faking an original radio

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by calebroberts, Dec 25, 2006.

  1. calebroberts

    calebroberts Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2006
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    Location:
    Lyons
    Hey friends,

    I would like to have an original radio in my truck but I'm not sure I can swallow spending the money on one. It seems I could get a completely restored one for nearly $700 or one that doesn't work at all for $200+. I have the know-how to restore one myself and plenty of period electronics spares too.

    I've seen numerous similar Delco radios from the era from Buicks and Pontiacs that look very similar except the cosmetic parts. Since these parts are readily available for about $80 and would be needed for restoring an original Chevy truck radio anyway, I wonder if they could be used to "convert" a Buick or Pontiac radio. Does anyone have enough knowledge about the various radios of the era to know if there is one from a car that is the same or nearly the same as the Chevy truck radio? It looks like some of the car radios can be had for a very low price comparted to an original truck radio.

    thanks,
    Caleb
     
    calebroberts, Dec 25, 2006
    #1
  2. Kens 50 PU

    Kens 50 PU Member

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    Jun 8, 2006
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    3,403
    Location:
    tomball, tx
    Hey Caleb, Merry Christmas! You might want to look at the Sovebolt page. They have a separate forum just about radio and radio related things. It might give you same ideas. www.stovebolt.com
     
    Kens 50 PU, Dec 25, 2006
    #2
  3. J__P__

    J__P__ Member

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    J__P__, Dec 26, 2006
    #3
  4. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    AMERICA !
    I have an original AD radio in a box in my kitchen as the windshiled leaks .

    I'll have it restored and install one of these days , meanwhilst I play my Blues etc. on a BlauPunkt in the glovebox...
     
    vwnate1, Dec 26, 2006
    #4
  5. Ryan Greenwalt

    Ryan Greenwalt Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2006
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    Location:
    OC, Ca
    Hey Caleb,
    I have tried to use a period correct radio from a Buick with the same intentions as you were thinking of. Chage the face parts over and the lens. They do have the same dimensions almost. The only difference is that the Buick and Pontiac radios have a flat face. The Chevy radios on the body of the radio have a slant to them to compensate for the curving dash. If you try to put in a Buick radio, the dial housing will stick out kinda funny. But you can fabricate it to fit. I just sold one of these radios. They are all over Ebay. ~Ryan
     
    Ryan Greenwalt, Dec 27, 2006
    #5

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