Topic: Radio Repair
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
On the agenda for this winter's repairs is to remove the whole dash (again) and replace the tach (after doing the speedo last year). I already got a reconditioned clock to put in while I'm there.
As I thought about it, I decided it would be cool to have the original radio work (aside from the custom stereo I have hidden elsewhere).
I know there are a myriad of things that can be wrong with a stereo preventing it from working. Any ideas out there on what/how to check to see what's wrong, and from there, any ideas on specialists for repairing these old units? I know "working" ones on e-bay can easiliy go for over $3 or $400. I would hope repairing one would not be as costly.
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Try Retro Radio Restoration <www.retroradio.biz>. They're located in Elizabethtown, PA. I see them whenever I go to Carlisle.
Original units are two piece affairs and require convectors for speaker output.
6880Mike 2007-10-23 11:04:21
Single unit like this for monaural.
Double for stereo.
In a pinch, two of the singles can be ganged together for stereo operation.
It's common for these to be left up under the dash at the time of an aftermarket stereo installation. Your original might be up under there.
I have not used this guy but have heard good things from another who has.
good luck
Lifetime MemberLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
even though you have the custom stereo, there are places that take the
original radio and relace the insides with all up to date technology.
when you get the radio back the outside looks like the original. the
only difference is the sound that comes out of it. from what i have
seen usually runs about 3-400.00.
LIFETIME MEMBER #97
THE DYNAMIC DUO
THE DYNAMIC DUO
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Mike, all of the original components are still there. Last year, when I pulled the dash apart, I saw the "convector" behind the map pocket.
At the rate my life has been going, I'll be lucky to have enough time to put a cover on the car this winter.
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
I can't remember if the original speakers were rated at 4ohms or 8ohms. If they're still in the dash that's a good thing but they may need to be overhauled/replaced if the cone material is damaged.
If they have been replaced for use with your other noise-maker I don't think the old radio will work or sound very well using the newer speakers.
Good luck!
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
in Forum: C3 Interior
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