Factory Radio mount questions on a 66

[msg]

The radio I wanted to put what I thought was a stock radio for a 66 but its not lining up. I am trying to get it mounted for fitting and design a bracing strap to support it from behind, but when I try to mount it up the right side isnt flush enough to thread a nut on the front to fasten it. The left side looks flush, if I can find the nut to thread on it. There is one on there but I think its the nut holding the dial to the unit and shouldnt be loosened. I think its a 7/16-20 but I couldnt find one at the parts store thats thin like that.

Is there a way to get this radio mounted up?
What parts should I get to mount this right to the front dash?

[The Rocknrod]

Post 15 here has some great factory radio mount pictures: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=581939
Post 18 and 19 here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562859
Might give you an idea of what you need.

[msg]

Thanks Rocknrod, I have been referencing these in fact but I cant find radio specific to front mount to the dash. I may have a nova or corvair radio or something thats causing the issue on the front mount. That radio station dial doesnt fit flush to the front so far. Ill keep looking thx again.

[roll_the_dice]

Here is some more reading material...from board member rmacavoy. http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/radio.html

Looks like the shaft on your radio is too short and the half circle under the shaft may need to be trimmed with a dremel or something.to be able to mount it flush with the dash. But I honestly don't know since I haven't sourced a radio yet.

[roll_the_dice]

I also found this radio on ebay that has the correct part number for a truck radio 986330 and in this picture you can see the longer shaft on the right side.

[msg]

thanks RTD! Great to have more references.

[The Rocknrod]

Oh, ya I see what you mean.

[msg]

Looking at this other example from ebay it seems like I am missing a coupler of some kind that will thread onto the 7/16-20 and then I need an insert to add to the end of the longer coupler nut that will extend out so I can thread on the slim 7/16-20 nut to fasten it to the dash. Now I just need to find these parts.

[The Rocknrod]

The 66 radio shaft threaded part looks longer than yours (obviously), but do you think you have the correct radio?

[paulspickupparts]

I think you have the right radio but are just missing the big hex spacer.

[val1gonzales]

Were you able to find the hex spacer?

[msg]

Thanks for asking Val, I havent had time to update here but the thread pitch was actually a 7/16-27 which made it too difficult to find. I tried the local fastenal, stereo shops, napa, and all the home fixit places and nothing but a chance that an assortment of lamp nuts would work but the thread is npt and was not fine enough. So I didnt want to re thread it to a 20 but got impatient and did it anyway and then used a castle nut that I had which I ground down to be slim enough to clear the knob. Went like this.

[msg]

Once it was ground down it fastened really snug and the right side was pretty secure as well. I definately have the wrong radio although it looks like the same facing the knobs are meant for a different dash. The radio station knob recesses into the opening making it impossible to secure from the exterior but it does (with a little tape around the end of the knob) fit snugly in the opening.

So for the bracing on the radio, I couldnt get a clear path to the top with the new speaker I have up top and the ac vent box from nsb29 so I fabricated a 1/8" thick metal brace to fit under the right side and bolt to the hole that was there already under the dash. I took some plumbers strapping to form the shape I needed for the bracket and banged it out with the vise and a hammer.

[msg]

Drilled out a hole and mounted it up with a bolt I had in my hoarders box o parts that had the wide style head to help give it good coverage without using a washer as well. I gave the bracket some paint and installed it and it is very sturdy now, the ridge on the back of the radio helps to keep it aligned. The dash is finally coming together, now I need to get the steering column in and the American Auto Wire kit I have with the turn signal switch I also bought from them needs to be worked out. The steering indicator light addition is my task today. I'll tie into it from the heater control light since I have already got the instrument cluster installed, I dont want to remove that again.

[The Rocknrod]

That's a wonderful idea, great job on the dash.

[val1gonzales]

Nice, took you some work but that's what makes it custom!