1970-71 AM-FM radios

[wanderlustin]

Guys I've been perplexed about these two radios I've got and not sure of the switch - over from thumb wheel to rotary knobs.  I thought I was certain that thumb wheels were 70-only but looking at what I think to be a date code on the Motorola tag it appears to be a 71.  Also, regarding the rotary knob version I used to be under the impression that these were 71-74 and should have black knobs.  Is it possible there was a transition period where chrome buttons were used with rotary knobs?  Unfortunately I do not have a Motorola tag for that one.

[Cuda Cody]

DUDE, where did you find that AM/FM E-Body radio?  That's a super rare and hard to find radio!!!!     This is what I found on Wards site under the photo of the E-Body AM/Fm radio...

Now we have a 70-71 AM FM . Notice this is a thumbwheel radio. All 70-71 E body AM FMs are thumbwheel style. There are actually 2 different model designes , however, they are visually identical from the front. The 70 model used a Phillips radio,
part# 2884658 and 71 used the Motorola unit you see here, part # 3501050, easily identifiable as the 71 unit by the cassette lead on back.  All E body AM FMs
as well as AM 8-tracks are stereo units, and require a 3 speaker dash and crossover box (located behind glove box/ we service these as well).

[wanderlustin]

Let's just leave it at a liquid-encouraged ebay purchase a while back.  I think it was before I bought the green machine

[wanderlustin]

Thanks for that info @Cuda Cody!  I keep forgetting about Wards.  I was just boxing this up to go out.  Maybe I should visit his site.  It may be cheaper than what I've spent on the last two.

What is your thought about deviating from the R11 radio to R35 AM/FM?  I didn't even think about the 3-speaker dash.  That's kind of a major change.

[Cuda Cody]

Radios are kinda of one of those easy things to change out so put whatever radio you want in it.  As for the 3 speaker dash, that's a little hard to change back if you wanted to, but I think most people would like the 3 speaker dash more then a single speaker.  Sounds better and it's still a stock item. 

Would you take the AM/FM radio over an AM 8 Track?

What is your thought about deviating from the R11 radio to R35 AM/FM?  I didn't even think about the 3-speaker dash.  That's kind of a major change.

[wanderlustin]

Boy that's a toughy...There's a few more components with an 8-track.  I'd have a hard time finding some Aerosmith, Jethro Tull or Triumph on AM radio these days...

[70/6chall]

OK guys!, 70/6chall here. My car ,DID NOT!, from the factory come with the 5-speaker R35 radio system. What changed my mind was a trip to a u-pick auto wreckers. We're talking about 20 years ago, while rummaging I came across a '71 challenger coupe in autumn bronze and a white top and interior. I deffinatley pulled a few items off for myself. (1) a flip door gas cap and ring, and some other goodies. Also an AM/FM R35 roll dial Motorola multiplex stereo w/ crossover box. Oh, this Dodge was not an R/T model (flat hood). The factory stereo alone ran me $10. And that darned radio works. Coupled with the black OEM 3-speaker, non-air dash pad w/ the 3" front speakers and (2) 6x9 vintage Pioneer tri-axial speakers completes the sound system.    Thanks, AL

[fc7cuda]

That's a great find for just 20 years ago.   

Last AM/FM I found in a yard was closer to 30 years ago. 

[70/6chall]

You know what fc7cuda, it was one those days when, you pay your $2.00 at the gate, walk in drag your tools with you, and "bingo" they just dropped down a row of cars, one being a '71 Challenger. I'm on this right now.what a great day and before any one else saw it.

[my70chally]

My 70 Challenger came with AM radio and single speaker.  I upgraded the radio from http://www.vintageautoradio.com/ complete with Bluetooth.  They reproduction looks exactly like the original with 4 channel audio and Bluetooth.  http://www.vintageautoradio.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_new.tpl&product_id=100&category_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=67

I also purchased a Single dash speaker with dual coils for stereo input.

They will also take your old radio and refurbish it with new guts.

[303 Mopar]

My 70 Challenger came with AM radio and single speaker.  I upgraded the radio from http://www.vintageautoradio.com/ complete with Bluetooth.  They reproduction looks exactly like the original with 4 channel audio and Bluetooth.  http://www.vintageautoradio.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_new.tpl&product_id=100&category_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=67

I also purchased a Single dash speaker with dual coils for stereo input.

They will also take your old radio and refurbish it with new guts.

Did you get the Vintage Auto 4x10 dual cone speaker?  How did it fit and sound?

[my70chally]

[/quote]

Did you get the Vintage Auto 4x10 dual cone speaker?  How did it fit and sound?
[/quote]

Yes I did.  Sounds pretty decent for a 4x10.  It has to be the shallow one and the right side terminals can touch the metal dash so had to bend them and insulate the dash.  You also have to remove a plastic spacer on the mounting surface or the stock grill will not fit.  Fits right into the same spot. 

[fc7cuda]

You know what fc7cuda, it was one those days when, you pay your $2.00 at the gate, walk in drag your tools with you, and "bingo" they just dropped down a row of cars, one being a '71 Challenger. I'm on this right now.what a great day and before any one else saw it.

Yeah, sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.  Sounds like it's still a good memory for you.