VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 1957 Chevy Bel Air Radio question

I have a 1957 Chevy Bel Air which is entirely stock, judged platinum in 2002, with the standard AM radio (push buttons) not wonderbar. The radio is inop. I have purchased one of the new Antique Auto Radio "Wonderbar" Radio AM/FM that looks just like the original wonderbar radio. My desire would be to find the original radio side connectors so I can plug straight into the existing wire harness. I don't want to hack up the under dash harness. The new radio also calls for the Orange to connect to battery, not sure I want to do that either. Where did the original "Wonderbar" radio get the battery connection. I am beginning to have second thoughts about replacing the radio, vs. having my radio converted to modern electronics? I was at a recent car show, and someone told me that connecting the Orange wonderbar memory wire drained his battery. I would appreciate any feedback.

Does your fuse panel have a fuse marked radio?

Hi Len,

It is necessary to have the orange wire connected to a terminal that is "hot" all the time. This connection allows the radio to retain important information that is needed the second you turn on the radio. An example it the "time". This causes a constant minor drain on your battery at all times. If the orange wire is not constantly connected, you will loose the preset stations and the correct time.

This may get me in trouble, but I think I can state an opinion. I am often ask about these replica radios and my advice in every case is to ask at least two people who have purchased and installed these type radios and ask for their opinion, then make your decision. Many owners return for either to purchase a restored OEM radio or have their current radio restored.

I do not sell the replica radios or work on them.

After much research, and soul searching, I decided to have my OEM radio converted to AM/FM, where I can utilize all of my original connections, not to mention the original look.

My advice to you is to ask two different people who have had their radios modified for recommendations. Then have your radio restored as original and enjoy the good quality of the Chevrolet stock radio.

I had my radio converted in my 60 Impala, it was a waste of money! It went back a few times to the guy who did it. It cuts out all of the time. The solution I was told was to put an alternator in! This way a higher and constant voltage would be supplied to the transistors at idle......OK... why not tell me this before? I think he was missing the point as to why I had the conversion done in the first place. If I had to do it again I would not. Maybe the technology is better today, this was done 15 years ago. It was the type conversion that requires you to turn on and then turn off the radio to go from AM to FM, no good! In all reality there really is not much music on the "free" radio anymore, and I really never spend much that much time in the car that the FM is needed.