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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 08:15 PM
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Default 71 radio?

A friend of mine is putting back together a 71 and it has an aftermarket radio currently installed. He is wanting to know which year radios will fit into his instrument cluster? It doesnt neccesary have to be a year dated radio just a factory bolt into the car delco.
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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 08:18 PM
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I think it's 68-79 radios will fit, ***** and some cosmetics changed from year to year and the part# on the sticker on the side of radio aswell
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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 10:00 PM
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I believe it is '68-76. There are some differences.
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 01:00 AM
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Originally Posted by markdtn
I believe it is '68-76. There are some differences.


I'm pretty sure 68-'76 is what you are looking for. '77 is when the gauge cluster bezel changed.
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 08:10 AM
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68-76 is a direct fit for the 71 bezel without cutting. Your friend will also need the output capacitor. 1 for mono and 2 for stereo.

Stereo

Mono
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 08:22 AM
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So the 68-76 all used the output capacitor? Thanks for the info.
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by wnmech
So the 68-76 all used the output capacitor? Thanks for the info.
Yes. AIM shows the installation. It's possible the old original is still up under the dash.

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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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The finned aluminum unit is called a "convector", rather than a capacitor. I assume that was because the aluminum piece was used to convect heat away from the power transistors. The convectors did change over the years; but if the head unit and convector are properly matched (1 transistor for mono unit; 2 transistors for stereo unit), I believe that they will all function OK. The '68 and '69 radios are the most expensive; the later year radios will be the least expensive...but still pretty high for a low-power, poor quality unit.
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 04:31 PM
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Hi 7T1,
You said " low power, poor quality".
This is EXACTLY why I love my 71... I'm able to pay MORE for LESS, for almost every part of it.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 10:46 AM
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Alan, that wasn't a 'criticism'...it was just statement of fact. I had an aftermarket unit in my car when I bought it. I pulled it out and spent big $$$ replacing it with an 'original' stereo unit (plus added kickpanel speakers) -- without ever turning on the other unit! I wouldn't have it any other way but with an original Delco head. When you've lived through those years, hearing an 'old' FM-stereo head unit takes you back.... The sound quality isn't what the new ones provide, but it's "real".
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 11:51 AM
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I seem to remember that the earlier radios were more expensive since they had the green colored numbers and letters in the dial face. I believe in the 72-76 the color was changed to white. The radio face plate matched the guages face plate colors.
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 11:57 AM
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The value in the early units is mostly due to lack of availability...especially on FM/stereo units. Fewer numbers = more $$$$.
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 06:23 PM
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Hi 7T1,
I was just making a joke.
So many things on these old cars, we love so much, aren't very good at all compared to what is availible now for less money. That's what I meant.... I pay more for some part and am glad to have it because it's old and hard to find.
How are your engine and compartment projects coming along? Time for an up-date?
Regards,
Alan
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