Radio Delete Plate for a '57

[Garry E.]

I have some questions about the "block-off" plate on radio-delete '57's....

1) On cars w/ an assembly date after 3100 and/or built after early April, '57, was there only one style of block-off plate used? I've seen "star-burst" plates and "single line" plates used on some cars
2) Was this plate made of metal or fiberglass?
3) Was the plate on Corvettes unique to the Corvette or was it used on other Chevys in '57, as well?
4) Does anyone have a good picture of an original plate that would be correct for a '57 made after VIN 3100?

I realize most of these questions are answered in the new JG, but I don't have a copy as of yet..... I will soon....

Thanks

Garry Eastwood
#38705

[Tom H.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Gary,

Mine (#4176) has the single line and its metal. I can post some pictures from home this evening.

Tom

[Garry E.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Tom....

Thanks for the response...... I'd love to see your pictures...... thanks

Garry

[Barry H.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Gary, Plate on #329x was straight line, made of Die Cast Potmetal, with 2 cast in bosses on back for the studs. Only time I saw "starburst" plates they were on 55, or 56 pass. cars. The starburst plates are 2 piece stamped sheet metal, with rolled edges. Barry Holmes

[Mike M.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Gary, Plate on #329x was straight line, made of Die Cast Potmetal, with 2 cast in bosses on back for the studs. Only time I saw "starburst" plates they were on 55, or 56 pass. cars. The starburst plates are 2 piece stamped sheet metal, with rolled edges. Barry Holmes

my experience with 57 radio block off plates mimicks Barrys impression. bty, the mushroom shaped washers that are installed once the plate is mated to the dashboard is unique. mike

[Garry E.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Tom/Barry....

Thanks for your responses..... Perhaps you can clarify this.... On pg 138 of Noland Adams's book, "Complete Corvette Restoration.... Vol.1", he mentions that the "straight-bar" and "starburst" design have been seen on original, un-tampered-with '57 Corvettes. He goes on to say that...."until it can be proven otherwise, it appears the "starburst" cover is acceptable for '56 and '57 Corvettes until ~ serial # E57S104100".

Has the new '56/'57 JG come up with a different set of guidelines on this point? Since I don't have the JG, I don't know what it says....

Thanks

Garry Eastwood

[Mike M.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

[quote=Garry Eastwood (38705);475545]Tom/Barry....

Thanks for your responses..... Perhaps you can clarify this.... On pg 138 of Noland Adams's book, "Complete Corvette Restoration.... Vol.1", he mentions that the "straight-bar" and "starburst" design have been seen on original, un-tampered-with '57 Corvettes. He goes on to say that...."until it can be proven otherwise, it appears the "starburst" cover is acceptable for '56 and '57 Corvettes until ~ serial # E57S104100".

Has the new '56/'57 JG come up with a different set of guidelines on this point? Since I don't have the JG, I don't know what it says....

Thanks

Garry Eastwood not all statements in Noland's book are taken as gospel. NCRS judges will make the call based on nearly 30 years of experience since Noland, a good friend, wrote his restoration book. regards,mike

[Jimmy B.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Straight line block off plate has 3706916 cast on the back of it, also a smal circle with a triangle logo within it.

I have seen 2 different fasteners on the studs.

56 has a stamped mushroom like bell (Mike referred to) with a small nut over thus

57 has a 2 step hollow bell (like a speed nut) with no separate nut following it

[Joseph T.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Straight line block off plate has 3706916 cast on the back of it, also a smal circle with a triangle logo within it.

I have seen 2 different fasteners on the studs.

56 has a stamped mushroom like bell (Mike referred to) with a small nut over thus

57 has a 2 step hollow bell (like a speed nut) with no separate nut following it

Dec. 1956 photo of 1957 Corvette VIN #775 shows a straight line radio block off plate. However..I seem to remember seeing original photo's of factory 57's with either starburst or straight line radio block off plates.

Joe

[William L.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

In my junk yarding days I have removed the "Star burst" style from full sized radio delete Chevy's.

[Rod K.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

Per the new JG, "...another plate, resembling a "starburst", may also have been used on cars below (approximately) 1957 serial number 2500." Noland Adams shows ser no. 1765 with the starburst plate (Restoration Guide, pg 139).

[Steven B.]

Re: Radio Delete Plate for a '57

I have to wonder why Chevy used two styles for such an inexpensive part (at the time). Anyone know?

Steve