VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Radios, Tools, Accessories Chevrolet Radios 32-64

Hello, I'm Ray Holland and am a member of the VCCA with # L11026. I have collected and studied Chevrolet radios since 1947 when I was the car radio installer for the Ouachita Radio Service in a small town in Arkansas. I got the job because I was the youngest and could get under the dash to do the work. My collection includes one of each model from the prototype radio through the 1964 models. My collection includes both publications and any type of Chevrolet test or repair equipment. I will do my best to assist you with any stock radio question as applies to the Chevrolet car radio. :)

Hi Ray! I have a 42 Chevy Sport Sedan. It has a radio in it that powers up but nothing happens. I'm not sure if is the correct radio or orignal radio. Do you have one for a 42? What would it cost? Thanks, Pat My1942Chevy@aol.com

[ January 01, 2002: Message edited by: 42Pat ]

Hi Pat. Welcome to the radio forum. There were three radios available for the 1942 passenger car. Bottom of the line was Model 985792 a 5 tube single unit. Next in line was the Model 985793 a single unit 6 tube radio. With a color change, this radio hung around till 1948. Lastly, was a 9 tube Model 985794 BC/4SW band radio. This unit was an improvement :confused: to the 1941 5-band radio. The 1942 radio incorporated a steering column control which turned the radio on/off, controlled the volume and provided a remote means of scrolling through 5 preset stations. Altho not a 'car' radio, a Model 985866 portable AC/DC 5 tube radio was marketed through Chevrolet. This radio carried a GM logo.
In the case of a radio that 'powers up' and doesn't play, the problem is usually in the power supply. Number one cause is the vibrator and next is the OZ4 rectifier tube. I do not recommend the owner attempt to replace either of these units. After all, what caused the unit to fail? That situation probably still exists and will only cause the replaced units to also fail in short order. Any radio that has not been serviced for several years should be removed and repaired/restored. This includes solid state components in the power supply and replacement of all paper condensers, proper alinement, and mechanical servicing.
Pat, to keep this from becoming a commercial (sales pitch) I will contact you directly on the last portion of your post.

[ January 01, 2002: Message edited by: chev33radio ]

RAY I KNOW THAT THERE WAS NOT A 1932 RADIO MADE. OR AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. THE QUESTION IS, AND I KNOW YOU HAVE JUDGED CARS IN THE PAST, WOULD A PERSON BE PENALIZED FOR HAVING THE 1933 RADIO IN THEIR 32 CHEVY. I HAVE HEARD THAT THE 33 RADIO WAS RETROFITTED IN THE 32 CARS. ALSO IS THEIR MUCH LEG ROOM FOR THE PASSENGER WHEN THE SPEAKER IS INSTALLED. IT SURE LOOKS VERY BULKY. THANKS. :) :) :) :)

I am not Ray but I can give an answer. If the judge is knowledgeable then a deduction would be made for a radio installed in a '32 Chev.

Yes, the speaker is bulky, however it was installed in the upper center of the firewall "hump" on the 1933 models leaving plenty of leg room for the driver and the passenger. :) :p