it as well. You can put it in a coupe or convertible, and either mount it permanently or it has friction adjustment arms to hold it in place. The center pad comes Black with a generic cross flag emblem on it.. and in this case we removed the painted on emblem and dyed it to match the interior.
Sound Bar:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=2861
Cable for phone if need:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=28009
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; 04-26-2014 at 02:46 PM.
04-26-2014, 07:05 PM
#5
Drifting
Nice radios!
Ernie,
Your ad states "European channel spacing available". In Victoria, Australia, the AM channel spacings are in multiples of 9, i.e. you can get channels 693, 774, 1026, 1278, etc. all of which are divisible by 9. The US channels on my Corvettes are in multiples of 10, i.e. if I want 693, I can only get 690 or 700, if I want 1278, the nearest I can get is 1280, so the reception is never "on pitch". It always sounds a bit off.
Is this what you mean by "European?"
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Your ad states "European channel spacing available". In Victoria, Australia, the AM channel spacings are in multiples of 9, i.e. you can get channels 693, 774, 1026, 1278, etc. all of which are divisible by 9. The US channels on my Corvettes are in multiples of 10, i.e. if I want 693, I can only get 690 or 700, if I want 1278, the nearest I can get is 1280, so the reception is never "on pitch". It always sounds a bit off.
Is this what you mean by "European?"
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
04-26-2014, 10:19 PM
#6
Advanced
Thread Starter
Many thanks for the advice. I will follow this option up.
I went with USA Sound. Old looks with new technology.
*On a sidenote, our factory radio had a rather odd output requiring the use of 10 ohm speakers. Odds are pretty good any radio designed for our Vettes that is aftermarket in nature will require 4 ohm speakers. Case in point is the speakers should be swapped out as well. Good luck!
*On a sidenote, our factory radio had a rather odd output requiring the use of 10 ohm speakers. Odds are pretty good any radio designed for our Vettes that is aftermarket in nature will require 4 ohm speakers. Case in point is the speakers should be swapped out as well. Good luck!
04-26-2014, 10:25 PM
#7
Advanced
Thread Starter
Thanks John and Ernie/Wilcox.
Is this just on the pre-set channel selector John or even when you manually dial the Tuning **** ?
Have you come up with other options John ?
Will await Wilcox's reply to your post John.
Cheers
Greg
Is this just on the pre-set channel selector John or even when you manually dial the Tuning **** ?
Have you come up with other options John ?
Will await Wilcox's reply to your post John.
Cheers
Greg
Ernie,
Your ad states "European channel spacing available". In Victoria, Australia, the AM channel spacings are in multiples of 9, i.e. you can get channels 693, 774, 1026, 1278, etc. all of which are divisible by 9. The US channels on my Corvettes are in multiples of 10, i.e. if I want 693, I can only get 690 or 700, if I want 1278, the nearest I can get is 1280, so the reception is never "on pitch". It always sounds a bit off.
Is this what you mean by "European?"
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Your ad states "European channel spacing available". In Victoria, Australia, the AM channel spacings are in multiples of 9, i.e. you can get channels 693, 774, 1026, 1278, etc. all of which are divisible by 9. The US channels on my Corvettes are in multiples of 10, i.e. if I want 693, I can only get 690 or 700, if I want 1278, the nearest I can get is 1280, so the reception is never "on pitch". It always sounds a bit off.
Is this what you mean by "European?"
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
04-26-2014, 10:28 PM
#8
Advanced
Thread Starter
I can't find any website or similar for USA Sound.
Can you point me to a website pls ?
Cheers
Greg
Can you point me to a website pls ?
Cheers
Greg
I went with USA Sound. Old looks with new technology.
*On a sidenote, our factory radio had a rather odd output requiring the use of 10 ohm speakers. Odds are pretty good any radio designed for our Vettes that is aftermarket in nature will require 4 ohm speakers. Case in point is the speakers should be swapped out as well. Good luck!
