AM/FM Radio Question? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68chevycst · 10-26-2009, 12:55 AM

What was the first year the factory AM/FM radio was offered for our trucks?

**71blksuper4x4** · 10-26-2009, 01:00 AM

I have heard it was 72' but I cannot for sure say, someone will tell me different I'm sure. I am putting one in my 71' though. Trevor

70LonghornCST · 10-26-2009, 03:14 AM

Im putting on in my 1970. So for my truck, it'll be 2009

**too much stuff** · 10-26-2009, 09:28 AM

It shows it in the 71 brochure for trucks, but it doesn't say if that is elcaminos or pickups. It was avaliable in the 70 elcamino, but not pickups.

71 super · 10-26-2009, 02:20 PM

71 was the first year of am/fm to my knowledge, I have one in my 71 and a good friend has one listed on the spid of his early 71 cheyenne.

70LonghornCST · 10-26-2009, 05:01 PM

Well, I'm no expert but it appears that the AM/FM stereo was an option even before 1971.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=169955

**MJN** · 10-26-2009, 07:23 PM

The one I have is out of a '70...or what was left of it.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 10-26-2009, 07:37 PM

Original Car Radios has a 70 truck AM/FM radio for sale and they go by the numbers on the radio so I believe that 70 was the first year for the truck AM/FM radios.

Jim

**WorkinLonghorn** · 10-26-2009, 10:00 PM

To add to that,I can say that the Truck Data Book for 1969 lists the only radio option as " Radio: Pushbutton Control......U63".

chipflyer · 10-26-2009, 10:24 PM

I believe it was 71 also. The truck dealer data book I have for 1970 shows that the only radio option available was the U63 option. I also just went through about 90 labels in my collection from 1970 and not one had the u69 code. I'll go along with pre 71 when someone shows an original SPID from 69 or 70 with it listed.

Jeff

70LonghornCST · 10-26-2009, 10:32 PM

If 71 is the first year, why would GM produce a catelogue that lists 1967-1970 optional equipment and have the AM/FM as an option? Just curious...

71swb4x4 · 10-26-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70LonghornCST

If 71 is the first year, why would GM produce a catelogue that lists 1967-1970 optional equipment and have the AM/FM as an option? Just curious...

El Camino?? I don't know, just throwing a possibility out there.

70LonghornCST · 10-27-2009, 04:13 PM

No, the elcamino had a completely different radio...like the cars.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVE...Q5fAccessories

71swb4x4 · 10-27-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70LonghornCST

No, the elcamino had a completely different radio...like the cars.

Maybe they used the same code. I don't know, just throwing it out there.

69GMCor70Chevy · 10-27-2009, 11:03 PM

Has anybody used Sat radio with there AM/FM radio? I just have the AM version but would consider using the AM/FM if I could keep the stock look abd use Sat Radio with half decent reliability.

**leddzepp** · 10-28-2009, 03:31 AM

I agree with Harold and Jeff. The book I have lists only U 63 up until 1971, when U 69 AM/FM becomes available.

And, it also shows that the trucks and Elkies used the same option code for the AM and AM/FM radios (saying that the Elkies also had AM/FM becoming available in 71), even though the radios were physically different.

In looking at the catalog pages posted above, they are also essentially saying that AM/FM was an option in 67, which we know is not true on our trucks. What catalog are those pages from? Just curious, cause books have been known to be wrong before...and if mine is wrong it would be nice to know.

This is the book I have:

**wancosc356** · 02-25-2010, 01:43 PM

Bringing this one back....

Only because I am curious still. This guy on ebay claims that his is out of a 68 but it sure doesn't look like any truck am/fm that I have ever seen.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_500wt_1182

**too much stuff** · 02-25-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wancosc356

Bringing this one back....

Only because I am curious still. This guy on ebay claims that his is out of a 68 but it sure doesn't look like any truck am/fm that I have ever seen.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_500wt_1182

It is similar, but i don't think it would even physically fit a 67-72 with the heat sink on the back of it...

**wancosc356** · 02-25-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too much stuff

It is similar, but i don't think it would even physically fit a 67-72 with the heat sink on the back of it...

Thats what I thought. I sent the guy a message and told him that Im pretty sure that it isn't a chevy truck am/fm radio and that he should let his potential buyers know that. He said to call LMC Truck because they have a am/fm radio lens that states its for a 68. I looked in their catalog and it shows 68-72. But I think I have found flaws in their listings before.

**leddzepp** · 02-26-2010, 09:09 PM

That radio on ebay is not from one of our trucks.

**wancosc356** · 02-26-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

That radio on ebay is not from one of our trucks.

Thats what I thought. Thanks.

**70cst** · 02-26-2010, 09:31 PM

1970 CHEVROLET Passenger and Light Duty Truck
Prices & Facts Book
April 1970
Chevrolet Motors Division
Detroit Mi

Page 74 C10
Radio Pushbutton
AM U63 List Price $58.00 Mfg. Price$62.45

Page 58 El Camino
Radio AM U63 List Price $58.00 Mfg. Price $62.45
Radio AM-FM U69 List Price $127.00 Mfg. Price $136.70

The AM/FM were mono radios.
The Chevelle AM-FM Radio U79 was Stereo

10-26-2009, 12:55 AM	#1
68chevycst Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Meridian, ID Posts: 82	AM/FM Radio Question? What was the first year the factory AM/FM radio was offered for our trucks? __________________ 68 Chevy CST Short Bed, 70 Chevy CST Short Bed, 70 Chevy Short Bed 4X4, 72 Chevy Cheyenne Super 4X4, 72 GMC 1/2 Ton 4x4 Sierra Grande, 72 Chevy 1/2 Ton Big Block Suburban Highlander, 72 Chevy 1/2 Ton 4x4 Suburban, 72 Chevy 1/2 Ton Cheyenne Super, 72 C50 Custom, 69 Chevy CST C30 tow truck, 71 Chevy Big Block C30

