1963 radio - try and fix or replace? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Asshat · 02-09-2021, 01:31 AM

The radios in The Truck Shop catalog are damn expensive. $650 for a radio?

I need to find someone to fix my radio, looks like I have the original radio, AM only. It just crackles when I turn it on.

Does anyone know what Electro Tech charges?
Posted via Mobile Device

floormonkey · 02-09-2021, 11:24 AM

They have some prices listed on their website:

http://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm

Their number is (877)780-2861

Sometimes you can find them on CL, like here: https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pt...259917966.html

vin63 · 02-09-2021, 12:10 PM

I've used Electro-Tech (turnswitch.com) for several OE radios in my projects over the years, including my 63 C10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT8pVmapmmM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floormonkey

They have some prices listed on their website:

http://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm

Their number is (877)780-2861

Sometimes you can find them on CL, like here: https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pt...259917966.html

jweb · 02-09-2021, 01:47 PM

You could leave the broken radio in place and just use a bluetooth amplifier to run your speakers. It would probably sound better but all music would come from your phone, so no local stations.

I installed one of the Custom Autosound radios in my 51 and I was very disappointed. Now I just run a bluetooth amp.

Similar to this:
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...4-2000DSP.html

jbgroby · 02-09-2021, 02:46 PM

I chose to have my OEM radio converted to Am/Fm/iPOD at
R & B Vintage Radio. The video he makes on each unit is below, $350.00 plud 25 shipping.

it was upgrades from a 1 channel to a 4 channel 45 watts per channel output. He adds the Subwoofer out if you want that as well, I put in a "dual cone" center dash 4x10 so I'd have stereo sound in the dash and this week I am installing a new floor console with 2-6.5" full range speakers setup (see pics). He repaints the glass and polishes the chrome as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0fA...ature=youtu.be

roll_the_dice · 02-09-2021, 03:14 PM

Not to hijack the the thread...but I want my radio to be original but with Bluetooth, Aux, etc...I don't have a radio at all...what chevys would fit the 64-66 radio hole?..impala, Nova, etc? Thanks

jbgroby · 02-09-2021, 05:28 PM

Find an old radio and send it to R and B, they do blue tooth as well, I don't have any blue tooth stuff, so all I did was iPod and Am/Fm

jbgroby · 02-09-2021, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Not to hijack the the thread...but I want my radio to be original but with Bluetooth, Aux, etc...I don't have a radio at all...what chevys would fit the 64-66 radio hole?..impala, Nova, etc? Thanks

on Ebay right now is a 64-66 radio, $75.00, listing # 313402601395

Asshat · 02-09-2021, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbgroby

I chose to have my OEM radio converted to Am/Fm/iPOD at
R & B Vintage Radio. The video he makes on each unit is below, $350.00 plud 25 shipping.

it was upgrades from a 1 channel to a 4 channel 45 watts per channel output. He adds the Subwoofer out if you want that as well, I put in a "dual cone" center dash 4x10 so I'd have stereo sound in the dash and this week I am installing a new floor console with 2-6.5" full range speakers setup (see pics). He repaints the glass and polishes the chrome as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0fA...ature=youtu.be

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbgroby

Find an old radio and send it to R and B, they do blue tooth as well, I don't have any blue tooth stuff, so all I did was iPod and Am/Fm

This is cool - I like what you did, jbgroby. Nice and clean.

I have my original radio; I think I might do this.

**cwcarpenter98** · 02-09-2021, 09:51 PM

I recently got a radio for my 63 to do the same thing. I have to fix the hole in the dash first though

Nappers · 02-10-2021, 01:02 AM

Does it do the static when you turn the volume knob? Find some electric cleaner and clean the volume control maybe. Those old controls get dirty and static happens.
Posted via Mobile Device

roll_the_dice · 02-11-2021, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbgroby

on Ebay right now is a 64-66 radio, $75.00, listing # 313402601395

Thanks...but will an Impala or Chevelle radio of the same year fit our opening? I would love to have a wonderbar radio, but not sure about the size needed for the opening.

Asshat · 02-11-2021, 01:08 AM

Holy Mother of God!!!
$645 for the radio conversion?? That’s insane!

EDIT: Ok, am I over-reacting? Maybe this is a reasonable price for what you’re getting. I guess I was just hoping for a less expensive alternative.
I guess, if you want the latest technology in an old radio, you gotta pay the big bucks.

**spudder** · 02-11-2021, 09:49 AM

Maybe the conversion seems high but what isn't. I'd still rather have a conversion than the cheap aftermarket junk that doesn't look close to original.
Go buy a new truck and spec out all the options. Who can justify $60,000 plus for a truck? Prices are insane!
What amazes me, is the price of a 10 to 15 year old truck with 200,000 miles. Most are $10,000 plus!

