1958 Radio Wonderbar - NCRS Discussion Boards

1958 Radio Wonderbar

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • Eric A.
    Expired
    • December 20, 2012
    • 126
    #1

    1958 Radio Wonderbar

    I am trying to find our for judging reason what color was the writing on the wonderbar for the 1958 March production car. You can buy new chrome in a black or white lettering on the wonderbar itself. It is not in the judging manual that I could find so need some help.

    Eric
    Tags: None
      • Top
    • Jerry R.
      Expired
      • February 28, 1999
      • 116
      #2
      Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

      The push bar lettering is white based on date codes on the 58 Wonderbars I've rebuilt. The white was to match the interior trim (or so I was told).

      _Jerry_
        • Top

        Comment

        • Eric A.
          Expired
          • December 20, 2012
          • 126
          #3
          Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

          That makes sense, the horn button has white letters for this year model. Thanks !
            • Top

            Comment

            • Jerry R.
              Expired
              • February 28, 1999
              • 116
              #4
              Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

              In case you didn't know Eric, the aftermarket kit's push buttons have large CC's embossed on them. I suppose that's to match Corvette Centrals need for attention. It certainly doesn't represent their desire to reproduce correct parts. Or perhaps it's to let judges know of the change...

              At any rate, a competent chrome shop can re-do your original buttons easily if it's important to you. Same for the nose piece and push bar (white lacquer for the lettering, it's easy to re-apply). If the push bar is "over" chromed, it will hang in the nose piece slot - just FYI. :-)

              Enjoy that 58!
                • Top

                Comment

                • Richard M.
                  Super Moderator
                  • August 31, 1988
                  • 11317
                  #5
                  Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

                  Hi Jerry hope all is well. Thanks for clarifying that. Eric and I have been conversing about that and was thinking of emailing you but didn't want to bug you. I've heard you've been a pretty busy guy lately.

                  Rich
                    • Top

                    Comment

                    • Jerry R.
                      Expired
                      • February 28, 1999
                      • 116
                      #6
                      Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

                      Hi Rich and yup, just a tad busy. I've slipped a couple C2 radios in but the old low band communications gear is very time consuming to restore. But it's a nice change.

                      Never hesitate to ask questions like that. I may not answer instantly as in the past but I will get to the email and you will get an answer. :-)

                      You and Eric have a nice holiday!!!

                      _Jerry_
                        • Top

                        Comment

                        • Eric A.
                          Expired
                          • December 20, 2012
                          • 126
                          #7
                          Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

                          Jerry,

                          This is great advice and did not even think about it. I was using a company in GA called Chrome it so I will give them a call unless you can recommend me someone else. I also have to get my radio restored and I don't think I want to take on that task myself so open to any guidance. I do have the orginial items so this will be a big help.

                          Have a great holiday too!

                          Eric
                            • Top

                            Comment

                            • Richard M.
                              Super Moderator
                              • August 31, 1988
                              • 11317
                              #8
                              Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

                              Thanks Jerry, you too.

                              Eric, Jerry is your go-to guy.
                                • Top

                                Comment

                                • Jerry R.
                                  Expired
                                  • February 28, 1999
                                  • 116
                                  #9
                                  Re: 1958 Radio Wonderbar

                                  If you were happy with the plating company in GA Eric, and you trust them, that's where to go. I'd suggest reminding them up front and in writing to not over plate the push bar and definitely tell them not to grind the lettering off the front of the bar (which happens a lot). If the chrome is lightly pitted only, that should not be a problem. Just ask questions - always! Have they done radio chrome? You need to know that.

                                  Earlier vette radio chrome (53-57) should only be done by a pro familiar with the pieces involved! You can get a replacement bar from the vendors, they can't. Ask them how they prevent any build up of copper and chrome in the mounting holes of the parts involved. They'll stumble or answer quickly - look for clues.

                                  You don't want to rebuild a 58 Wonderbar! You'll damage it. That's a skill that takes many years to master and all too many shops just blast the moving parts with WD-40 and oil and tuner cleaner (a stupid move when deposited carbon volume and tone control tracks are involved). If they get it to work, I assure you it won't keep working. And often when they can't get it to work, the message conveyed is that "it can't be fixed".

                                  Again, ask questions. It takes a lot of time to do a 58 through early 62 Wonderbar and the Delco service manual is basically useless to help you - it is a basic theory book and does not deal with aged components, dirt, under tensioned springs, fatigued relay arms, burned solenoid switch contacts and corrosion related items. And a whole lot more.

                                  Past that it would be a conflict of interest and an indiscretion on my part to comment further. :-) Search the forums and talk with Rich. The guy is actually trustworthy. GRIN

                                  Most guys who have restored vettes are 20 years younger than they look. And the wealth from their experience is obvious in their demeanor. Have fun with it Eric! It builds character and turns others of us into characters.

                                  _Jerry_
                                    • Top

                                    Comment

                                    Previous template Next
                                    Working...
                                    Searching...Please wait.
                                    An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

                                    Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                    An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

                                    Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                    An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
                                    There are no results that meet this criteria.
                                    Search Result for "|||"