There were three radio options for 1970 Challenger
and Barracuda models. If no radio was ordered, your car
would have a radio block off plate installed and no antenna
hole punched in the fender or rear quarter panel in the
case of the Trans Am cars.
Here is what the smooth block off plate
looks like, it was used in Barracuda models with the standard
cluster or Rallye cluster and all Challenger models with
the Rallye cluster;
The block off plate was also available in
a ribbed version, it was used in Challengers with the standard
guage cluster only;
Here is a photo of a smooth block off plate
installed;
These plates and the cars that did not come
with radios are commonly referred to as "radio delete",
which is a bit of a misnomer since radios were not standard.
It is easier to say "radio delete" than "radio not ordered"
though.
For the radios that were optional we will
start with sales code R11 - Two watt Music Master Radio;
The R22 - Ten watt AM / Eight Track stereo
radio is a thumbwheel type;
The R35 - Ten watt AM / FM stereo radio
is also a thumb wheel type;
Some radios used in other models look similar,
but will not fit in an E-Body. So if you are cruising the
swap meats or Ebay trying to find the correct radio for
your restoration, here are some things to look for. Shown
here is a 1970 AM radio - Sales code R11, but all E-Body
radios share at least three key features;
- Note the protrusions outlined in red with the locating
pins. The one on the left will be a long rectangle, the
one on the right can be a shorter rectangle or square.
All E-Body radios 1970-1974 have these.
- Note that the attaching screws outlined in yellow secure
the radio from the bottom.
- The third E-Body feature is not shown, but only the
E-body radios have the antenna lead plug into the bottom
of the radio.
Special thanks to Scott Smith and
Tom Race for supplying the radio block off plate photos.
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