Asshat · 02-11-2021, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudder

Maybe the conversion seems high but what isn't. I'd still rather have a conversion than the cheap aftermarket junk that doesn't look close to original.
Go buy a new truck and spec out all the options. Who can justify $60,000 plus for a truck? Prices are insane!
What amazes me, is the price of a 10 to 15 year old truck with 200,000 miles. Most are $10,000 plus!

Good point. Can’t believe how much trucks go for now, I don’t think you can’t buy a new truck for less than $45K!

61hawk · 02-11-2021, 03:11 PM

https://www.retromanufacturing.com/p...ant=9371592131

I've used these before, it's nice to have Bluetooth access and able to use your phone. Put the overpriced overlay on the screen and it looks original when the radio is off.

**caseyjones** · 02-11-2021, 04:19 PM

I spliced a bluetooth receiver into the audio input on my original 1964 radio. It's the same process as adding an auxiliary input as shown here, except I had to provide a 12V DC power source to the BT receiver:
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=509151

This is the receiver I used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1PCS-12V-24...9-981fd22a8045

I housed it in a little plastic enclosure that I stuck to the bottom of the radio.

The sound quality of the radio doesn't change but for about $10 I can listen to whatever I want to stream through my phone.

Asshat · 11-04-2021, 08:08 PM

Anyone tried one of these from ebay? I think it's a company in Illinois.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/40134367647...2Cchnl%3Dmkcid

Here's one from Retro Manufacturing:
https://www.retromanufacturing.com/p...nt=28587988163

**The Rocknrod** · 11-04-2021, 08:12 PM

I have a Retro. Works well enough.

Asshat · 11-04-2021, 08:58 PM

What do you guys use for speakers with these Retro radios?
I’m probably going to have two behind the seat after I remove my gas tank.

Asshat · 12-11-2021, 02:05 PM

I purchased a RetroSound radio, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a faceplate that goes across the entire part of the radio area.
It’s the area with the indentation; maybe some base trucks did not have a faceplate?

bigmoe · 12-11-2021, 03:47 PM

I just went with the radio delete plate my truck came with. I have a good quality cylindrical blue tooth speaker that fits in my cup holder.

**The Rocknrod** · 12-11-2021, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asshat

I purchased a RetroSound radio, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a faceplate that goes across the entire part of the radio area.
It’s the area with the indentation; maybe some base trucks did not have a faceplate?

Post #5 above shows how they looked.

Asshat · 12-11-2021, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Post #5 above shows how they looked.

Oh yeah - thanks!

hairball · 12-12-2021, 01:35 PM

I used Custom Auto Sound "Undercover 11 speakers" under the stock seat of my 65 C10 with the RetoSound Laguna radio. I did have to remove the sear adjuster wire for clearance but my seat stays all the way back anyway. They can be repositioned behind the seat when you remove the tank later on. I also put two 3 or 3 and a half inch speakers in the original speaker opening in the dash. With my hearing issues and a loud truck I didn't need anything fancy.

02-09-2021, 01:31 AM	#1
Asshat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Orange County CA Posts: 1,265	1963 radio - try and fix or replace? The radios in The Truck Shop catalog are damn expensive. $650 for a radio? I need to find someone to fix my radio, looks like I have the original radio, AM only. It just crackles when I turn it on. Does anyone know what Electro Tech charges? Posted via Mobile Device

02-09-2021, 11:24 AM	#2
floormonkey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: fw, tx Posts: 14	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? They have some prices listed on their website: http://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm Their number is (877)780-2861 Sometimes you can find them on CL, like here: https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pt...259917966.html

02-09-2021, 01:47 PM	#4
jweb Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,184	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? You could leave the broken radio in place and just use a bluetooth amplifier to run your speakers. It would probably sound better but all music would come from your phone, so no local stations. I installed one of the Custom Autosound radios in my 51 and I was very disappointed. Now I just run a bluetooth amp. Similar to this: https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...4-2000DSP.html __________________ 1951 Truck, LS1/4L60 1964 Suburban, current project 2014 Silverado daily driver 1953 Westerner "canned ham" trailer, rebuilt 1974 Prowler trailer, rebuilt

02-09-2021, 03:14 PM	#6
roll_the_dice Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Manlius, NY Posts: 1,698	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? Not to hijack the the thread...but I want my radio to be original but with Bluetooth, Aux, etc...I don't have a radio at all...what chevys would fit the 64-66 radio hole?..impala, Nova, etc? Thanks __________________ 1965 C10 LWB Stepside 1964 GMC 1 Ton Dually Instagram #notaratrodnotashowtruck

