Radio - ‘50 - ‘51 interchange?

[ronta]

Will a 1950 radio fit a 1951 commander starlight coupe

[RadioRoy]

No. In 51, Studebaker moved the windshield wiper mechanism from under the hood to under the dash. That necessitated modifying the radio case to provide clearance. The 51-52 radios have a slanted upper rear case, whereas the 50 radios are square, looking at them from the side. The 51-52 radios will fit in a 50, but the 50 radio will not fit in a 51 or 52.

You cannot cut the case either, as all of the electronic components had to be rearranged inside the radio when the case was modified.

[gordr]

I have in my collection a radio with a cut case, but whether it ever successfully worked in a '51 or not, I don't know.

[Bud]

I agree with RadioRoy, The case on a 1950 radio cannot be modified to fit in a in 1951 or 52 car without doing major surgery to the electronics in the radio which would be costly and near impossible. Bud

[RadioRoy]

I have in my collection a radio with a cut case, but whether it ever successfully worked in a '51 or not, I don't know.

If my recollection is correct, there are tubes and maybe a transformer up top that will still be in the way, sticking out even if the case is cut.

[gordr]

I will have a look at it today, if I can find it. Wasn't me that cut it; got it for a few dollars at a swap meet, I think.

[Bud]

The power transformer, vibrator, filter cap, 2 6AQ5 and 1 6X4 tube are mounted close to the top of the chassis in S4924 and S4927 radios for the 1950 cars which makes it almost impossible to configure the radio case to fit the 1951 and 1952 cars. Bud

[RadioRoy]

The power transformer, vibrator, filter cap, 2 6AQ5 and 1 6X4 tube are mounted close to the top of the chassis in S4924 and S4927 radios for the 1950 cars which makes it almost impossible to configure the radio case to fit the 1951 and 1952 cars. Bud

Yup. That's what's up there all right. So... no case cutting will do the trick, although some have tried.

[RadioRoy]

Here's one on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Studebaker-Philco-Car-Radio-Model-S-5127-Year-Model-1950-1952/303214806108?hash=item469902c45c:g:kuMAAOSwtMNbuM7D

Here's another

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1950-1951-1952-Studebaker-Radio-Champion-Commander-AM-Model-S-5127-UNTESTED/254191295121?hash=item3b2efb5a91:g:CzwAAOSwcOZcMTCS

I have one as well.

[JohnMSeymour]

The Philco in my 51 has no push button tuning.

[StudeRich]

That is because it is the "Low Line" Manual Tuning 6 Tube Model, not the Top of the Line 8 Tube Push Button, Stratoline Model.

[rockne10]

The Philco in my 51 has no push button tuning.

That's to discourage you from getting in a musical rut; not that AM stations play much music anymore. But with those hot tubes and telescoping antenna you can pick up Tierra del Fuego. In another life maybe Cousin Brucie or Wolfman Jack!

[RadioRoy]

Actually, you can still get Cousin Brucie on SiriusXM satellite radio.