wanted: radio for a 1970 (found one...!!!)

looking for a radio for my '70 convertible. also need the instrument bezel as a previous owner whacked it to fit an aftermarket p.o.s.

3/7/02 - found one (just the radio - no other assemblies), check is in the mail, radio should be in hand in a week or so. After watching prices on eBay and other places go through the roof in recent weeks figured I better get one while the getting was good. It is "right" for the '70 (green faced dial) and supposedly a stereo unit. Now just have to get "The Toy" home from winter storage and take a peek behind the dash to see if I need any of the other pieces. Thanks for the help gang (especially you Mark)...!!!

|UPDATED|3/7/02 10:37:12 PM|/UPDATED|

Are you looking for:

1) An original style radio for your '70? If so, which one did yours come with? RPO U69 was the std AM/FM radio, and RPO U79 was the AM/FM stereo radio. There are also some components behind the passenger side dash pad that are necessary for these radios. The Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) calls these components a "Convector Assembly" (used for both RPOs) and a "Adapter Assembly" (stereo only). If you want an original style radio you will need these as well.

2) An original looking modern type radio? You can get these from most of the catalog suppliers. These fit behind the center gauge bezel and look close to original. I think you can even use the original knobs.

Let us know specifically what you are looking for and we can probably give you some recommendations.

Mark,
Thanks for the quick reply. I'd like to find an original style radio. The "original looking" radios I've seen in various parts catalogs just don't look right to me. I don't know which radio was orignially in my car as I'm still working on piecing together its history. But seeing my car was an early build (January of '70) and doesn't have much for options, I'd guess it came with the standard AM/FM radio. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

Jim,
Have you ever taken the passenger side front dash pad off? You may be able to look and see if the adapter and convector assemblies are still back there. Most people that replace the original radios never go to the trouble to remove these other components. Do you have an Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) for your '70 model? You can use the AIM to see what these parts look like. I think I might be able to find a picture I saw recently on the internet. If so, I will post it here for you. There is also a guy on CorvetteForum that is selling a '72 radio. Don't remember the details right now.

Mark

Jim,
Here is the picture I mentioned. This Vette has both the adapter and the convector, which means it has AM/FM Stereo.

Hi Mark,
I haven't done anything in the interior yet. The first priorites (and cash allocations to date) have been addressing mechanical issues to keep her rolling. But this spring when "the toy" comes out of storage I'll be going through the interior (new carpeting and seat overhauls) so will have the opportunity then to poke around behind panels and under the dash. I do have an AIM so will take a look-see for the assemblies you've mentioned. I haven't checked the CorvetteForum recently so will have to venture out there this weekend. Thanks for the lead! And also for chasing down that photo.

Jim

2/12/02
Hey Mark,
I have a line on a radio from the CorvetteForum lead you gave me. Hopefully the other assemblies are still hanging behind my dash panels. If not, something else to look for!
Thanks again for the help.
Jim


4/3/2002
Due to a "Whoops!" on the '70 Corvette Registry site the image Mark referenced in his reply above was moved. Here it is again (Thanks Mark and Juliet!).



|UPDATED|4/3/02 12:52:25 PM|/UPDATED|

Jim,
Glad to help! Good luck. If you need those other parts let me know and I will be an extra set of eyes for you!

Mark

Go to www.originalcarradios.com He has an original am/fm refurbished. The picture of it looks good condition 90 day warranty $300 plus shipping. Wayne

Wayne,
Thanks for the lead. I've been watching eBay and have seen several radios out there as well. I've somewhat decided to wait on a purchase until I get my car home from its winter storage place to see just what, if anything, is behind the dash panels. Then I'll know more of what to look for (unless a REALLY good deal comes along in the meantime).

Jim

Glad I could help!! That is what this place is all about!!

Mark