The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay The Radio Bench AD Radio Decision

I'm finishing up a frame off on my '50 3100. The truck did not come with a radio but I purchased an original a couple of years ago. The original looks pretty good but has not been tested. I've been looking at the reproduction '47-'53 radios that look original & bolt right in. After reading a number of posts it raises several questions for me:

1. I've converted to a 12 volt system. I would need to have the radio converted and refreshed. What is the estimated cost for this?

2. The repo radios look great. Whay are these things so expensive and are they really worth the cost? How's the performance?

3. Is it possible to gut my current radio and install something that would look original and have modern performance?

4. If I sold my original what is the going price?

Thanks

As far as I have seen, the price on the new radios has not changed since they appeared on the market. You can get your radio restored with a line input added or you can get new electronics installed. I think some of them convert it to a modern FM radio.

Show us a link to the radio you are referring to. The only reproduction radio that I am acquainted with is a 12v radio.

1947-53 "reproduction" truck radio

Tim,
if you are talking about jss, I think what he said was if he gets his radio restored, it would normally still be 6 volts. Of course there are ways of supplying 6 volts to the radio from a 12 v system.

I do the radio work for JIM CARTER's CLASSIC TRUCK PARTS, if you deside to go with the modern radio, they would give you a good trade in value for your original,give them a call tell them BILL sent you

I was looking for general info & some estimated costs so that I can make an informed decision on a radio for the truck. The repo radio's that I'm speaking of are the same as tclederman has a link to. To me, the $550 price tag is insane. In the event I wanted to sell, I've been trying to find the going rate for a '50 original radio but haven't seen much for sale on eBay or any other sites. I've gotten a quote to have the current one reworked but haven't gotten multiple prices yet. So if anyone has any ideas on going rate for originals let me know.

They are always on ebay for sale,add them to your watch list.
I replaced all of my capacitors,tubes,vibrator,speaker,dial face,bezel,knobs myself.


Tim

jss1956 -

This may be a good choice to supply 6v to your radio from your 12v electrical system. Constant 6v at all loads up to 15A.

A 25A unit is also available.