VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Radios, Tools, Accessories NOS Passenger Car Radio

I recently had a customer bring in a NOS 1951/52 Pushbutton Chevrolet car radio for servicing prior to installation in a frame-off restoration. I am continually surprised at the number of NOS radios that still exist. I have several in my collection and they just keep popping up.

This radio is Model #986515 and is one of two radios applicable to the 1951-52 year model passenger car. The other radio is the Model #986516 and is a non-push-button radio.

Even though the radio is NOS it should not be operated without servicing. All the paper condensers must be removed and replaced with modern versions. I always replace the power supply items with solid-state versions for reliability. All the mechanical operations must be cleaned and lubricated, as the old lube is dried and gummy.



The complete single unit radio.



This is the “wire-in” side as all the components are soldered in on this side.



This is the “plug-in” side as most of the components on this side may be removed and plugged back in.



It is a pure pleasure to see instructions like this still affixed to the radio. This label warns about removal of the dial needle in disassembly.



This label directs you to the proper screw to adjust the antenna when the installation is completed.



All Chevrolet radios have the MODEL # posted inside (or outside on later models) and this is the Model number for this radio.