Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#478299 01/30/23 11:17 AM
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 467
Likes: 33
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 467
Likes: 33
1941 Master Deluxe father son project. 6 volt.

My sons asked the following questions after we figured out it is not worth it for us to fix our radio other than for cosmetic purposes. Please keep in mind that this is not a restoration but is a do nothing that cannot be undone project.

Kids asked the following questions:
1. What is the last year that 6 volt radios were made? And when did Chevrolet stop putting them in their cars? Not going 12v.
2. Would any of these fit the existing holes in the dash? Rule that we make no changes that cannot be undone, unless prior owners already did them. Kids said it is period correct to them since if the radio in their car dies they would get one that fits and use that. Youngest pointed out I buy my parts from NAPA not GM for my Silverado. Hard to argue that one.
3. Radio would need to have FM available since there are only three AM channels left in our area.
4. Speaker can be hidden anywhere so that is not an issue.

I am still leaning towards an Bluetooth speaker but if they have an idea I will look into it and not take it off the list until a group concessions can be made.


I have found that having an old car is a constant project that is never done. I think that is a good thing. Keeps me learning new things. Having two from different eras is just a form of higher education.
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 4
ChatMaster - 1,500
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 4
Not sure of last year 6 volt radios were made but 1954 was the last 6 volt chevrolet car so that was the last year for a 6 volt radio in a Chevy.

I use voltage converters to power 12 volt FM radios in my 6 volt cars. I have 2 with radios and they both work fine. ('37 Chevrolet and a '48 Chevrolet) Both cars have a dash mounted control head that fits the dash and have cables that run to a firewall mounted radio to tune them and control the volume. There may be a radio head that would fit in your '41 dash.

Last edited by Ed_Osier; 01/31/23 06:10 PM.

Ed
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
There were 3 heads made for the 41 Chevy: 1) Motoroal R698 ; 2)Motoro;la R 621 and; 3) Motoroa R 721.
There were also 4 radios made for the master deluxe: 1) 985694; 2) 9i85695 C1;3 ) 985987 E41 4) Motorla 36 C

All 6 volts

For pictures send me an email bill@biltheradioguy.com

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
A radio in 1941 was not installed at the Chevrolet factory. They were installed by the dealer. About one third of the 1941 Chevrolet cars were sold without a radio. A car radio was still considered a luxery by many folks. Chevrolet offered the three approved accessory radios in 1941, the non-push buttom for $24.95, a standard push button for $49,95, a combination standard and short wave for $64.50, (not common).
Then other brands made radios to custom fit into the 1941 instrument panel, the Motorola being the most popular (it did not have GMs blessings). There were srveral other afer market brands available and even Sears Roebuck offerd one, After all there were a million 1941 Chevrolets made so was a large market out there for folks decided later they wanted a radio after all.

All GM cars were 12 volt by 1955 and other brands by 1956 so that pretty well reduced the demand for 6 volt radios in cars although there were still some 1953 and 1954 owners wanting to install a radio in their one or two year old non-radio equipped car,

1958 was the first year a dealer could order a radio equipped car from the factory.

The first year an AM-FM rado was offered by Chevrolet was 1963 and for the full sized cars only


Gene Schneider
1 member likes this: Clement
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,471
Likes: 25
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,471
Likes: 25
What is the rarity and/perhaps the value of a AM/Short Wave radio for the 41 in non-functioning condition?


Steve D
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
Gene,

You may have forgotten about the "8-tube" one that was the same size as the short wave and mounted to the dash and firewall..

Monty,

Any 42 -48 will fit into the dash of you 41. In fact many of the 41s use the 47/48. The 41-48 radios were well made. If they failed to play one or the other of the following was bad. If it failed to hum then replace the viberator. If it hummed but did not play then replace the OZ4. Most times that was all it needed.

If it turns out that you can use a 47/48 regular push button, then let me know and I'll go to my stash of them and see what I've got. My regular push button 41s are a bit of rough shape. dance

Best,

Charlie computer


Link Copied to Clipboard
Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
1 members (the toolman), 67 guests, and 24 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman, JEC51
18,307 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,069
Posts429,046
Members18,307
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5