1972 U79 stereo

[Tom L.]

The replacement stereo in my car works poorly and rather than spend $ on another replacement I'd like to spend it on a correct radio. My AIM shows two different recievers, one for AM/FM U69 and AM/FM Stereo U79. The part numbers listed are U69 #7937571 along with it's convector (I didn't write the numnber down as it doesn't apply) and U79 #7937581 and its adapter assemble #7312411.

My inital search (Ebay and a few other places) located some 1972 recievers but didn't identify them as U69 or U79 which I'm looking for. I assume there a difference but am not sure. Can these recievers be used interchangably? And does anyone know of a good source for a radio of this typr

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Lynn, there is definitely a difference between the non-stereo (U69) receiver and the stereo (U79) receiver. The most obvious is a stereo indication on the face that lights up when a stereo station is received. The stereo indication is different for different years, and I can't recall what the 1972 indicator is.

In some years it is the word "Stereo" in orange, and other years it is an orange dot the lights.


There is also a difference in the electrical connections on the rear of the radio receiver, but I can't describe those differences.

Ideally others will fill in the blanks.

[William C.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Also, as I rember, (It's been a long time since the '72) I believe there is a secondary amp located above the radio that is required for the stereo radio to function. I beleive the amp is common to other GM lines although possibly with different bracktry

[Tom L.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

The secondary amp/adapter is still in place. I'm only seeking the reciever part of the system.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Lynn,

Your '72 model should have a face plate with a red dot in the upper right corner for receiving a stereo signal. The '71 and earlier U79 radios use the word STEREO in capital letters in a rectangular space in the upper right corner of the face plate and is blue in color.

[Jim S.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Lynn,

Your '72 model should have a face plate with a red dot in the upper right corner for receiving a stereo signal. The '71 and earlier U79 radios use the word STEREO in capital letters in a rectangular space in the upper right corner of the face plate and is blue in color.

Here are a few pics of my 72 Radio,

Sorry I can't turn on the radio, (no Battery) but it clearly has the rectangle in the upper right. Trim tag states C-19 date

Jim

[Edward M.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

The replacement stereo in my car works poorly and rather than spend $ on another replacement I'd like to spend it on a correct radio. My AIM shows two different recievers, one for AM/FM U69 and AM/FM Stereo U79. The part numbers listed are U69 #7937571 along with it's convector (I didn't write the numnber down as it doesn't apply) and U79 #7937581 and its adapter assemble #7312411.

My inital search (Ebay and a few other places) located some 1972 recievers but didn't identify them as U69 or U79 which I'm looking for. I assume there a difference but am not sure. Can these recievers be used interchangably? And does anyone know of a good source for a radio of this typr

Found this on Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-1973-1974-CORVETTE-STEREO-RADIO-/170422904077?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27adff250d

[Alan S.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Hi Lynn,
Member Jerry Rudbeck does a very nice job repairing and restoring these radios. He may be able to give you a lead as to where to find just what you need.
Worth a call? 864-363-0947
Regards,
Alan

[Tom L.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

I saw that as well but the seller does not differentiate it from a U69 reciever. The 2nd piece looks to me as if it is a convector not the adapter assembly used with U79. Are you able to tell the difference visually? I'm going to contact the seller to find out. Thanks.

[William C.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

It's not an adapter, it's actually an amplifier and the mount is a set of cooling fins.

[Tom L.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Not sure what the correct name for the part is , I just used the description in the AIM, "Adapter assembly"

Also, I looked again at Ebay and found this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

It is a U79 stereo from a '70 and has the adapter assembly (or amplifier) I am speaking of.

Does anyone know if there are differences on the faceplate that clearly identfy a stereo as a U79? Most of the stereo's on ebay don't provide part numbers or say which option it is.

[Robert S.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Lynn, I have a U79 radio that I pulled out of my 71 since my car appeared to be a U69 originally and it has the wrong lettering color. The U79 has white lettering and an orange stereo dot, so it would be for a 72 or possibly later.

I know it worked, but not sure how well since I hardly drove the car before disassembly. The only thing I see wrong with it is that one wiring harness is spliced. If you think you would be interested and/or having trouble finding one, I'll give it to you. In the worse case, you would have a hulk for someone to repair.

[Reba W.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

I believe that the convector/amplifier/whatever is different for a stereo radio. As Terry mentioned the wiring connectors are different. I replaced the aftermarket radio in my 1972 when I bought it, and I remember someone telling me to be sure that the two pieces matched.

[Robert S.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Reba,
I was not sure if your comment was to me. When I got the car with the U79 radio, the U79 stereo "convector" was wire-tied to one of the dash braces. So, the wiring harness on the radio is correct. And it is different than the one for the U69 radio that I installed.

[Jerry R.]

Re: 1972 U79 stereo

Lynn,

White lettering, orange stereo "dot", a recessed 9 pin socket in the back lower corner for the stereo de-multiplex/amplifier unit to plug into, a model number of 21VFM1 (2 stands for 72) and you have it.

68-71 units can be converted into a 72 by changing the cosmetics if you have access to the parts and the patience. Replacement white dial drum decals are available in the aftermarket. The circuitry is functionally the same in that series.

The stereo model performance, once restored, is vastly superior to the monaural model. Add an auxiliary input jack, a pair of Greg Thompson's new model 4X6 vette speakers and you won't want one of the aftermarket wanna-be radios.

Jerry

HI ALAN!