WonderBar Radio

[Karl L.]

I had my Son look for some lost vette parts in the house attic over the weekend. He didn't find what I was looking for but he didn't come down empty handed.
Two used parking lites (53-57) and the WonderBar Radio (no extra components with it)

Now the question... It has an identification tag... # 93WXA-7479

Anyone have any reference numbers on WonderBar's?

The Chevrolet Parts Catalog lists under Grp 9.650, the GM parts numbers and the application, but the above
number is probably radio identification number from the Manufacter.

Any ideas??

Karl.

[Jack H.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Delco radios typically had a PN on them (e.g. 985003 for a '61 Corvette, 988468 for a '61 Corvair push button). That will isolate/focus the original application.

I'm not sure you'll find the cross-reference via a P&A Catalog (parts and accessories), because service really only cared about what would fit & function rather than what was factory original...

But, searching the various Delco Chevrolet Radio Shop Manuals should shed the information. Also, sometimes you won't find the PN on the outside of the radio chassis as it was on a stick-on label affixed to the inside of the upper chassis cover...

[Karl L.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Thanks for the info Jack.
I did see a reference in the 53-55 Corvette Parts Catalog under the
GM Group (Gr) 9.650 ...Had a NOTE: (see Chevrolet Radio
Parts Catalog (P&A 5B) for
radio and repair parts)
I don't have a catalog like that.

The sticker is under the bottom side cover. Thats where I got the number.
Also, what is the Red Button (or lever) under the WonderBar push part?

Karl.

[Jack H.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

If you get a P&A catalog that's old enough, you might find the radio parts listed in it. Over time, things were moved out of the P&A into separate catalogs to save space...

The tag & number you're showing is on the tuner section of the radio. It might relate to the tuner only.

The tag I'm talking about is typically found on the inside of either the top or bottom chassis cover. Bear in mind, they were affixed with glue and, in some cases, deteriorated and fell off LONG ago.

On the red button, read your copy of the car's owners manual... You'll find there's a signal strength adjustment for the seek function (how strong should a broadcast signal be for it to be a legitimate stopping point during sweeps?).

[Mark P.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

I think it is 58-60 Corvette radio which was also used in a passenger car.

Assuming the push buttons are original then I would rule out the early 1961 radio which had round indentations in the buttons but did have the transformer hanging off the left side.

I attached a photo of my the 58-60 radio.

[Karl L.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Jack,
Thank You again for the imput.
The top cover doesn't have a sticker inside or out, but as you said they fall off. The bottom cover is gone.
I don't have a radio manual and should get one for my "55". It has a WonderBar in it.

As I recollect, I bought this radio 20 yrs? ago........at a swap meet.
That's all I have of it.

I had a "58" Vette way back but can't remember anything about the radio.

Mark,
Thank You for your imput.
The front looks close to your "58" Radio.
I'm attaching a couple more pictures.
Your radio looks so much nicer.

I think some one repairs WonderBar Radios. Can't remember if I saw it in the DriveLine or not.
Maybe there will be more imput.

Karl.

[Mark P.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Here are 2 other pictures of the 58-60 radio. I think it is identical to your radio.

[Karl L.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Thanks Mark.
They do look close enough to be twins.
Mr Clean Twin and Mr Scrufty Twin.

It's Great to have Enthusiasts like you to help us.

Thanks again.
Karl.

[Karl L.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Also,
Thanks Jack.
Karl.

[Stewart A.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Karl, the mid to late 1960 Wonderbar I think had contoured buttons not straight across and the early 60's had the canisters on the back not the side. I think you have a 58- 59 radio. I will have a look at mine and see if the canister is at the rear or side mine is a very early 60 and correct for my year. Stewy

[Karl L.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Thanks Stewy.
I'll watch for your Post.
Karl.

[Mark P.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Stewart - the round indentation with side mounted transformers was on early 61 radios only.

Late 61 and all 1962 radios had round indentations with rear mounted transformers.

I have one of each types of these radios.

Mark

[Stewart A.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Mark your correct I was out by one year. Stewy

[Ashley S.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Karl,
I used Jerry Rudbeck for my wonderbar repair and was very pleased. You can contact him through this webpage.

http://www.electrodesign.us/

Ashley

Jack,
Thank You again for the imput.
The top cover doesn't have a sticker inside or out, but as you said they fall off. The bottom cover is gone.
I don't have a radio manual and should get one for my "55". It has a WonderBar in it.

As I recollect, I bought this radio 20 yrs? ago........at a swap meet.
That's all I have of it.

I had a "58" Vette way back but can't remember anything about the radio.

Mark,
Thank You for your imput.
The front looks close to your "58" Radio.
I'm attaching a couple more pictures.
Your radio looks so much nicer.

I think some one repairs WonderBar Radios. Can't remember if I saw it in the DriveLine or not.
Maybe there will be more imput.

Karl.

[Karl L.]

Re: WonderBar Radio

Ashley,
Thank You for the information.
Karl.