ID this 70s GM factory radio - Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac - ???

[Pontiac59]

I saw this stuck in the dash of an older truck, noticed it because it has the look of an early '70s GM car radio, and it's an AM-FM-8-track. I know some of these radios are fairly desirable, but I don't want to spend $30 on a piece of junk either.

Can anyone ID it, or at least get me close, from the photo, or do I need to pull it and check for a model number on the case somewhere?

[BOPcollector]

It is not a Delco radio. Aftermarket.

[Dave Mellor NJ]

They did a real hack job on that dash

[Pontiac59]

No way that's an aftermarket radio. Dial numbers and AM-FM label are the same font as most GM dash lettering, controls are similar to my '72 Pontiac fullsize AM-FM stereo. Knobs look to be an assortment of GM stuff, too. Have had a '72 Buick AM-8-track out in the past as well and it's similar in some ways to that one.

Well, I have to go back anyways, it should only take a few minutes to pull it out of there.

[NTX5467]

I installed a Delco AM/FM Stereo radio in my father's '72 Catalina Brougham 2dr ht in the later 1970s. I got it from the AC-Delco Radio service center in Fort Worth (Mathis Radio). It did NOT look like the radio pictured.

The noted fonts AND "boldness" of the "AM" and "FM" letters are too "bold" for what the factory radios used. Where is the "Delco" name in the lower rh corner area of the radio dial plate? That divider bar casting below the dial plate, along with the "AM" and "FM" casting, in addition to the round button, all further scream "AFTERMARKET" to me. Delco radio faceplates were all smooooth back then, rather than "as pictured".

Another typically Delco feature was that the radio plastic faceplate also extended to include the radio shafts also. This meant the distance between the shafts was "non-adjustable", unlike the aftermarket "universal fit" models where the shaft lateral spacing could be adjusted. Most of the aftermarket installation kits had the plastic spacers for the shafts, as a separate piece, to allow for all of the factory front-back spacing of the radio to be correct, yet also allowing the shaft spacing to vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Not to forget that the Delco wiring harness plug-in on the chassis was specific to Delco/GM radios. Completely different from anything the aftermarket used, or later Delcos used.

Due to copyright and patent issues, the aftermarket radios could not be an exact match, but close enough to fool people that didn't know what they were looking at, with all due respect.

Until I can see other verifiable information as to the non-Delco features of this radio, I stand by my judgment that it is an aftermarket radio and NOT a factory or Delco accessory upgrade radio. Does the seller mention the information which would be on the Delco Radio ID tag? Delco model and part number, for example?

Regards,
NTX5467

[Pontiac59]

It's in a truck in a junkyard, like I said in the first post, the only way it comes out is if I pull it. I guess if it's there when I get a chance to go back, it's there, if the truck's been crushed, oh well.

A lot of the stuff you're talking about you can only be theorizing about, since the sides of the faceplate and the shaft attachment are not visible in the photo - it's hidden behind the dashboard.

It also is an 8-track, not just a standard AM-FM radio. The entire tuning dial folds in to accept 8-track tapes.

However the fact that both holes have been hogged out points to non-adjustable shafts to me. IMHO when this truck was being driven someone went to a wrecking yard and bought whatever was closest to fitting the existing holes, then cobbed it in.

[Bleach]

If its a Delco or GM radio there will definitely be both logos on the radio dial face.

[my3buicks]

the condition of that radio, I sure wouldn't want to give $30 for it working or not, original or not

[Richard D]

I can't be sure, but it sure looks like an early 70's Audiovox I had installed in my 1971 Plymouth Cricket.

[NTX5467]

I concur, it does look like the AudioVox "factory look-alike" aftermarket radios we installed in the later 1970s. This was back when many dealers sold "alternative, less expensive" radios for new vehicles which were ordered with the factory radio-prep package (which included the windshield antenna) but no radio. We did ARAs and then switched to AudioVoxs later. There were also RCAs, Motorolas, and other brands with "look alike" radios.

You can see from the vintage GM/Delco CB radio how finished and upscale the factory face plate looks in comparison to the one in the first picture.

I also concur with Keith on purchasing that particular radio. Your money, not mine, though.

Regards,
NTX5467

[Bleach]

...
You can see from the vintage GM/Delco CB radio how finished and upscale the factory face plate looks in comparison to the one in the first picture.

Regards,
NTX5467

Thanks for the complement. I wish I that I took a better photo of the radio. It was a rushed attempt to get it posted.

[Pontiac59]

the condition of that radio, I sure wouldn't want to give $30 for it working or not, original or not

Fortunately not everyone is afraid of a little dirt or worn chrome. But it does go to a point I often make about how the same exact thing when dirty/rusty/old will be called junk, then cleaned up or with some paint thrown on it the same exact people will suddenly think it's great. Which is why I often make pretty damn good money on stuff other people were dumb enough to throw away.

I'll add this thing doesn't look much different from the factory '72 Buick AM-only 8-track I have tucked away somewhere, that I kept and discovered had no real value after the car was junked.

[my3buicks]

hhmm, sure looks different than the fatory radio I have tucked in the dash of my 72 Buick Centurion LOL

[BOPcollector]

Go pull it ,pay for it then put it on Ebay if you believe it is a Delco radio. You may make a killing on it. Or, you may not.

[poci1957]

I concur, it does look like the AudioVox "factory look-alike" aftermarket radios we installed in the later 1970s. This was back when many dealers sold "alternative, less expensive" radios for new vehicles which were ordered with the factory radio-prep package (which included the windshield antenna) but no radio. We did ARAs and then switched to AudioVoxs later. There were also RCAs, Motorolas, and other brands with "look alike" radios.

Yup, I agree, looks like an aftermarket lookalike to me. As stated, virtually every Delco radio says Delco right on the face. And you can just as easily gamble $30 on an original Delco 8 track that may not work, I would not be interested in this one. Todd C