C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

[Wayne S.]

Hello,
I have a 59 Vette with a Wonderbar radio. I was recently told that the knobs on the radio are incorrect.
Instead of having the knobs with the black plastic insert which would match my other knobs, mine don't have the insert. According to the judging manual, my 59 should have the knobs with the black plastic insert. I was wondering if someone could tell me what year knobs mine came from? Being the 3rd owner and knowing the full history from day one on this car, I find it hard to believe it didn't come from the factory with the knobs shown. It is a 59 radio with the flat pushbuttons. Thanks in advance. I've attached 3 pictures.
WayneIMG_6003.JPGIMG_6000.JPGIMG_6001.JPG

[Patrick S.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

Wayne,they look like 1959,1960 passenger car knobs.

[Wayne S.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

Thanks Pat,
I wonder if they could be original? I know the factory ran out of parts back then and used substitutes. We'll never know.
Wayne

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

Yes pass car knobs. 26 years ago when I bought my '59, it had the same ones as yours! I finally bought "somewhat-correct" repros about 10 years ago.

[Wayne S.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

Hi Rich,
Makes you wonder if the ones you took off weren't original doesn't it? Maybe they had to use passenger knobs that week. My assembly date was Jan 27th, 1959. Is that anywhere near yours?
Thanks
Wayne

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

Wishful thinking.... March 17th.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

My 59 interior has never been touched--original carpet, dash, everything. Car sat since mid-70's. 2 years ago everything was good and warm, nd after letting the radio get good and warm, I tried the signal seek function, and it still worked. I have every receipt on the car back to 62--nothing ever done on the radio. It has passenger car knobs just like yours. Built mid-March, Rich! (#664X)

[Wayne S.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

Rich,
I've had several people say the same thing. Wouldn't you think the judging manual would mention this and accept either one?
Thanks
Wayne

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Corvette Wonderbar Radio Knobs ID

Rich,
I've had several people say the same thing. Wouldn't you think the judging manual would mention this and accept either one?
Thanks
Wayne

I wouldn't expect it to.
1). JG spells out typical production.
2). I don't know that anyone has ever brought this to the attention of the team leader for possible inclusion.
3). I would be disappointed if, with the minuscule sample size we have, and some of that being hearsay, it was included in the manual. That's kinda like three guys who are talking and find out that they have no tops on their cars wondering why it's not in the JG. The JG needs to be based on solid evidence.
4). This is a situation where, if we find a number of unaltered cars, clumped in certain serial number ranges, we might bring to the team leader with a request for inclusion in the next JG revision.
regards,
Mike