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Mon Aug 12, 2002 8:24 pm

Which radios (Sapphire, Blaupunkt etc.) fit the split window? Were there specific model numbers that are easy to identify? It is obvious when you see one installed or advertised as a bus radio, but do some bug radios fit, but only with a face plate? Which radios are 'correct' for buses '59 - '67. I haven't seen a post for this anywhere.

Thanks,

Scott

Mon Aug 12, 2002 10:08 pm

Ive mounted stock early beetle radios minus the face plate. My 21 window has a saphire out of a 66 bug with no face plate. It went right in. Good luck.

Thu Aug 15, 2002 7:19 am

Thanks MyBigChevyTruck,

I have been told that most bug radios fit, but wasn't there a specific radio for the bus that maybe had a chrome trim around the button area? I have a '63 Deluxe and want to get the 'correct' model for that year. Was there a AM/FM Sapphire made that year?

Thu Aug 15, 2002 7:21 am

I think Sapphire made AM/FM radios in 1963 but I don't know the model number. The Sapphire I in my bus is AM and doesn't have any special chrome trim on it. I think they did have chrome trim for the deluxe busses.

Doug

Thu Aug 15, 2002 7:29 am

I believe the AM/FM model is the Sapphire II. As far as I know, Deluxe Buses just had white knobs, same as a Beetle. No chrome trim or faceplate.

Thu Aug 15, 2002 7:56 am

Everett,

Thanks for the info. I just verified through a 1963 VW showroom catalog that the Sapphire II is the AM/FM model and was available in 1963. Their photos show it installed on a bug. It didn't give any specific info on the bus

I just received an email from Tim who has a number of Sapphire radios and says that the deluxe bus had a faceplate with the radio that was smaller than the bug, but was an option for the deluxe.

Scott

Thu Aug 15, 2002 9:15 pm

my 66 sapphire has a plastice chrome faceplate, am only though :(

Tue Aug 20, 2002 12:27 pm

Scott,

You mentioned Tim has a number of sapphire radios and faceplates. Who is Tim and how can I reach him. The person who had my bus before had cut the opening for the radio slightly larger and I did not notice it until after completely painting inside. I had a faceplate over the hole, but would like to put in a radio and the chrome face plate would hide the extended opening. Thanks

Tue Aug 20, 2002 2:02 pm

Surferbus,

Tim's email is: BMountaintop2@aol.com

Good Luck,

Scott