Radio Delete Question

[red71c10]

If the SPID doesn't list a radio, does that mean the truck came without one when new? My '71 is a base Custom model without much candy. There is what looks like a factory speaker in the dash and an antenna on the fender. There's an aftermarket cheap stereo in the dash now. They didn't have to cut the dash so I'm putting in a factory AM radio that I scored from the local wrecking yard. I was able to get the radio, a better speaker and all the brackets for $20! It even has the plain standard knobs to match my headlight & wiper knobs. I'm definitely going with a radio, I'd just like to know if my truck originally came without one.

[CG]

My 71 spid says U63-AM Push button radio

My 67 has the no antenna cowl and it doesnt list a radio on the spid ... there was an after market one in it when I purchased it.

[Longhorn Man]

nothing on the spid, means nothing in the dash back in the day.
Sometimes though, the dealer would install one. Not stock, not correct in a restoration, but would answer why you have stock lookin stuff where there isn't supposed to be anythig.

[STOCKISH]

Should have an antenna on the cowl instead of the fender. If the cowl doesnt have the place for an antenna, I would say the truck was radio delete. Especially if nothing is listed on the spid as well.

[Elephanthead]

My 67 has nothing but a cover over the radio spot. I don't even have a rear view mirror.

[mr48chev]

A lot of the Base model trucks were shipped without radios to keep the sticker price down before about 1973.

That way they could be advertised for a few bucks less and then the buyer could opt for a dealer installed radio if he wanted one.
Dealer adds with "NEW" pickups for 1999.99 or a similar price were common then. In places like Arizona and Hawaii they didn't come with heaters to keep the cost down.

[ChevLoRay]

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Should have an antenna on the cowl instead of the fender. If the cowl doesnt have the place for an antenna, I would say the truck was radio delete. Especially if nothing is listed on the spid as well.

My truck had a radio and the antenna was mounted to the cowl, not the fender.

[STOCKISH]

I know, I was saying that the antenna on the fender is not original.

[ChevLoRay]

My bad....I mis-read your statement. But, I wasn't intending to dis anyone. There have to be a butt-load of variables in the placement of different components, based on whoever was doing the install at whichever dealer sold the vehicle when it was new...or what day of the week it was (Monday or Friday), or how late he stayed out the night (morning) before going to work. Geeeze, kinda like now.

[red71c10]

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Should have an antenna on the cowl instead of the fender. If the cowl doesnt have the place for an antenna, I would say the truck was radio delete. Especially if nothing is listed on the spid as well.

Sorry, that's what I meant. It's on the cowl, not the fender.

Thanks

[speed-racer]

my 68 does not list a radio and did not have one. I still have the delete plate in the glove box. The only options listed are a pin stripe, wood floor and heavy duty rear springs. I also do not have a rear view mirror or arm rests.

[red71c10]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

A lot of the Base model trucks were shipped without radios to keep the sticker price down before about 1973.

That way they could be advertised for a few bucks less and then the buyer could opt for a dealer installed radio if he wanted one.
Dealer adds with "NEW" pickups for 1999.99 or a similar price were common then. In places like Arizona and Hawaii they didn't come with heaters to keep the cost down.

So, would the dealer cut a hole in the cowl to install an antenna? My truck is such a low optioned one, I'd have to believe the radio was a dealer install. I'm only the third owner, and I do now remember the guy I bought it from saying that the original owner took the AM radio out in favor of the aftermarket stereo. At least he didn't cut the dash!