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Hi all;
I'm working on my GMC radio,saved from a 1960 LCF to scuttled years ago. As near as I can tell,it's a 2233480,but a couple of digits are more guessed than "carved in stone". I HAD a list of what tubes it would use,but can't find it. Can anyone help? The radio's pretty much intact but the tubes are gone,so I think it might work if I can get the right tubes for it. It IS 12 volt. (Embossed into the case.) I see most of the appearance-related parts are available for it. BTW-I also have a Chevy 6 volt radio in slightly nicer shape,but won't be much use to me. Good trading material.
Speed

I think we should be able to find a circuit for that radio. Does it have a socket for a vibrator? Maybe you could send me a photo. That number comes up with quite a few hits on Google. Most describe it as a 55 to 59 GMC radio.

I'll open it up and get a pic of it. The actual layout of the radio looks to be the same as that of the 6 volt one;I'm pretty sure I can't get away with just using 12 volt versions of the 6 volt tubes-that'd be TOO easy. I was reluctant to take anything apart until I actually had work to do on it,because my "shop" is such a mess any loose parts tend to disappear.
Speed
BTW-I thought ALL tube radios had a vibrator tube.

http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/1Truckman1/media/002.jpg.html
Hope this works!
Speed

That is good to get those pictures. Because of your mention of it coming out of the larger truck, I thought it might be the model that is quite different. I will look at my diagrams etc. and my spare radios to try and get you your information.

In around 1958, a lot of the car radios including GM, went to a hybrid tube /transistor design. The tubes were all low voltage, as in 12 volts and the output used a power transistor on the back. In this case there was no need for a vibrator or power transformer. Your radio is of the pure tube design with the vibrator.

I have the diagrams and writeup for model 2233398 which appears to be identical in layout to your radio, and it is 12 volt. If you would like, I can scan them and Email them to you. Is there an Email address that you would like me to send them to?

That would be great. It's "[email protected]" My brother offered to hook me up with a more modern radio,but you just can't beat the range and staying power of an old tube type AM radio. My ol' 55 Ford's radio used to bring in KOB in New Mexico,KFI and KSFO in California in broad daylight like they were just across the block. With the modern stuff I can't even get 'em at night,at ALL.
Speed

Hi Fred;
Got the email-those diagrams and parts lists answer a LOT of my questions. It appears there isn't much difference in the radios except maybe the shape of the face plate.
Thanks a lot for sending the information,it's a real game changer for me. One question though,will it damage the radio if I use a bigger speaker than the original? I'm thinking of the stereo speaker set that fits the original speaker housing,made to work with the AM/FM/CD stereo retro-fit units now available. As loud as the truck is (loud pipes,two gearboxes,road noise,etc.) a little more speaker sound would really help.
Thanks again!
James

James,
I am glad to help out. The speaker shouldn't hurt at all. Speakers that require a lot more power would not perform well with one of these old radios.

Fred