Radio question 1971 Corvette
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
68-76, all. There are minor differences for some model years, but all of these are the standard size and will fit the bezel. You also want to ensure you get the final audio output (convector).
Last edited by Easy Mike; Dec 14, 2014 at 10:28 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
FYI - there were AM/FM Mono and AM/FM Stereo versions back in the late 60's/early 70's. The early stereo units had the word "Stereo" in block letters on the upper right of the face plate. This script would light up when tuned to a stereo station. In 72 and later there was a small green/orange light in the same location that lit when tuned to a stereo station.
68-71
72-76
If interested, I have a 1974 dated unit that works fine. I removed it from my 1970 when I found a 1970 dated unit.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...fm-stereo.html
68-71
72-76
If interested, I have a 1974 dated unit that works fine. I removed it from my 1970 when I found a 1970 dated unit.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...fm-stereo.html
Last edited by Revi; Dec 14, 2014 at 01:25 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The '68-71 radios had light green dial numbering; later years had just white numbers. So, to make the radio faceplate look correct, only 68-71 radios would work for you.
But, the 68 stereo unit was quite bulky and is also quite rare and expensive to buy. It had a separate multiplexer box (for stereo units) that the later years had built into the radio head.
That leaves only the 69-71 radios as decent alternatives for you.
Another option is to include the '72-76 units in your search, but put a '71 stick-on dial cover with green letters over the original face....or install a green colored bulb in the unit to make the lit face appear more correct at night.
But, the 68 stereo unit was quite bulky and is also quite rare and expensive to buy. It had a separate multiplexer box (for stereo units) that the later years had built into the radio head.
That leaves only the 69-71 radios as decent alternatives for you.
Another option is to include the '72-76 units in your search, but put a '71 stick-on dial cover with green letters over the original face....or install a green colored bulb in the unit to make the lit face appear more correct at night.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
At some point 72-73(?) the de-multiplexor was relocated and contained in the radio head, but these still had a separate convector.
1970 AM/FM Stereo (three parts)
1974 (two parts)
Last edited by Revi; Dec 14, 2014 at 01:59 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
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From: Redondo Beach, California
I have the original three piece AM/FM Stereo from my 70 and the two piece AM/FM Stereo from a later year C3 that will fit the 70. I'd like to use the original radio, but it's three pieces. My under dash area is now crowded due to an Vintage Air conditioner. The two piece will be easier to fit in probably.
Next question....Who to restore these things? I've already searched and accessed some past threads. Any recent experience?
When I reinstalled all the front dash panel stuff in my 68, I didn't have the radio functionality restored. I didn't want to pay the $500 restoration charge for a radio that I couldn't hear over the 69 factory sidepipe mufflers..mistake. I think it really detracts from the interior if the radio doesn't work.
Next question....Who to restore these things? I've already searched and accessed some past threads. Any recent experience?
When I reinstalled all the front dash panel stuff in my 68, I didn't have the radio functionality restored. I didn't want to pay the $500 restoration charge for a radio that I couldn't hear over the 69 factory sidepipe mufflers..mistake. I think it really detracts from the interior if the radio doesn't work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,389
Likes: 83
From: Norfolk Virginia
Some years back I had some work done to a car stereo, it was done by the same guy who did all the work on CB/Ham radio equipment. You might want to check around your local area for a CB/Ham radio technician. Just my .02.