I've heard that the original factory radios for the 71-72 trucks had to be fairly close to the radio tower to pick up a decent signal. I've also seen several of these radios restored to like new condition. My question is has anyone considered, or does anyone make or refurbish a radio to look like the original factory AM/FM with today's components that would work a lot better? If so, where could I find one? Basically I'm looking for a radio that looks original on the outside but has today's technology on the inside. XM or SIRIUS capabilities would also be nice.

I've never seen one that looks EXACTLY like the originals, but there are some out there that will fit and look "vintage". Some even have built in controls to control a CD changer that you can hide in the truck. Most I've seen like this, however are around $300-400. For that, I'll just leave in a non working radio and hide a cd player in the glove box!

I believe 68GMCDuallie had his redone to do satty radio.

There are businesses that do just what you want.They make them CD-ready for a remote changer as well.I can`t think of the name right off.But,they advertise in HemmingsMotorNews and the one place is in Sterling Heights,MI,as I recall.It will be under "Services".

I have an original AM/FM radio that was tuned last year and it works great. I pick up KC AM or FM stations just fine and I am in Topeka, roughly 80 miles. I don't agree that you have to be close to the tower to pick up a signal, at least I don't. :)
Jeff

i am considering having my original retrofitted/upgraded. there are a few companies that take the radio apart, clean it, and install modern components/electronics that are operated by the original controls. they usually add cd changer controls and satty inputs, but the whole unit IS your original radio. you can't get a better fit than that.

Would they beable to make it capable to have an ipod hooked up to it?

Here you go, my friend. The best of the best.
Copied from their site....

Instead of restoring the original, we put modern electronics inside, providing crystal-clear FM stereo radio, and XM satellite radio. All with the original vintage exterior appearance unchanged.

We are the largest manufacturer and supplier of antique auto radio conversions and kits in the U.S.A. Our experience is unequalled. Our warehouse always contains 3,500–5,000 radios from 1932 through 1972.

http://www.antiqueautomobileradio.com/

I have a original AM radio that I had modified with an auxilary input .It is basically a pig tail that has a male stereo plug on the end. It works well with my xm radio and mp3 player. The only draw back is that it's mono but it is digital and crystal clear. The company that did it is not around anymore but I am sure somebody in Hemmings does it. Chris

I plan on saving money and doing the following:
1. Hide a modern CD player in the glove box or
2. buy a radio shack booster for a stock AM/FM http://www.nextag.com/Metra-Electronics-Metra-44-3157141/prices-html, Hide an FM modulated CD player, and/or have a FM transmitter from wal-mart and be able to hook up anything, IPOD, XM etc... http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2603620

Up to you on how much you want to spend but there are a lot of items that you can "hide" in your truck and keep the stock look.

http://www.geocities.com/joesclassiccarradio/ I have dealt with Joe and he is good.

Mike