Radio Question
 

Does anybody here know if the radios from the 1988-? changeover body style trucks will fit the earlier 73-87 trucks without modifications? I searched google and I can't seem to find if GM used the same size radio. Sometimes they do carry over ( I have a 02 Venture that the panel beneath the steering column was the same as an 07 Uplander.) Any help would be greatly appreciated. I purchased a 1988 K5 from Idahomotorcars with a POS radio. For the record I would NEVER do any business with those guys again. Got royally HOSED!

Re: Radio Question
 

Squarebody radios are kinda specific. Anything can be made to fit, but you'd be forced to modify the dash and bezel.

Re: Radio Question
 

Thanks. I was just hoping since square body parts are getting hard to find around here. I'll try the parts board.

Re: Radio Question
 

The radio display you see in the 88 up style truck is just that, a display. The radio proper is tucked down under the dash above your right foot hooked to the display with a wad of wires.

Re: Radio Question
 

You can get new that are made specific to your year model,

http://www.classiccarstereos.com/cus...230-radio.html

Or you can check craigslist, ebay or other sources if you would prefer OEM used/reconditioned working units.

Re: Radio Question
 

The 1988 - 1991 R/V series (squarebody style) used 2 different radios.

The 1988 R/V series continued to use the 2-shaft Delco 2700 series radios like the 73-87 trucks. These radios were also used in many GM cars from the late 70's and early 80's. And there were quite a few different styles (AM, AM/FM, 8-track, cassette, some had digital tuners, and there were even versions with built-in CB radios). They all have the knobs spaced 5-3/4" on center and can usually be swapped without much modification. The wiring plug-ins are different on the 1977 & earlier vs. 1978 & later versions though.

I believe it was 1989 when the R/V series changed over to the newer rectangular 1.5 DIN sized radios. The radio opening in the metal dash structure was changed to accommodate this style of radio and the plastic instrument panel bezel was changed as well. These 1.5 DIN radios were also used in many other 80's & 90's GM vehicles. These also had few different wiring plug-ins with many of the early ones having the same wiring as the 78+ 2700 series radios.

Re: Radio Question
 

Check the salvage yards. I know I see them a lot still in the trucks at the yards.

Re: Radio Question
 

lots of older gm 2 knob radios will bolt right in but you will have to make a rear brace for most

Re: Radio Question
 

I took out my original am only radio and put in one from Retro Sound. Couldn't be happier with it. Original looks but modern radio. They are kind of pricey though.

Re: Radio Question
 

There are plenty of older Pioneer, Sony and Kenwood 2 knob cassette stereos out there and fit just fine. Then just get yourself a cassette adapter and hook up ipod or smart phone into the jack and there you go modern sound. Look on ebay most of the cheaper stereos have no face plate and that is fine since truck radio mount does not need one and would not fit even if it did.

Re: Radio Question
 

Please keep in mind my K5 being an '88 is still like a square body unlike the '88 pickups. I found a fellow on craigslist that has a lot of these trucks if he will only answer my messages. Hopefully I will find one soon. I just wondered if the '88 pickup radios might be the same size as they are easier to come by. Thanks to everyone for their feedback.

Re: Radio Question
 

I bought a really cheap after market shaft style radio for my 84. It worked ok. It had a usb port so you could listen to mp3s. I think I paid less than $20. The fm tuner didn't work very well though. I later removed it and put in a standard aftermarket din style receiver.