How to know if my car really is no radio?

[Alexander C.]

I was told by Coast Corvette that my '56 is most likely a no radio option car. It has a radio from a 1957 and he said the antenna was wrong. It does have a hole in the rear fender that the antenna is not going through at the moment.

As I am far from expert with this being my first Corvette, what little tell tale signs would there be that the radio was added later? Maybe the size/shape/location of the antenna hole? Maybe wiring under the dash? Antenna brackets in the rear trunk?

I know this will be difficult to do online but I'm hoping to resolve it because I would like to sell the radio.

Thanks!

Alex

[James G.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

I was told by Coast Corvette that my '56 is most likely a no radio option car. It has a radio from a 1957 and he said the antenna was wrong. It does have a hole in the rear fender that the antenna is not going through at the moment.

As I am far from expert with this being my first Corvette, what little tell tale signs would there be that the radio was added later? Maybe the size/shape/location of the antenna hole? Maybe wiring under the dash? Antenna brackets in the rear trunk?

I know this will be difficult to do online but I'm hoping to resolve it because I would like to sell the radio.

Thanks!

Alex

1956 WONERDBAR radio had a blank tuning bar. the word WONDERBAR is on the 1957 tuning bar. The radios were also made for passenger cars (and Cadiliac), but the receivers were different. Look under the dash. There should be a receiver (with tube and transformer etc.) behind the speaker with a connector going to the additional receiver behind the radio itself. Only Corvette had both receivers. Passenger cars had just the one receiver behind the radio.

I am interested in the radio if you want to sell it, depending on what it is, so send me a PM.

[Alexander C.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Ok. Like I said it is a 57 radio with the word wonderbar on it.

I'll get under there and look for the receivers. I will be selling it either way as I either need a '56 correct radio or just the cash lol.

Thanks!

Alex

[Roy B.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Look under the fender , if it dont show a hole repair where it should be then it's a non- radio.

[James G.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Ok. Like I said it is a 57 radio with the word wonderbar on it.

I'll get under there and look for the receivers. I will be selling it either way as I either need a '56 correct radio or just the cash lol.

Thanks!

Alex

Lot less money to change the station bar to plain vs. buying a new radio. Let me know please.

[James G.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Look under the fender , if it dont show a hole repair where it should be then it's a non- radio.

Left rear fender. In the trunk. Open and look close.

[Alexander C.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Look under the fender , if it dont show a hole repair where it should be then it's a non- radio.

Ok wait. So if it's a no radio, then it would have a factory hole repair there? That won't work for me since the hole is there and is open lol.

[Roy B.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Ok wait. So if it's a no radio, then it would have a factory hole repair there? That won't work for me since the hole is there and is open lol.

I was told by Coast Corvette that my '56 is most likely a no radio option car.
Why then if it has a hole in the fender? (in the correct location)

[Alexander C.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

I was told by Coast Corvette that my '56 is most likely a no radio option car.
Why then if it has a hole in the fender? (in the correct location)

Well I guess I don't know yet if it's the correct location. I'll have to check still.

Anyone can add one though right? Wouldn't that explain it? That's why I'm trying to find more clues...

[Steve H.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Alexander,

The only sure way I know (short of having the paperwork on the car) is the absence of a hole on the left rear fender just forward of the tail light assembly. All other radio related items can be removed or added without tale tale signs.

Steve

[Edward L.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

[quote=Alexander Claytor (51884);501052]I was told by Coast Corvette that my '56 is most likely a no radio option car. It has a radio from a 1957 and he said the antenna was wrong. It does have a hole in the rear fender that the antenna is not going through at the moment.

As I am far from expert with this being my first Corvette, what little tell tale signs would there be that the radio was added later? Maybe the size/shape/location of the antenna hole? Maybe wiring under the dash? Antenna brackets in the rear trunk?

I know this will be difficult to do online but I'm hoping to resolve it because I would like to sell the radio.

Thanks!
Alex[/quote

The attenna hole should be located 4 inches from its center to the chrome lip of the tail light housing.

You state that the antenna hole is not being used currently, where then is the antenna mounted? The original cable and taillight harness was installed before the left rear quarter panel was glued in place and ran through the rocker panel. If there is no evidence of a cable ever having been n the left upper part of the trunk, nor behind the front kick panel, it was probably a no radio car. No one would have attempted to run a cable through its original correct location whether the cable was being replaced or added. The job is a nightmare at best.

Ed

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Does the car have any of the radio or ignition shielding or brackets?
A radio delete car did not have these.

[Barry H.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Bruce & Alexander, 56 & 57 radio delete cars HAD all the ignition wire brackets. Just no shielding. Barry Holmes

[Alexander C.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

Does the car have any of the radio or ignition shielding or brackets?
A radio delete car did not have these.

No shielding.

[Alexander C.]

Re: How to know if my car really is no radio?

The attenna hole should be located 4 inches from its center to the chrome lip of the tail light housing.

You state that the antenna hole is not being used currently, where then is the antenna mounted? The original cable and taillight harness was installed before the left rear quarter panel was glued in place and ran through the rocker panel. If there is no evidence of a cable ever having been n the left upper part of the trunk, nor behind the front kick panel, it was probably a no radio car. No one would have attempted to run a cable through its original correct location whether the cable was being replaced or added. The job is a nightmare at best.

Ed

Perfect! Great info! I'll check to see how it's run.

Right now the antenna is laying in the trunk attached to the signal cable.