*On a sidenote, our factory radio had a rather odd output requiring the use of 10 ohm speakers. Odds are pretty good any radio designed for our Vettes that is aftermarket in nature will require 4 ohm speakers. Case in point is the speakers should be swapped out as well. Good luck!
04-27-2014, 12:35 AM
#9
Former Vendor
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
Posts: 76,656
Received 1,813 Likes
on
1,458 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Ernie,
Your ad states "European channel spacing available". In Victoria, Australia, the AM channel spacings are in multiples of 9, i.e. you can get channels 693, 774, 1026, 1278, etc. all of which are divisible by 9. The US channels on my Corvettes are in multiples of 10, i.e. if I want 693, I can only get 690 or 700, if I want 1278, the nearest I can get is 1280, so the reception is never "on pitch". It always sounds a bit off.
Is this what you mean by "European?"
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Your ad states "European channel spacing available". In Victoria, Australia, the AM channel spacings are in multiples of 9, i.e. you can get channels 693, 774, 1026, 1278, etc. all of which are divisible by 9. The US channels on my Corvettes are in multiples of 10, i.e. if I want 693, I can only get 690 or 700, if I want 1278, the nearest I can get is 1280, so the reception is never "on pitch". It always sounds a bit off.
Is this what you mean by "European?"
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
I have no idea
I'll give them a ring on Monday to clarify this for both of us. 
04-27-2014, 02:30 AM
#10
Drifting
Thanks for the replies
Ernie and KiwiGreg,
If the wireless is old enough, you can manually tune it to any frequency, but the radios in my Vettes have a digital tuning system that only works in multiples of ten, so I cannot get AM 774, only 770 or 780, neither of which produce a clear sound. I fitted one with a locally available radio which has the frequencies in multiples of 9 and can get it on 761, 774 or 783 for example and have good sound. The only thing is that the radio looks like a cheap aftermarket one as it is too modern for the '74's dashboard and does nothing for the appearance of the car's interior.
I remember many years ago, maybe 40 or so, 774 used to be 770, but the Federal Government made a decision to change all of the radio stations' frequencies to be on bandwidths that were separated by 9 megawhatsits and virtually all radio stations had to change their call signs because of it. The US AM frequencies are separated by 10 megawhatsits and therefore, US digital radios cannot be made to tune in exactly to Australian radio stations.
I cannot comment on FM radio, as I rarely listen to it. I have yet to discover an FM station that plays only Golden Oldies. I am referring to Elvis, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Neil Diamond, etc.
I look forward to seeing what Ernie comes up with next week.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
If the wireless is old enough, you can manually tune it to any frequency, but the radios in my Vettes have a digital tuning system that only works in multiples of ten, so I cannot get AM 774, only 770 or 780, neither of which produce a clear sound. I fitted one with a locally available radio which has the frequencies in multiples of 9 and can get it on 761, 774 or 783 for example and have good sound. The only thing is that the radio looks like a cheap aftermarket one as it is too modern for the '74's dashboard and does nothing for the appearance of the car's interior.
I remember many years ago, maybe 40 or so, 774 used to be 770, but the Federal Government made a decision to change all of the radio stations' frequencies to be on bandwidths that were separated by 9 megawhatsits and virtually all radio stations had to change their call signs because of it. The US AM frequencies are separated by 10 megawhatsits and therefore, US digital radios cannot be made to tune in exactly to Australian radio stations.
I cannot comment on FM radio, as I rarely listen to it. I have yet to discover an FM station that plays only Golden Oldies. I am referring to Elvis, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Neil Diamond, etc.
