Just got this reply to my inquiry at Tayman...

Mark,

After receiving your message, along with numerous other inquiries within the last few days, I’ve decided to go to stovebolt.com and see what’s being said!

Since there have indeed been a large number of inquiries, it might be of interest to the group if I posted a message explaining what’s available. However I’m not registered, so possibly you can forward the text:

It appears there has been a lot of discussion about radios recently for these trucks, as I’ve been receiving plenty of inquiries lately. For this reason I thought I’d share some information about what’s out there. Bear in mind that, although I’m a dealer, this isn’t meant to be an ad – my name has already been brought up. I simply want to explain what’s available, and you’re free to take it from there.

Basically the trucks fall into three categories when it comes to radios. The first is the 47-53 series. The Chevy and GMC radios are identical to each other, except for the model number and the logo on the dial. Yes, one is positive ground and the other negative, but the radio is designed to work either way. These radios are fairly rare and expensive to come by, simply because only a small percentage of these trucks have them. From 47 through 49, the trucks were not offered with radios, but starting in 1950, you could go to your Chevy/GMC dealer and have one installed in your 47-49 vehicle. Even after 1950, trucks were considered work vehicles and most did not have radios.

Because of the rarity, radios in good condition go for a premium price. I receive a lot of radios, along with new knobs, bezels, speaker gaskets, etc., with instructions to clean it up and convert it to stereo. When all is said and done you may have paid well over $1,000 – but the end result is a really neat radio. I’ve seen all sorts of substitutes, but in these trucks nothing compares to that ivory/maroon finish! I’m not normally a fan of plastic, but I’ll admit these are some of my favorite radios.

AAR has recently begun building new AM/FM stereos that look like the original. The price is $550 which at first seems a bit steep, but compared to purchasing and converting a radio, is far less expensive. If you already have a radio, the conversion may be the better alternative.

Custom Autosound makes new stereos that fit these trucks, but in my opinion that chrome radio simply doesn’t fit the décor! I want to see that ivory and maroon finish! When I became a CAS dealer years ago, I wasn’t crazy about the stereos – but I LOVED the DVC speakers.(more on that in a minute). The good news is that CAS has vastly improved their product line, with better quality stereos and more reliable construction. I’ll sell them now – I wouldn’t before. However although they’re greatly improved, they still don’t measure up to the performance of the AAR conversion or stereo radios. Still, if you’re a bit tight on your budget and don’t exactly have $550 jingling in your pocket, it’s an alternative.

Regarding speakers: by far the best product CAS has ever come up with is their dual voice coil speaker. This is not the dual 3” speakers; it is a full size woofer with two tweeters. When installed in a conversion or mounted separately on a bracket, it makes for a very nice sounding radio. Remember those early 50’s Buicks? This speaker has the same heavy tone and feel.

Now for the 54-55 (early) trucks. The radios no longer have pushbuttons. Why? Remember these are work vehicles, which get dirty in the mud and are heavily exposed to the elements. The opening for pushbuttons allowed for dirt and corrosion to get inside the radio, and it was decided that sealed manual versions were more reliable. Kinda sucks today, but that’s how it is. New radios are available for these trucks, with a little better price -- $499.95. Of course an original radio can be converted. For speakers there’s good and bad news – a 6x9 DVC won’t fit with an original radio. I’m not sure if it will using a new radio. However the new radios have speaker arrays available, with two 4x6 speakers. It seems with such a small opening, a Custom Autosound might look good in there – but guess what? CAS stereos aren’t available for these.

For the later trucks, new radios are available and originals can be converted. CAS stereos are also available. Once again, I’m not certain if DVC speakers will fit with the original radios, but if you have one of these trucks, and are interested, take a look behind the dash. Imagine a speaker the same size as the original, but with a much larger magnet on the back. If there’s room, it will fit.

I hope this clarifies everyone’s questions. If anyone wants to know more, I’ll be happy to answer any further questions you may have. My e-mail is [email protected].

Gary Tayman/Tayman Electrical
Sound Solutions For Classic Cars
http://taymanelectrical.com