TheSamba.com :: View topic - 70 Radio block-off panel

Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:34 pm

I've been hunting high and low for a radio block-off panel for a '70. For some reason, nobody has one. The only ones available are from '58 to '67. Fill in the blank space:
(I have the original steering wheel, too...i just need to get around to putting it on. Pay no attention to the trash on the floor..it's a work in progress :lol: )

MAM: '58 - '67 only http://www.mamotorworks.com/acvw?frame=1.3091
Wofsburg West: '58 - '67 only http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111857233AA
BFY: The catalog shows everything BUT the radio block off panel:

Does anyone have a template or anything so's I could MAKE one?!?

Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:28 pm

The reason why you don't see a block-off plate for a '70 is because the part that blocks off the radio area would be contained within the dash pad. In other words, if you want to block off the radio on a '70 the way that they would have at the factory, then you would replace the dash pad with a new one and leave the area for the radio uncut.

If you plan on rolling without the dash pad then I would just cut a piece of sheetmetal to fit that area, weld it in and you're done.

Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:44 pm

When in doubt, search the classifieds:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=408511

John

Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:46 pm

johneliot wrote: When in doubt, search the classifieds:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=408511

John
That is actually for a Bay Window Bus. But if you add a open bezel from a late model Beetle you get...

Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:54 pm

Let me add that this info is correct, 68+ beetles were shipped without radios and the dash pad was non cut so the radio block off was built right in.

Glenn's bay window bus radio block off + Beetle surround is the only thing to do and a very stock looking fix.

And may I add that Glenn, you continue to amaze me with the pictures you come up with of every imaginable thing !

Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:01 pm

DrDarby wrote: And may I add that Glenn, you continue to amaze me with the pictures you come up with of every imaginable thing !
Top is NOS 71-72
Middle is aftermarket 73-74,76-77
Bottom is used OEM 75 with the radio hole cut.

Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:10 pm

When I decided I didn't want to cut my dash or use the glove box, I used that block off plate and trim to do this:

Stereo is mounted in the trunk, I got radio and ipod inside.

John

Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:20 pm

JohnEliot-
is that just velcrowed or 3m taped to the block off Plate? is it a wireless remote for your stereo? I am not up on new stereo's, as i dont have a radio in any of my cars.

Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:53 pm

That is a marine unit. It is a wired remote. Normally it is what you would use when you are in the water and it is attached around the swim platform. I like it because the head unit is made to withstand moisture. My trunk is sealed well, but it's nice to eliminate one variable. It is held in back by a piece of "C" channel. Two holes are drilled through the channel and long bolts are threaded through to the back of the unit. As you tighten the bolts it sucks the remote unit tight.

John

Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:10 am

Did you paint your own grill and glove box? My '70 has a black grill and glove box, while earlier ones were same color as the VW, just wondering.

Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:40 am

Yes, I painted them. I preferred black to the gray that I painted the body. I used a satin finish and it came out real nice.

John