How are the original AM radios mounted - do I need a brace - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**IT Cowboy** · 03-31-2026, 12:46 PM

I have an original GM Delco AM radio I am going to put in my truck. Do I need the mounting bracket / brace for the back or will it be ok using just the front cups and shaft bolts and nuts.

Right now the radio I am wanting to put in just has one straight metal tab on the back. I can probably take a piece of metal strap and fab one up if needed or even pipe strap?

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 03-31-2026, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IT Cowboy

I have an original GM Delco AM radio I am going to put in my truck. Do I need the mounting bracket / brace for the back or will it be ok using just the front cups and shaft bolts and nuts.

Right now the radio I am wanting to put in just has one straight metal tab on the back. I can probably take a piece of metal strap and fab one up if needed or even pipe strap?

Not a great image, but this is all there is to it. IIRC that's just an L bracket mounting the strap to the dash. I might be able to snag a shot of the thing if I can find it on the Bench of Chaos

JohnC67 · 03-31-2026, 01:38 PM

I think mine just had a strip of hardware store metal strap when I got it.

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 03-31-2026, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnC67

I think mine just had a strip of hardware store metal strap when I got it.

If you're old enough to remember Erector sets, you'll know what I saw the first time I looked ;-)

**IT Cowboy** · 03-31-2026, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rust_never_sleeps

Not a great image, but this is all there is to it. IIRC that's just an L bracket mounting the strap to the dash. I might be able to snag a shot of the thing if I can find it on the Bench of Chaos

That helps thank you. Right now my radio just has the single tab bracket like by the green wire in your pic. I can fab up an L bracket from scrap and then swear a lot when trying to bolt it it. I though i have seen a pre-installed top bracket mount in some trucks.

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 03-31-2026, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IT Cowboy

That helps thank you. Right now my radio just has the single tab bracket like by the green wire in your pic. I can fab up an L bracket from scrap and then swear a lot when trying to bolt it it. I though i have seen a pre-installed top bracket mount in some trucks.

If you can tack weld a nut on the front of the L-bracked, you could secure the bracket to dash first and then bolt the radio in with one hand
Maybe pull a duct or two first

**IT Cowboy** · 03-31-2026, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rust_never_sleeps

If you can tack weld a nut on the front of the L-bracked, you could secure the bracket to dash first and then bolt the radio in with one hand
Maybe pull a duct or two first

I have some of those slide on nut clips that should slide right on and tighten down. I also have some gorilla tape (kidding - gorilla tape is only for visible areas)

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-31-2026, 06:20 PM

They call it ''Plumbers Tape'' but it's not like sticky tapes. It's steel strap with perforations about every half inch. Available at any hardware store. Comes in roll form.
That's what I've used when the OEM rear radio mounting bracket gets lost.
And YES, you will need it, especially if you run your truck in rough places. The original AM/FM [or AM] Delco radios were really tail- heavy. Some more modern tuners and cassette radios were lighter, more solid state, but reinforcement in the back of the unit is a good idea in any case.

CG · 03-31-2026, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

They call it ''Plumbers Tape'' but it's not like sticky tapes. It's steel strap with perforations about every half inch. Available at any hardware store. Comes in roll form.
That's what I've used when the OEM rear radio mounting bracket gets lost.
And YES, you will need it, especially if you run your truck in rough places. The original AM/FM [or AM] Delco radios were really tail- heavy. Some more modern tuners and cassette radios were lighter, more solid state, but reinforcement in the back of the unit is a good idea in any case.

Thats a good idea. Its such a weird name for something that isnt like any tape a person would normally think of.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-31-2026, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Thats a good idea. Its such a weird name for something that isnt like any tape a person would normally think of.

Don't we live in a weird but fascinating world?

**Rust_never_sleeps** · Yesterday, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Thats a good idea. Its such a weird name for something that isnt like any tape a person would normally think of.

Prolly just because you unroll it off a spool, but plumbers do have their own language, as do mechanics

**IT Cowboy** · Yesterday, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rust_never_sleeps

Prolly just because you unroll it off a spool, but plumbers do have their own language, as do mechanics

I just always called it pipe strap. Flex Seal is plumbers tape -

**Rust_never_sleeps** · Yesterday, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IT Cowboy

I just always called it pipe strap. Flex Seal is plumbers tape -

Just remember, plumber's crack isn't a cocaine derivative

**Steeveedee** · Yesterday, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rust_never_sleeps

Just remember, plumber's crack isn't a cocaine derivative

Either way, ain't no snortin' of it goin' on, around here.

03-31-2026, 12:46 PM	#1
IT Cowboy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 617	How are the original AM radios mounted - do I need a brace I have an original GM Delco AM radio I am going to put in my truck. Do I need the mounting bracket / brace for the back or will it be ok using just the front cups and shaft bolts and nuts. Right now the radio I am wanting to put in just has one straight metal tab on the back. I can probably take a piece of metal strap and fab one up if needed or even pipe strap? __________________ 1972 C10 Custom Deluxe Highlander 402 Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.

03-31-2026, 01:38 PM	#3
JohnC67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Pleasanton, Ca Posts: 7	Re: How are the original AM radios mounted - do I need a brace I think mine just had a strip of hardware store metal strap when I got it.

03-31-2026, 06:20 PM	#8
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 8,115	Re: How are the original AM radios mounted - do I need a brace They call it ''Plumbers Tape'' but it's not like sticky tapes. It's steel strap with perforations about every half inch. Available at any hardware store. Comes in roll form. That's what I've used when the OEM rear radio mounting bracket gets lost. And YES, you will need it, especially if you run your truck in rough places. The original AM/FM [or AM] Delco radios were really tail- heavy. Some more modern tuners and cassette radios were lighter, more solid state, but reinforcement in the back of the unit is a good idea in any case. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 03-31-2026 at 06:26 PM.



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