The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop '55 Chevy Radio Help

I am looking to convert a 2 ton, 1955 Chevy 6400 flatbed. I am putting a 1994-1997, 2WD, manual transmission, 12 Valve Cummins diesel in it. I am leaving the entire body, axles, and frame, all original. No paint. No body work. One powerhouse of a Cummins. I am converting it to 12 volt with A/C and heat. The interior will be completely restored. So here is my problem. The original radio is gone. I already know some places to get parts like axles, glass, seats, dash, etc. Here is the problem. I want a CD player in it. That in itself is not a problem. This is the problem. About every single radio/CD player I found that connect to the Dodge wiring harness look extremely modern. Flashy, screen light show display, etc. My question is, where can I get a radio that plays FM and CD's that will connect to the dodge wiring harness, but has a chrome, '50's look to it? Anything is helpful.

Here is a pic, sorry if the link does not work.


[url=http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k485/1955Chevy6400/029.jpg]Dash]1955Chevy6400

A coule of things, 1, your truck should already be 12 volt. '55 2nd was the first year for 12 volt in Chevrolet. 2, you're not going to find a radio that will work with the Dodge harness. Your est bet would be to forget the oem Dodge harness, use an aftermarket harness for the engine controls and a proper body harness for the cab/lighting that's specific to the '55 or a Pinless universal kit. The radios that are made to fit the '55 dash will come with their own separate harness, ad only need to be hooked up to a power source and the wiring for the speakers. Custom Autosound has several stereo systems that directly fit in the oem opening, no cutting required. There is also another company, I don't recall the name, that has a direct fit stereo that matches the oem almost perfectly, but they are rather expensive. I have a custom Autosound in my '55 (cabs are the same) and am very pleased with it. Speakers that fit in the stock location above the mirror are available.

why "hook to the Dodge harness"?? all you need to have a radio is a 12V power source, nothing special about that - if the harness has a certain type of plug, chop it off and put whatever works to hook up a radio that fits the hole - you can get originals converted for AM/FM and Ipod hookup .... updated 55-59 Chev truck radio, or look on ebay, guy sells regular there

Bill

Sorry, I meant to say it will STAY a 12 volt. I did not proof read my thread because I was in a hurry. Sorry about any confusion.