Most of the early 1950s Chevrolets shipped without a radio, which was generally a dealer-installed "accessory," as were those whitedwall tires and the oil bath air cleaner. They were bargaining chips in the sale negotiation and a way for the dealers to make some money.
Back in the day, waaay back, my good friend installed the radio out of my 1938 Lincoln Zephyr in his father's 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline. If that fine Fleetline two-door still exists -- as i surely hope it does -- then somebody is still wondering what happened there. It was a real "hot rodder" at work, doing the best he could with what he had, and doing it right well.
Both of our 1952 Chevrolets -- and all three we have owned -- have never had a radio installed. i bought a nice, original radio complete for my spouse's '52 four-door, but i have never had the gall to drill a hole for the antenna in that expensive paint. Aside from that, in these latter days, there be nothing on AM radio that we want to hear.
God's Peace to you.
d
Inliner #1450
