57 wonderbar

[Paul Bowers]

does anyone know thr best why to proceed to try to get a wonderbar to fit in 57 slot. a firm in flordia makes 58 repo but not 57 is 57 exclusive. i know orginal would be very expensive so i would go repo or have a orginal converted
seems no one makes 57 or has one that can be converted thanks in advance
paul

[Robert Willis]

Re: 57 wonderbar

I used a 56 Chevy Passenger Car Wonderbar ( 55 works also but doesn't have the CD symbol on the face)and had it converted to AM/FM Stereo with RCA jacks on the rear for a CD or MP3 Player. Works great and I have old tunes on comand.

Bob

http://members.kos.net/willisb/

[Paul Bowers]

Re: 57 wonderbar

Bob
thanks, but does a vette 57 orginal have inprints on the radio that only 57 vette has or does a 55/56 chev. look (like) a 57 vett radio plus where would one get even a 55/56 chev to have converted
paul

[David B.]

Re: 57 wonderbar

Paul,

I had all the same questions you mentioned. I spoke with the folks who make the 58 repro in FL and in PA and they say they will not be doing 57 Corvette repro. The passenger car radio is different than the Corvette, but is a much less expensive approach, and it will fit in the space. You can pick them up on EBay for less than $50. The power supply is not correct for the Corvette. Its shape is different for one thing. But if you do what I did, the power supply doesn't matter anyway.

After a lot of thought, I decided to buy an original correct 56/57 Corvette Wonderbar radio, without the power supply, and have it converted internally to hidden AM/FM Stereo with hidden phono jacks. The radio wonderbar feature works great, reception is great, sound is clear, and I now have the ability to play a wireless library of music from an Ipod or Mpeg player thru the radio. Mike Frenchek, PA,(717-367-1428) did the conversion for me. When he does it, he refurbishes the mechanical portions as well. Also, polishes the exterior and makes the case look like new. The radio looks totally stock on its face. All the push buttons are programmable, as original. Mike has a booth at Carlisle always has a demo radio hooked up if you are going there. There is at least one other vendor who also does the conversions. I have no affiliation with Mike, other than I am a satisfied customer.

David

[Paul Bowers]

Re: 57 wonderbar

Davis
thanks
for reply, where were you able to buy a 56/57 (corvette) wonderbar,about how much does he charge to convert to am/fm? it sounds like you are happy with job, when you put radio in was the speaker over by pass. seat and does it come with the conversion
paul

[David B.]

Re: 57 wonderbar

Paul,

I got the '57 Corvette Wonderbar off EBay. Had to be patient to get a "reasonably" priced one. Even then, it was around $300, but was in nice appearing condition. Seems like the prices have started to come down a little if you wait for one. Especially if you don't care if it's working or not for conversion use.

For the conversion cost it would be best to get a current quote directly, but my base cost was around $400. That does not include a new speaker or any extra repairs the radio may need. Mine needed a new volume switch for example. His web site is: http://www.retroradio.biz The finished radio comes with a booklet that describes the new functions, etc. Wait time was about 14 weeks for mine.

I put a new speaker into the stock location (passenger side). I opted for an Alpine 17R-SP (available from Best Buy). It is 6.5 inches diameter, which fits nicely into the stock location. Unfortunately, Best Buy only sells them in pairs.

There was another vendor I also considered, cannot remember the name, but they both seemed good and about the same price and used similar conversion boards.

Dave B.

[Paul Bowers]

Re: 57 wonderbar

Dave
? do you know how a 56 chevy wonderbar differs in looks from vette wonderbar
and ? what does 57 vette look like on ourside so i will be able to identify one in a picture thanks
paul

[David B.]

Re: 57 wonderbar

Paul,

The Corvette radio has Model Number 3725156 on it. The '57 passenger radio is very similar in appearance, but has a different Model number. The Corvette radio has a different length of stems/shoulders on the controls I believe (someone more knowledgeable may correct me, but I have been told that). The 57 Chevy passenger radio also has black pushbuttons, whereas the 57 Corvette radio has chrome. The control knobs are also differently shaped, but new repro Corvette knobs and bezels can be ordered for the radio (the 57 Corvette sensitivity knob is not being repro'd though). The face plate shape is a little different also, but it will fit in the dash opening.

I am sure there are others more knowledgeable than I am about the passenger car radios (55-57). They may offer some advice here on which year might make the best choice as an alternate radio to use if you do not use a 3725156 Corvette Model.

I have some original documents ("Sams-Photofact Folder")on the 3725156 that I can scan and email if you wish. It can help you positively identify the correct radio. If you want it, my email address is: banwarth@erols.com

Dave

[Roy B.]

Re: 57 wonderbar

If I remember with a Corvette Radio you have two male prongs L/S (driver) which the Corvette harness plugs in to, Car has two wires coming out of the radio L/S for power supple connection ??

[Paul Bowers]

Re: 57 wonderbar

thanks roy