10-26-2009, 01:00 AM	#2
71blksuper4x4 SWB 4x4 Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Osage City, KS Posts: 5,156	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? I have heard it was 72' but I cannot for sure say, someone will tell me different I'm sure. I am putting one in my 71' though. Trevor __________________ TREVOR 1970 CST swb 4x4 (speedwarning,cruise,tilt,tach,8track, original red shoulder belts,tow hooks) 1972 Jimmy (soon to be Hickey cloned) 1971 Cheyenne Super 4x4 swb (tilt,tach,buckets, original blue shoulder belts,am/fm,cruise,tow hooks, dealer 8 track) 1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4x4 Custom Camper (tilt, tach, am/fm, tow hooks, bed toolbox, aux gas tank 1972 Cheyenne Super Crew Cab K30 4x4 Duramax, Allison, np205, buckets, tow hooks (CURRENT PROJECT) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 1989 V3500 Crew Cab (454tbi, NV4500, np205) 1970 Chevelle SS (LS5 454,th400,8track,buckets,tach) :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever

10-26-2009, 03:14 AM	#3
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? Im putting on in my 1970. So for my truck, it'll be 2009 __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

10-26-2009, 09:28 AM	#4
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,801	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? It shows it in the 71 brochure for trucks, but it doesn't say if that is elcaminos or pickups. It was avaliable in the 70 elcamino, but not pickups. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

10-26-2009, 02:20 PM	#5
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,080	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? 71 was the first year of am/fm to my knowledge, I have one in my 71 and a good friend has one listed on the spid of his early 71 cheyenne. __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

10-26-2009, 05:01 PM	#6
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? Well, I'm no expert but it appears that the AM/FM stereo was an option even before 1971. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=169955 Attached Images __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

10-26-2009, 07:23 PM	#7
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 3,051	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? The one I have is out of a '70...or what was left of it. __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

10-26-2009, 07:37 PM	#8
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? Original Car Radios has a 70 truck AM/FM radio for sale and they go by the numbers on the radio so I believe that 70 was the first year for the truck AM/FM radios. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

10-26-2009, 10:00 PM	#9
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? To add to that,I can say that the Truck Data Book for 1969 lists the only radio option as " Radio: Pushbutton Control......U63". __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

10-26-2009, 10:24 PM	#10
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? I believe it was 71 also. The truck dealer data book I have for 1970 shows that the only radio option available was the U63 option. I also just went through about 90 labels in my collection from 1970 and not one had the u69 code. I'll go along with pre 71 when someone shows an original SPID from 69 or 70 with it listed. Jeff __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241. Last edited by chipflyer; 10-26-2009 at 10:27 PM.

10-26-2009, 10:32 PM	#11
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? If 71 is the first year, why would GM produce a catelogue that lists 1967-1970 optional equipment and have the AM/FM as an option? Just curious... __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

10-27-2009, 04:13 PM	#13
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? No, the elcamino had a completely different radio...like the cars. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVE...Q5fAccessories __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

10-27-2009, 11:03 PM	#15
69GMCor70Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Greenwater Lake, SK Posts: 175	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? Has anybody used Sat radio with there AM/FM radio? I just have the AM version but would consider using the AM/FM if I could keep the stock look abd use Sat Radio with half decent reliability. __________________ 68 Camaro - 327 Original Red on Red Car 69 GMC LWB - Built 350 a Blast To Drive 69 GMC LWB - "Green Machine" One Family Truck 70 Mercury Marauder - Future Project

10-28-2009, 03:31 AM	#16
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,048	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? I agree with Harold and Jeff. The book I have lists only U 63 up until 1971, when U 69 AM/FM becomes available. And, it also shows that the trucks and Elkies used the same option code for the AM and AM/FM radios (saying that the Elkies also had AM/FM becoming available in 71), even though the radios were physically different. In looking at the catalog pages posted above, they are also essentially saying that AM/FM was an option in 67, which we know is not true on our trucks. What catalog are those pages from? Just curious, cause books have been known to be wrong before...and if mine is wrong it would be nice to know. This is the book I have: Attached Images __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul Last edited by leddzepp; 10-28-2009 at 03:45 AM.

02-25-2010, 01:43 PM	#17
wancosc356 I Like Mine With No Shine! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,705	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? Bringing this one back.... Only because I am curious still. This guy on ebay claims that his is out of a 68 but it sure doesn't look like any truck am/fm that I have ever seen..... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_500wt_1182 __________________ Michael 1967 Chevrolet C10 Short Fleet (Literal Ground Up....One Day) 2006 GMC Sierra Crew Cab 4x4 1969 Lincoln Continental Coupe Project FOR SALE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ct=4578&cat=17 1981 Honda CM400 C Bobber SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384152



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02-26-2010, 09:09 PM	#20
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,048	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? That radio on ebay is not from one of our trucks. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

02-26-2010, 09:31 PM	#22
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,374	Re: AM/FM Radio Question? 1970 CHEVROLET Passenger and Light Duty Truck Prices & Facts Book April 1970 Chevrolet Motors Division Detroit Mi Page 74 C10 Radio Pushbutton AM U63 List Price $58.00 Mfg. Price$62.45 Page 58 El Camino Radio AM U63 List Price $58.00 Mfg. Price $62.45 Radio AM-FM U69 List Price $127.00 Mfg. Price $136.70 The AM/FM were mono radios. The Chevelle AM-FM Radio U79 was Stereo __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 02-26-2010 at 09:36 PM.

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