Has anyone recently purchased or knows where to purchase aftermarket radio that will fit a 63? I would like one that looks "old school", with modern features. I have e-mailed, surfed, spent 2+ hours looking/calling only to be told "no, that radio won't work for that year." 64-66 radios are very common. 63 is odd dimensions. Any help would be appreciated. I have tried custom autosounds, harmons, vintage vibes, chevy duty, #####, antique automobile radio, classic chevy audio, you get the picture. Thanks Dave W. 63 short wide
I also have a '63 Short-wide, and have faced the exact same problem with radios. I'm a little worse off, however, because one of the truck's previous owners hacked up the dash a little to fit a newer style "knob radio" in there. With the cover plate that comes with most aftermarket shaft radios, you can't tell it was cut, but I know it's there, and it's aggrivating. A friend of mine gave me two (functional?) original '65 radios, but they don't fit at all, even with the cutting. Since my dash is already hacked up, I'll probably end up finishing it off and putting a CD player in there. (I don't have the skill nor the desire to weld a patch panel in it's place, especially since this is a "custom" job for me, not a restoration.) I'll keep my eyes out for any more info for you, but 'till then I recommend hitting up eBay or any of the other online auctions, or try swap meets and see if you can find an original radio for your truck, or at least one that will fit. One other option (that I've debated on myself) is getting one of the "Radio Delete" panels to put in it's place, they can be found on eBay all the time, and mounting the stereo under the dash or in a custom box on the floor. I've seen that done before, and it looks quite nice.
Ebon, Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have a delete plate in right now. All the companies I talk to say they sell a "secret audio" for that year. They tell me the radio hole is not common. My 63 is mostly all stock so I wanted to go with something that would go with that theme. I may try your idea and put it where it is not noticable. I bought the truck in 94 and in 97 started a frame off. I ran into a lot of hurdles along the way, but FINALLY have it on the road. I did more to it in the last year than all the other years. Just a few more details (always looking for something more to add) and it will be done. I found some stainless deluxe front windshield trim on e-bay a couple weeks ago and will put it on in the next few weeks. Also found on e-bay was a instrument cluster with tach and gauges. It has the alum. side trim and grill and "custom" pieces behind the doors. I added power steering which I like alot. The rear bumper is stamped with the dealership and city. Jonesboroh, AR.. It has a 283 and the transmission is a 5 speed manual. The guy I bought it from put that in. Paint is Chevy "victory red". Bed has stainless strips with red oak boards I cut myself. Well, not to talk your ear off too much. I don't talk to other classic truck people too often so I find myself going on and on. If you want, you will have to tell me about your 63 some time. Talk later, Dave W.
You can make your own hidden radio by removing the glove compartment and replacing it with a piece of 1/4 plywood or sheet metal. Glove box door keeps it hidden.
Friend of mine had a '61 F-100 Custom Cab that had the stereo in the glovebox. Made it less likely to get stolen, but a bit more difficult to reach from the driver's seat. Still, I've thought about doing that myself... Anyway, nice to hear people getting their "beasts" on the road. Does my heart good to hear that folks are still driving these trucks, instead of just hiding them away in storage units where they just sit and collect dust. Keep up the good work!
I never thought about the glove box. Sounds interesting. Will try about anything at this point. Thanks for all the suggestions. Yes, good to know there are people out there dedicated to restoring these old trucks and saving them from the crushers. "Keep on restorin" Dave W.
Dave I have a 63 radio. It's condition is fair, the chrome face that sticks through the dash has several pits and part of one knob assembly is missing. If someone is making repro knobs it would look pretty good. The needle and face are pretty decent. Don't have much luck with web site pictures but can email the heck out of them now.
