The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay The Radio Bench Help ID my radio

My daughter bought a '48 Chevy, and not knowing that much about them, I assumed this was an original radio. However, I can't find any pictures of ones like it, so I think it's from something else. Do you recognize it?

In 1948, the Chevrolet truck radio was expensive. Trucks were used for work so not many radios were purchased.
That's one reason why original truck radios today bring a 10X higher price.
Certain year Buick and Pontiac radios will fit in the Chevrolet truck dash (1947-53) opening quite nicely.
Back in the day a truck owner could wait a few years and eventually pick up a used car radio, in the wreck yard, a lot cheaper.
I think what you have is a "period or era" correct part for your truck. A part of history.

It is a Delco "Master" model 984170 used on 1946, 1947, 1948 Pontiacs
Not to be confused with the "Deluxe" model which had pushbuttons.
The original model number may be found underneath the radio cover.
I could not find another picture of the faceplate.

Info:
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/united_1_984170_pontiac.html
Photofact:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/363338655380

This will be an expensive radio to repair.

Thank you for the information. I probably wouldn't have ever found it myself! Is the fancy bezel from the Pontiac as well?

The faceplate covers the gaps between dash and the tuner face as well as the volume and bass/treble controls.
Without the faceplate, it would not be pretty to look at but it would be functional.
If I was going through the trouble to remove the radio assembly, I would definitely take the faceplate as well.

Something else. Automobile production stopped (WW2) in 1942 then resumed in 1946.
No one had time to retool for new models so the 1946 models (sometimes 47 & 48) were basically the same as 1942.
Your radio could be a 1941 or 1942 model as well.
If you want to know more, I would find a 40's Pontiac forum or Pontiac section of forums.aaca.org.

FYI, the 1948 6400 cab and hood will fit a 1947-53 1/2 ton frame quite nicely but the fenders, inner-fenders and grille are just too big.
At one time black fenders and running boards were standard (all cab colors). Color was optional.
You have the option to do a 1/2 ton and make good use of the patina cab and buy 1/2 ton fenders and grille.
It's all a matter of taste, the size of your wallet and more importantly your daughter's approval of her gift to you.

Here in NC, there are several classic big trucks that make their way onto a modern diesel truck chassis.
The big fenders will work well with the big tires that the young guys run....in the mud. Yuck.
Again, it's a matter of taste.