Thread: wanting OE Radio for '57 Bel Air

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An old classmate of mine has asked me if I knew of a source for an OE push button AM radio that he can restore for his frame off resto '57 Bel Air Sport Coupe. Here's what my friend said:

He has bought a radio restoration kit but needs an OE push button AM radio to restore.- - - - - - -It won't need to play at all but must be OE.... One can purchase a modern after market radio but they all have AM/FM and he wants an original '57 AM radio to restore.

Any and all suggestions or comments appreciated,
Em

Google "1957 Chevy Radio" brings up an EvilBay listing for an OE that looks in need of TLC, but it's OE - 1957 CHEVROLET BELAIR RADIO - ORIGINAL on eBay!

Or here's a Topeka, KS CL for a cheaper one - 1957 Chevy Radio

The internet is your friend for this kind of search....

Thanks Roger, and he/we/us have Googled a lot and found some, however, I was also wondering if there was someone out there like "Danchuk" that a member might know of that specializes in Vintage OE Radios. I will forward both of these links to him just in case he hasn't seen them. From what my classmate friend says about this friend of his, he must be a passionate and talented feller and is willing to put a resto kit in ?whatever? OE he can find so that it looks original as possible. He's already built a 283 with a Duntov Cam and 2-4bbl set up and my buddy says this frame off resto is NICE.

thanks.

Em

There're several companies out there that sell "repro" radios, like "Danchuk", that have the original "Wonderbar", but are upgraded for both AM & FM reception and they're likely all from the same source. If you're saying that this fellow wants a true, OEM AM only radio from 1957 and not a "look alike", then I'd say eBay is his best bet, or if he's OK with Craigslist then Craigslist Master lets you spread your search as far from home as you want. That is unless someone here happens to have one on the shelf.... Sorry if my reply offended - you didn't mention that you'd already done the normal internet search.

Agreed, he doesn't want AM-FM so that's out - - - Ebay is his best bet, I'm thinking ????
I found a nice one on Ebay but it doens't ?seem? to have the push buttons. Oh well, the ball's in his court now.
thanks,
Em

Wow 15 bucks in Topeka seems cheap as it gets. I remember paying about 100 bucks for a beat up stock mustang radio back in the late 70's early 80's when stock stuff was hard to find (no ebay or craigslist)

Originally Posted by rspears

.......then I'd say eBay is his best bet.............

Originally Posted by MelloYello

Agreed, he doesn't want AM-FM so that's out - - - Ebay is his best bet, I'm thinking ????
I found a nice one on Ebay but it doens't ?seem? to have the push buttons. Oh well, the ball's in his court now.
thanks,
Em

Seems to be an echo in here I was only about nine or ten, but I think they offered a base AM Manual (knobs only); an AM Pushbutton (knobs & buttons); and an AM WonderBar (knobs, buttons & Search Bar tagged "WonderBar"). May not be right, but seems I remember three offerings?

That wasn't an echo, Roger, that was just my weird way of agreeing with ya !

This site seems to indicate only two for the '57 Chevy - - - Old Chevrolet Radio Information
I'm thinking the wonderbar ?might? (?might?) have been a Vette option but I'm not sure.

I think you're right about the WonderBar being Corvette - didn't know if it was in the BelAire, too, but remember guys wanting to get one because they were pretty unique for the time.

OFF topic I remember my dad had a Buick way back in the day that had a button on the floor that he could change the radio station. OK I'm done

What year was da'Buick? That's some good trivia right there.

No wonder bar on the 57 Bel Air to my knowledge. I might have an OEM in the junk and if I can find it he can have it

Thanks Ken, PM me if you find it and I'll either connect Y'all or you can ship it to me and I'll pay the cost.

Will do and I think I have a stock heater core around here someplace

wonder if that heater core will fit a '62 fairlane?