Midyear Radio Visual Differences

[Michael Hampson]

Hi!

What are the differences, visually or functionally, between 63 to 67 radios? I would like to replace the aftermarket radio in my '64, and want to ensure that what I buy is right for the car. I would appreciate any descriptions of differences between the years, for my own education and so as not to be hoodwinked by any sellers.

Thanks again as always!

Michael Hampson

[Rich G.]

Re: Midyear Radio Visual Differences

I believe one difference is the color of the "AM/FM" indicator. They are red/green on early and both black on later. Not sure of the break, but I know 66 is black. The TM/JG should tell you, although I have not read the one for 64.

I don't think you can see the colors unless the power is on or the face plate is off. I know this because I have a 66 L79 and the radio the owner gave me with the car is not right because it has the red/green. I noticed it when I took the face plate off to replace the slider.

Otherwise, I think they look the same, but I'm not an expert.

Rich Giannotti

[Clem Z.]

you mean there are sellers of corvette parts that

may not be honest. i learn something new every day on this site.

[Mike Yager]

Re: Midyear Radio Visual Differences

Michael:

As Rich says the red/green indicator is the main difference but he is correct in that its difficult to see without the radio installed in the car. There also may be slight differences in the dial lettering between years but I am not sure you will notice it without a photo or another radio with you for comparison. If the knobs are with the radio, that may help since they are uniqur for '63 and '64. Of course they might not be the original knobs.

If you would like, I can take a couple of photos of the radio in my car and email them to you.

[Dino L.]

Re: Midyear Radio Visual Differences

I believe there are three different designs and labels for the transistor radio excluding the 63 wonderbar which was different all together. So you have 4 basic designs covering the years the main external differences are: where the trim potentiometer is mounted, the red/green am/fm indiactor, the civil defense system logo/frequency stuff, I also thought the pushbuttons were slightly different as well as the knobs...

[Wayne M.]

Re: Midyear Radio Visual Differences

You can't miss the '63 Wonderbar, with the tube coming out the driver side.

If the Delco paper sticker with part # and serial # is still on, this narrows it down. The '63 AM/FM is model 985686, the AM wonderbar is model 985396. Not sure of the model # in '64, but the serial # should be 21FJx-yyyy, where x = A, B or C and yyyy = from 0001 thru 9999 [A's are early cars, C's are late]. For '65 thru '67, the model # is 986281, and the serial #'s that I've seen range from 81FSA thru 81FSJ, each with the 0000 to 9999. (J is the latest I've seen on a '67) I think '65's are FSA thru early FSC, then these may carry over to '66 for the balance of the FSC's.

Then there's the date silkscreened on the output diode, visible on the back of the radio between the finned plates. Uncertain about '63 and '64, but the date was probable 3 digits with 3vv or 4vv; v being the week in the year. For '65 thru '67 they used the 2-digit year (ie. 81FSF-4725 with diode date 6638 [38th week of 1966] on an early '67 car)

[Michael Hampson]

Thanks you gentlemen ...

and Clem, I'm sure there are no dishonest sellers of Corvette parts, but rather, I'm just a hysterically paranoid buyer!!!

M

[Jack H.]

Diode??????

If you're talking about the DS-501 can that shows through the heat sink, that thar be a full fledged germainum transistor repleat with emitter, base AND collector, amigo!

[Kevin M.]

Want to see a picture of a 67?

http://www.villagephotos.com/viewpubimage.asp?id_=3149794

[Michael Hampson]

Thanks! *NM*