I look forward to seeing what Ernie comes up with next week.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
04-27-2014, 06:20 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
i wrote this for another reply regarding radios a while ago,
i have that radio (595$), bought it thru willcox, got it on one of their 4th july sales couple years ago.
nothing but trouble with it,
was broken in the box when it arrived, NOT willcox's fault, was in a seperate AAR box inside the the main package.
the shafts were loose, no red dial needle and something rattling around in side...
sent back to AAR from Australia, almost 100$ postage later, waited another 5 weeks to replace.
worked fine for a while, 2-3 months of weekend use.
now the external input dosent respond like it should, and when it does it's so quiet that it's almost impossible to hear.
karnt turn it up more than 2/3 due to distortion.
have contacted AAR again and they gave me the details of a local in Qld (still the other side of the country to me) bloke to look at it.
havent heard from him with the email i sent over 7 months ago.
not going to sent it back again.
but they do have a new output board with rca outputs that mine dosent.
i have bought a "iSimple" antenna inline box for now for my phone to plug into.
just my 2cents worth..
john, havent tried the AM radio side, as i dont listen to talk back shows
racing or religious programs are about all that plays here in adelaide,
i have that radio (595$), bought it thru willcox, got it on one of their 4th july sales couple years ago.
nothing but trouble with it,
was broken in the box when it arrived, NOT willcox's fault, was in a seperate AAR box inside the the main package.
the shafts were loose, no red dial needle and something rattling around in side...
sent back to AAR from Australia, almost 100$ postage later, waited another 5 weeks to replace.
worked fine for a while, 2-3 months of weekend use.
now the external input dosent respond like it should, and when it does it's so quiet that it's almost impossible to hear.
karnt turn it up more than 2/3 due to distortion.
have contacted AAR again and they gave me the details of a local in Qld (still the other side of the country to me) bloke to look at it.
havent heard from him with the email i sent over 7 months ago.
not going to sent it back again.
but they do have a new output board with rca outputs that mine dosent.
i have bought a "iSimple" antenna inline box for now for my phone to plug into.
just my 2cents worth..
john, havent tried the AM radio side, as i dont listen to talk back shows
racing or religious programs are about all that plays here in adelaide,
04-27-2014, 06:52 AM
#12
Melting Slicks
I have had both of these radios.
Currently I have the AAR one as it is just closer to original.
You change the radio stepping on the back of the unit
Unfortunately Australia has a mix of US and European stepping.
So in European mode you get
- a step of 9 for local am that works fine
- a step of 5 for FM which is half the step we use.
So you can be half a channel off in FM but can also get it on exactly, problem is there is no digital readout to know when it is exactly on the Fm channel.
In US Mode
- your AM channels with always be a bit off but still seem to work ok but not perfect.
- FM is easier to get spot on as it steps correctly
I have the latest AAR version and its inbuilt amp is fairly powerful and clear.
Hope that helps.
Currently I have the AAR one as it is just closer to original.
You change the radio stepping on the back of the unit
Unfortunately Australia has a mix of US and European stepping.
So in European mode you get
- a step of 9 for local am that works fine
- a step of 5 for FM which is half the step we use.
So you can be half a channel off in FM but can also get it on exactly, problem is there is no digital readout to know when it is exactly on the Fm channel.
In US Mode
- your AM channels with always be a bit off but still seem to work ok but not perfect.
- FM is easier to get spot on as it steps correctly
I have the latest AAR version and its inbuilt amp is fairly powerful and clear.
Hope that helps.
04-27-2014, 11:15 PM
#13
Drifting
riverracer and craigH,
Thanks for the input, the more info we can send stateside, the better our chances of getting good radios that will work Down Under. Personally, I like a bit of talkback, on 693 and 774, but I like the music they play on 1278 and 1377. They play songs with which I grew up and none of the "pop" music of the eighties and nineties. There's no FM station of which I'm aware that plays this music ALL of the time.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Thanks for the input, the more info we can send stateside, the better our chances of getting good radios that will work Down Under. Personally, I like a bit of talkback, on 693 and 774, but I like the music they play on 1278 and 1377. They play songs with which I grew up and none of the "pop" music of the eighties and nineties. There's no FM station of which I'm aware that plays this music ALL of the time.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn