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Topic: AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference?

in Forum: C3 Interior


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AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference? (1/7)
 4/1/09 1:09am
2nd2ja
Former Member

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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto


Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

Looking at the AM/FM radio in my 71. I see there was an option for stereo? I can switch over obviously to AM and FM, but what exactly is the stereo option- just for speakers or something?
Or did it have a different radio all together?
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AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference? (2/7)
 4/1/09 9:12am
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

It's a different radio altogether, though nearly identical in appearance.  The stereo has two channels as well as a light on the dial which illuminates when the radio is locked onto a stereo signal.  A standard AM/FM radio with two speakers isn't stereo...just the same thing coming out of each speaker, not something different as in stereo.  

The radios fit the same in the dash.  Any installation difference is in the second speaker.  A factory installed AM/FM stereo would add some value to the car as it was an extra cost upgrade.  How much extra value is debatable dependent on the rest of the car...condition, other equipment, etc.
AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference? (3/7)
 4/1/09 1:11pm
steves74Lifetime Member
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Klamath Falls, OR - USA

Vette(s):
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles, all original; paint, interior, engine, split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.


Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 1059

Rather than putting in the old original radio rebuilt or otherwise, you might consider this. RetroSoundUSA.com - NEW! 1968-76 Corvette Retrosound Model One Am/FM Radio w/ Bracket System & BLACK DASH BEZEL

In addition, there are other companies that make cheaper versions if the 300 price is too much.
Depends on what you want to do.


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Steve, Lifetime Member #129

74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split  bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference? (4/7)
 4/1/09 1:12pm
NorskyLifetime Member
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West Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7189

On the AM/FM Stereo radio I think there is also an additional converter box (can't remember the exact name) that is tucked up under the dash.  When I bought "The Toy" it had an aftermarket POS system that HAD to go (fortunately the bezel wasn't cut).  I bought a correct AM/FM Stereo unit on eBay but had a heck of a time locating the extra converter box (finally found one at a local Corvette boneyard).  There is a thread here somewhere that shows all the pieces.

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AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference? (5/7)
 4/1/09 1:57pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

the" converter box" is called the "multiplex assembly"
AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference? (6/7)
 4/2/09 10:14am
2nd2ja
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto


Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

I was just curious. All my Corvette books don't really go into too much detail (picture wise too.) I think I saw that skematic with the 2nd stereo piece tucked under the dash. But it never showed the actual radio face, so i didn't know the difference just looking at it.
 
My car has alot of options- I'm just trying to figure out even the little things such as the radio.
 
On a side note, I found and conversed (after a little research) with the 2nd owner last night. That was cool hearing stories directly from a past owner. I'm the 4th owner. I've known the 3rd owner for 25 years- he bought it when I was in junior high. I waited a long time for this car!Hopefully this guy i just talked to has the orginal owner's name so I can search again.
 
Is there a thread or spot here where you can ask for information and/or past owners? You never know if a previous owner could be near you- or even a member.
AM/FM Radio vs Stereo option difference? (7/7)
 4/2/09 1:31pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

I think on the factory stereo radios, the "left/right" knob, or the right hand side knob, moves. On the monorail radios, the knob doesn't move. It's the chrome knob behind the black tune knob. Also, if you look closely at a stereo radio, you can make out the small "stereo" light in the face, even if it is not hooked up. Of course, if it's connected, the light will at least flicker as you tune in on a station, even a weak one.Adams' Apple2009-04-02 10:34:57

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