Radio for 1949 Ford F-1 Pickup ?

[ersatz]

Does anyone know of a resource to find an aftermarket AM/FM radio that will fit in a 1949 Ford pickup truck? It must be 12 volts and install in the dash like the original. Thanks!

[Tim Ayers]

I will try to locate the name of the guy my dad got his from. He use to sell at Hershey and would do either 6V original ones or convert an original into an AM/FM 12V unit.

One warning, they aren't cheap.

[Ken Crans]

If i'm not mistaken they are making a 51-52 radio,modern electronics. and it's only 3 in. deep.if you could get your hands on a NOS radio kit to mount it. Trying to find an original is slim.

[Ross F-1]

I haven't seen any modern radios that even vaguely look period correct. Most have a green LCD screen that spoils it IMO. 48-50 has a different shaped faceplate (dash opening) than 51-52. Someone used to sell adapters, don't see them any more.

[2ndgeer]

Here are a couple of "aftermarket radios" installed in the radio delete plate in F1 trucks. You might not want that modern look. The original radios (restored and converted to 12 volts) show up from time to time in eBay. They might cost $300-$400 but what will an aftermarket radio cost you?

[Ross F-1]

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Originally Posted by 2ndgeer

... They might cost $300-$400 but what will an aftermarket radio cost you?

My choice was made easier because the PO cut out a 9" x 2" slot in the original location to install a late-'50's Plymouth AM radio... I gave in and put in a modern "media player" that plays off a flash drive, iPod, or CD, plus radio, 4 x 40 watts, for $100. Can't hear it above 50 mph anyway...

[ersatz]

Thanks to everyone who has offered their input. I am actually fishing for a friend who is not PC savvy.

2ndgeer........ Where did you get your aftermarket radio? I don't think my friend is too concerned with period correctness.

[2ndgeer]

Ersatz..
The pictured radios are not mine. However, over the years I've have installed Sony, Clarion, and Kenwood cassette stereo radios in my 1934 pickup (overhead panel). They are all the same size like those in the photos I attached. I bought them locally or from Crutchfield by mail. The simple ones may no longer be carried because the current market sells those jazzy panels that announce the song in letters.
If you want to see a neat option (but VERY PRICEY!) check out this current post on eBay...only $562 but it is 12 volts!!
Here's the item number:
300658619159

Maybe your friend should check out auto parts stores that sell radios (like Pep Boys, etc.) There may still be available economic choices that are no longer popular with the "up to date" crowd.

I bought this restored original F1 radio for $419. I think nothing looks better in the pickup dash of my 1950 F1...and the brackets on the side simply bolt to the steel framework Ford installed behind the dash. Maybe it's too expensive but it sure "fits the bill."

[Ross F-1]

Originally Posted by 2ndgeer

....
If you want to see a neat option (but VERY PRICEY!) check out this current post on eBay...only $562 but it is 12 volts!!
Here's the item number:
300658619159

...

Those are simply gorgeous! "Almost" worth the price! Made in USA no less...

[paul2748]

I would look in ebay for old style AM/FMradios Early 70's and later. Aftermarket radios tend to be smaller in size that factory jobs.