C2 Side Radio Panel Configuration help needed

[Tracy C.]

I have a box of 63-7 side radio panels from various years and was amazed at the different configurations. The picture below contains an example of the LH side variations in the collection.

I've noted some charactistics about each, but would appreciate help in Identifing the correct applications. Most importantly, my car is a very late 63 and need to know which configuration is correct for my car.

1) longest design with 2 mtg holes on aft edge.
2) shorter that 1, longer than 4 & 5 but with 2 mtg holes on aft edge.
3) same length as 2, but only one mounting hole on aft edge.
4) shorter than 2 & 3, has a funky bump with a slot, a bracket and a rectangular cutout (pwr antenna?) and one mtg hole on aft edge.
5) same lenth as 4, has funky bump w/slot, bracket at different location and a half round recess area approx 1"wide x 4" long, and one mtg hole on aft edge.

The right hand panels all appear to be similar to configurations 1 & 2 with regard to the aft mtg holes & 5 with regard to the 1" X 4" recessed area.

My gut says I need either configuration "2" or "3" for my late 63. Any input is appreciated, but would most like to hear from owners of 63s later than VIN 20000.

Also curious as to what the brackets are for on 4 & 5. They look like something you would clip a small flashlight into.

Thanks for your help,
tc

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Side Radio Panel Configuration help needed

# 4 and 5 are 67 critters and the bracket is for a flasher(not the raincoat variety--on a roll tonite, aren't I?) mikie

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C2 Side Radio Panel Configuration help needed

Mine doesn't look like any of those.

The closest is #3. The difference is it is not cut for the cut-out facign up. Instead, where it begins to go back up toward the firewall, mine cuts down to form a point at the front. It has one screw hole above the vent.

However, mine is for an AC car, and that may be the difference, as it is probably a pretty rare panel.

[Mike Cobine]

I checked a few others

Looking at pictures of cars, I found that those including 16920 had two screws along the back (nearest the seats).

I checked a few others, AC cars, so they were late cars but I don't have their VINs, and they had single screws.

I couldn't see the front (nearest firewall) to see how they were shaped.

Checking later years show only one screw hole. So two must be early to mid '63.

The square hole cut for a switch on the drivers side panel is for '65 and '66 with power antenna.

So I believe this is what you have:

1. Early '63, long side, two holes.
2. Mid '63 short side, two holes. (Short to allow better heating.)
3. Late '63, short side, one hole.
4. '65-'66 with power antenna
5. '67 with manual fresh air vents (passenger side will be like this for non-air, smooth with air conditioning.)

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: C2 Side Radio Panel Configuration help needed

Hi Tracy -

My '63 is #21102 built August 2nd. I have panel #2.

Pete

[Joe M.]

Re: C2 Side Radio Panel Configuration help needed

I have a late Oct built 63 coupe with #2. Owned since 1969, interior was all original, leather seats. Double checked, top cutout is approx. 3.25", end tab about 2".

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 Side Radio Panel Configuration help needed

Here is my try at the 63's.
I replaced my dash frame a couple of years ago. My car is a May built 63. The old dash frame which I believe to be original was punched for two holes to fasten the radio side panel at the top front. The replacement dash I got on ebay was I believe for an early 63. It only had one hole at that location. On a different subject it also was missing a hole for the support brace at the defroster location. I thought the early cars may have had a problem with the defroster duct breaking off and added the brace.
Bob Rosenblatt

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C2 Side Radio Panel Configuration help needed

Tracy, I have style number 3, car 13356 built April 20th.

Harry

38513

[Tracy C.]

Re: I checked a few others

Thanks Mike,

Intresting to think that 3 changes would have occured in 63. I thought configuration "1" may have been from a heater delete car because it looks to me like the additional length would close off the driver's side "Y" duct outlet.

The 63/4 Judging Guide isn't very clear on screw configurations. It only states the panels were held on with 2 screws and secured along the bottom edge by the console extensions. No differentation between years.

tc

[Tracy C.]

Thanks to all, Is there a "Restorer" Article

on this topic? (I need to buy that CD)

Do you suppose anyone would be interested if not? Not that I'm volunteering or anything, but I'd give it a shot if I could get enough input from you gurus.

Please keep input coming as the change point from two to one screws has me curious now.

tc

[Mark W.]

Re: Thanks to all, Is there a "Restorer" Article

#4 is what is in my '66 and the cutout is for the power antenna switch.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Thanks to all, Is there a "Restorer" Article

Tracy,

There is a article on the restorer CD that is titled "A Corvette Paperwork Headache for GM" by Armand Filer. This is a great article explaining the changes made during the 63 model year. If you purchase the CD and search for 1963 TSB you will find this article. I don't know the year the article appeared in the restorer magazine, but if you need to know I'll look it up when I get a chance.