1971 Stereo Radio

[Frank B.]

I recently purchased a original Stereo Radio for my 1971 to replace the after market unit. I am somewhat confussed as to what I have and where the various components mount. First of all I have three pieces, the AM/FM Stereo Radio, the Convector assy, and the Receiver assy. My assembly manual is short on answers as to where the two latter componets mount. I assume the the convector mounts in the right hand coner of the Dash Rail as with a standard AM/FM receiver. The main issue is the receiver assy. mounting location. It seems to mount on the dash rail under the the upper dash pad support, which is located just to the right of the center console. Can anyone HELP. I was also wondering if the backing of original door panels were were plastic as the repros. are today. I was informed that originals used paper backing rather than plastic.

Thanks
Frank
frankblizz@aol.com

[Jack H.]

Re: 1971 Stereo Radio

Don't have my '71 AIM handy, but you have to read the U69 section of your AIM(standard AM/FM mono radio), then flip to the last sheets in the AIM's option section covering the optional AM/FM stereo radio (U79) to understand what goes where. Basically, you have a radio option (standard U69) and the item(s) that are DIFFERENT to achieve stereo reception are called out in the U79 section.

The 'convector' assy, if memory serves, doesn't EXIST with U79, stereo radios. The convector is essentiall a Delco Remy DS-501 germanium speaker drive transistor mounted on a heat sink. There was insufficient space to get it inside the radio chassis (as on conventional Chevy passenger cars), so Corvette moved it outside the radio chassis and did a 'daisey chain' cable connection to it (radio chassis to convector, convector to speakers). Exactly where the convector was located varied with the car's configuration. A/C equipped cars had even less behind dash space so different parts were used to service these cars....

Now, when stereo multiplex reception was added as a feature to the basic radio, there was a SEVERE space shortage inside the main chassis. So, the convector unit was discarded and a multiplexor unit went in its place. This 'box' did more than simply 'drive' the dash mounted speakers. It provided FM stereo de-mux electronics along with speaker drive electronics. As you review your copy of the AIM, look closely at the parts lists that call out major sub-assy items and you'll see the A/C vs. non-A/C differences delineated. Hopefully, you obtained a correct set of radio parts for your needs. MUCH of what's on eBay that's offered for sale as a 'Corvette radio' is only bits and pieces of the components needed to make a complete functional system....

On door panels, you are correct! Originals were molded cardboard with vinyl fabric and trim components glued/stapled on. They were identified and dated using rubber ink stamps. To protect the panels from weathering and subsequent separation of vinyl fabric from the cardboard backing, clear plastic weather barriers were affixed to the interior surface of the doors.

About the first time mechanics disassembled the doors to fix locks, windows, Etc., these weather barriers somehow got 'lost' and the door panels began to age pretty quickly. I know of NOBODY reproducing fully correct/original Shark era, cardboard backed door panels.... All, to my knowledge, use vacu-formed plastic because its inexpensive, durable and can't be seen once the door panel is installed....

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1971 Stereo Radio

Sounds like you may have the earlier style. The earlier ones for 68,69 units had the green "sterio" light and the radio was made in two boxes. The later style had a little dot lamp sterio indicator and was incorporated into one box.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1971 Stereo Radio

Thats the southern pronunciation of stereo.