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During NCRS judging of my 70 big block conv I learned that the radio installed is not correct. The station frequency dial is the wrong color and the knobs have the wrong insert. I was told they appear to be from a 72.It seems that changing knobs would be an easy task to correct, the dial would not. I am looking for a correct 70 radio to puchase or trade for a 72 ?? and ??. Anyone out their know more about how to identify the true 70 or 72 radio such as where date codes etc. might be.
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Re: 70 Radio
Erv----
The 68-71 Corvette radios used a very light green tint for the characters on the radio dial. This matched the coloring of the instrument letters and the coloring of the letters on the heater control lens. Most of these early radios had a paper sticker affixed to the radio case which included the part number. Of course, the sticker is easily removed or destroyed so all radios might now not have them. Here are the radio part numbers for 1968-76, which all used basically similar radios:
1968-71----mono= GM #7302721; stereo= GM #7303211
72---------mono= GM #7937571; stereo= GM #7937581
73---------mono= GM #7937571; stereo= GM #9341341
1974-76----mono= GM #9344651; stereo= GM #9344661
The 72-76 radios all have white characters on the lenses. However, there are some other relatively minor differences between the different part-numbered units. Primarily, this is just the length of the shafts, which vary slightly.
1968 radios used unique radio knobs and there were 2 slightly different designs used during the 1968 model year. I believe that the 1969-71 radio knob sets are essentially the same. 1972-76 used entirely different radio knobs.
The 1969-71 radio knobs are available in reproduction and I find them to be excellent. Also, the 68-71 and 72-76 radio lenses are available in reproduction for a very modest cost, so you don't necessarily need to replace your entire radio. The lenses will interchange. However, I believe that the 72 radio MIGHT also use slightly different length shafts than the earlier units.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Worth a shot....
Corvette Central specializes in straight axle and mid-year radio components (knobs, face plates, tuning dial glass). Perhaps a check of their catalog to see what's up in 'Shark land' could get you the 'conversion' parts you need without wholesale swap-out. Also, check the ads in Driveline for radio repair service(s). You just might find it's a less painful task than you think once you're connected to a place that stocks radios/parts....Comment
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Re: 70 Radio
Joe
Thanks for the great information. This was my first attemp at using the discussion board and I am amazed at the quick and responsive replies. I am going to look at the shaft lengths this weekend. I believe that they are longer on the radio I have than would be expected. I didn't connect this with the radio swap until reading your information.Comment
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Re: Worth a shot....
Jack
I will be checking both Driveline and vendors such as Corvette Central this weekend. Thanks for the info.Comment
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