69 Radio Removal

[Skyguy007]

Does anyone know of a clearly written guide for removing the factory, non-stereo, radio from a '69 convertible? The factory service manual covers the entire process in about six very non-descriptive steps. The Haynes manual doesn't deal with the subject. I understand that this requires removal of the right-side dash cover and the front-right panel of the console, but it looks to me like the instrument cluster needs to be moved to allow clearance for the radio control shafts.

 

[a69vette]

Good Question!

I have the same question. I'd like to have some minor repair done on mine, but don't know how to get it out.

Rick

 

[Skyguy007]

Unless someone comes up with a good source, I'll use the factory service manual and just dive into the job while trying to not tear up anything that will screw-up the other electronics under there. I think the heat sinks with for the power supply are behind the passenger side dash panel.

Once the radio's out, it's going to be sent to a shop in your home state. The fellow who operates it moved from my area this year or last and comes highly recommended. I'll pass the shop's name along if they do the job right.

 

[a69vette]

The radio works good, I don't have any of the lights working inside. I'm hoping for an easy fix.

Rick

 

[Skyguy007]

If only the instrument lights don't work, try checking out the dimmer control on the headlight switch. If I rotate the headlight switch shaft on my Vette,such as to dim the lights, the dash lights sometimes go out. A little jiggling of the shaft brings them back to life.

The courtesy light is tied to this switch too, since you can turn the courtesy lights on by rotating the headlight switch shaft to its limit (counter-clockwise I think).

I'd replace the headlight switch, except it's really buried in the dash. It's one of those "far into the future" jobs.

Good luck!

 

[a69vette]

I have all my interior lights and dash lights, I just don't have the lights in the radio.

Rick

 

[Skyguy007]

Does the radio work?

 

[a69vette]

Yep. Plays great (for a '69 AM/FM non-stereo). The lights worked a couple of years ago, and then just went out.

Rick

 

[Skyguy007]

Sorry for asking a question you already answered. If the radio works (lucky you!), it could just be a burned out bulb. Sounds like there's a radio removal in your future too.

 

[a69vette]

Is bulb replacement a "do it yourself-er?"

 

[Skyguy007]

I'm not certain, but I imagine it's an external bulb that's mounted on the front of the radio. You'll want to check the bulb filament's continuity with an ohmmeter or a 12v battery to be sure the problem's with the bulb and not a switch.

Finding the correct replacement could be tough but I'll bet it's listed in someone's Vette parts catalog. The toughest part should be getting the radio out t get at the bulb.

On my Vette, the bulb lights but the radio doesn't work - between the two of us we have one totally good '69 Vette radio!

A radio guy told me that the bulb's function has nothing to do with the radio's fnctioning.

 

[a69vette]

I think I might want the light working more than the radio. With the top down, you can't here it. If some you kid pulls up with his rice toy, he'll be pumping about 600 watts! But you know, I'd rather be seen than heard!

But still.......How do you get the radio out????

 

[Ala75Vette]

Don't know how different, if any, a '69 console is from a '75, but on my '75 I had to remove the instrument cluster console bezel to get the Delco out, which I replaced with a Custom Autosound model. It's not that much additional work to do. The radio knob shafts wouldn't clear getting out otherwise.

 

[SLICKMAN]

Getting the GM radio out is easy... I just used the chilton / Haynes book. I now have a GREAT sounding system. The old one worked fine for 1978 but, not for me.. I kept it just in case I sell the car.

 

[Gunther]

Hi
The instrument/radio bezel has to be unscrewed and moved forward. You don't need to disconnect any of the gauges.
The radio light bulbs are internal inside the radio.
Still easy fix, just needs the radio back side cover unscrewed.
Bulbs are socket type.
And yes, the light circuit has nothing to do with the radio function.
It's a direct wire to the light.
First, you should check the light electric wire going to the radio for power. This might save you a radio removal.
Good luck and happy new year.
Gunther

 

[ChuckG]

It's pretty simple. Take out the passengers dash, remove the radio side panels, lt. and rt. Loosen the gauge bezel. There are 2 screws into each dash panel on each side, and a large screw on the top. You have to be careful here, because the bezel is very thin at the top. It will break if you tug too hard, The bezel also bolts to the console on the bottom with 2 nuts. These can be tough to get to.

Remove the radio retaining "bar" on the passengers side, pull off the radio knobs and bezels, disconnect the wiring harnesses to the radio. Then, wiggle, twist, turn, till it comes out to the passengers side. I've had mine out several times. Chuck