1955 Radio

[Dan D.]

Does anyone know if a 1955 Chevrolet passenger car wonderbar radio is the same (or very similar) to 55 Corvette? I know 56/57 Vettes are different, but don't know about 55. This radio has 12V6 output tubes and OZ4 rectifier. I know a person that has one - not restored but very clean and working. -Dan-

[Mike M.]

Re: 1955 Radio

the 55 pass car radio and speaker aren't configured like the 55 vettte radio. the speaker assemblies are especailly different in shape .mike

[Fenwick B.]

Re: 1955 Radio

The 55 radios are similsr to the 53-54 radios, except they are 12 volts. The 55 radios also have the conerad indicators on the dial. Expect to pay ~ $2,000 for a 55 radio. Fenwick

[Roy B.]

Re: 1955 Radio

It's big $$$ so if your not going NCRS put what ever you wont in it.

[Dan D.]

Re: 1955 Radio

Thanks for the info guys. I will have to look at my 54 radio. I have not been under the dash in quite a while. I will tell this person he has a 55/56 pass car radio only. He will probably sell it on e-bay. I would think it would still bring decent bucks, seeing how there was not an abundance of wonderbar radios produced. Roy, that is a fine looking restoration on your radio! Is that Cad plating? Is that what they used originally? How did you plate the chassis. I would think everything would have to be removed. -Dan-

[Roy B.]

Re: 1955 Radio

Thanks for the info guys. I will have to look at my 54 radio. I have not been under the dash in quite a while. I will tell this person he has a 55/56 pass car radio only. He will probably sell it on e-bay. I would think it would still bring decent bucks, seeing how there was not an abundance of wonderbar radios produced. Roy, that is a fine looking restoration on your radio! Is that Cad plating? Is that what they used originally? How did you plate the chassis. I would think everything would have to be removed. -Dan-

It's not mine T took the pic. from e-bay that some one was selling for $3.000.

[Troy P.]

Re: 1955 Radio

I could send you a photo of my 54 radio that looks just like that. The plating is electro tin not cad. Sheet metal parts were tin plated and heavy gauge steel parts were cad plated. Other tin plated parts are items such as the cigarette lighter socket, instrument bulb sockets on the dash wiring harness and the headlight bulb dishes.

[Dan D.]

Re: 1955 Radio

Thanks Troy, I had forgotten about electo-tin. That is exactly what it is. Is the plating on the gauge pods electro-tin too? If its not too much work for you I would like to see a picture of your 54 radio. -Dan-

[Troy P.]

Re: 1955 Radio

Yes, I forgot about those. Anything light gauge sheet metal. Speedo can, tach can, inner bulb housings for parking lights and courtesy lights too.