02-09-2021, 05:28 PM	#7
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? Find an old radio and send it to R and B, they do blue tooth as well, I don't have any blue tooth stuff, so all I did was iPod and Am/Fm __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829

02-09-2021, 02:46 PM	#5
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? I chose to have my OEM radio converted to Am/Fm/iPOD at R & B Vintage Radio. The video he makes on each unit is below, $350.00 plud 25 shipping. it was upgrades from a 1 channel to a 4 channel 45 watts per channel output. He adds the Subwoofer out if you want that as well, I put in a "dual cone" center dash 4x10 so I'd have stereo sound in the dash and this week I am installing a new floor console with 2-6.5" full range speakers setup (see pics). He repaints the glass and polishes the chrome as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0fA...ature=youtu.be Attached Images __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829

02-09-2021, 09:51 PM	#10
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,480	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? I recently got a radio for my 63 to do the same thing. I have to fix the hole in the dash first though __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

02-10-2021, 01:02 AM	#11
Nappers Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Yreka, CA Posts: 43	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? Does it do the static when you turn the volume knob? Find some electric cleaner and clean the volume control maybe. Those old controls get dirty and static happens. Posted via Mobile Device

02-11-2021, 01:08 AM	#13
Asshat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Orange County CA Posts: 1,265	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? Holy Mother of God!!! $645 for the radio conversion?? That’s insane! EDIT: Ok, am I over-reacting? Maybe this is a reasonable price for what you’re getting. I guess I was just hoping for a less expensive alternative. I guess, if you want the latest technology in an old radio, you gotta pay the big bucks. Attached Images __________________ 1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed Last edited by Asshat; 02-11-2021 at 07:59 AM.

02-11-2021, 09:49 AM	#14
spudder Active Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 103	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? Maybe the conversion seems high but what isn't. I'd still rather have a conversion than the cheap aftermarket junk that doesn't look close to original. Go buy a new truck and spec out all the options. Who can justify $60,000 plus for a truck? Prices are insane! What amazes me, is the price of a 10 to 15 year old truck with 200,000 miles. Most are $10,000 plus!

02-11-2021, 03:11 PM	#16
61hawk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 324	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? https://www.retromanufacturing.com/p...ant=9371592131 I've used these before, it's nice to have Bluetooth access and able to use your phone. Put the overpriced overlay on the screen and it looks original when the radio is off.

02-11-2021, 04:19 PM	#17
caseyjones Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 539	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? I spliced a bluetooth receiver into the audio input on my original 1964 radio. It's the same process as adding an auxiliary input as shown here, except I had to provide a 12V DC power source to the BT receiver: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=509151 This is the receiver I used: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1PCS-12V-24...9-981fd22a8045 I housed it in a little plastic enclosure that I stuck to the bottom of the radio. The sound quality of the radio doesn't change but for about $10 I can listen to whatever I want to stream through my phone. __________________ 1955 Long Distance Build 1964 GMC Palomino Tan Survivor 1964 C10 Survivor - Sold Last edited by caseyjones; 02-11-2021 at 05:26 PM.

11-04-2021, 08:08 PM	#18
Asshat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Orange County CA Posts: 1,265	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? Anyone tried one of these from ebay? I think it's a company in Illinois. https://www.ebay.com/itm/40134367647...2Cchnl%3Dmkcid Here's one from Retro Manufacturing: https://www.retromanufacturing.com/p...nt=28587988163 __________________ 1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed

11-04-2021, 08:12 PM	#19
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? I have a Retro. Works well enough. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

11-04-2021, 08:58 PM	#20
Asshat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Orange County CA Posts: 1,265	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? What do you guys use for speakers with these Retro radios? I’m probably going to have two behind the seat after I remove my gas tank. __________________ 1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed



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12-11-2021, 02:05 PM	#21
Asshat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Orange County CA Posts: 1,265	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? I purchased a RetroSound radio, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a faceplate that goes across the entire part of the radio area. It’s the area with the indentation; maybe some base trucks did not have a faceplate? Attached Images __________________ 1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed

12-11-2021, 03:47 PM	#22
bigmoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 980	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? I just went with the radio delete plate my truck came with. I have a good quality cylindrical blue tooth speaker that fits in my cup holder.

12-12-2021, 01:35 PM	#25
hairball Registered User Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Durango Colo. Posts: 74	Re: 1963 radio - try and fix or replace? I used Custom Auto Sound "Undercover 11 speakers" under the stock seat of my 65 C10 with the RetoSound Laguna radio. I did have to remove the sear adjuster wire for clearance but my seat stays all the way back anyway. They can be repositioned behind the seat when you remove the tank later on. I also put two 3 or 3 and a half inch speakers in the original speaker opening in the dash. With my hearing issues and a loud truck I didn't need anything fancy.

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