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jimbob1
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 24
Location: oregon
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 Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 8:36 am Post subject: 1959 factory bug radio |
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How many different types of radios were used in 1959 for the bug? If more than one, did any come without push buttons. Pics would be nice.
Last edited by jimbob1 on Thu May 13, 2021 2:24 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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KTPhil 
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Joined: April 06, 2006
Posts: 33986
Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 9:23 am Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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| Minor niggle, but the factory never installed radios (at least in US markets). Distributors and dealers installed them, and although there were several common/standard models, they often installed whatever they could get their hands on, given the skyrocketing demand at the time. |
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jimbob1
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 24
Location: oregon
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 9:30 am Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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| KTPhil wrote: |
| Minor niggle, but the factory never installed radios (at least in US markets). Distributors and dealers installed them, and although there were several common/standard models, they often installed whatever they could get their hands on, given the skyrocketing demand at the time. |
The reason I ask, I’m looking at a 59 that the 2nd owner has a radio in a box that he received from the original owner 35 years ago. It doesn’t have push buttons, I can’t find any examples of that sort on the Internet. Thanks for the above info. |
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KTPhil
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Joined: April 06, 2006
Posts: 33986
Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 9:45 am Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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There are some good radio threads on this site (and others). But probably a knowledgable person will post something soon. I know there was more variability in early models.
By 1959 VW usually used a DIN standard size radio. Most I've seen have pushbuttons, though some were for tone and not tuning, or just selected the band (AM/FM/LW/etc). I googled radios and didn't find any with no buttons whatsoever. Can you post a picture of yours? |
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jimbob1
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 24
Location: oregon
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 9:47 am Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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| KTPhil wrote: |
There are some good radio threads on this site (and others). But probably a knowledgable person will post something soon. I know there was more variability in early models.
By 1959 VW usually used a DIN standard size radio. Most I've seen have pushbuttons, though some were for tone and not tuning, or just selected the band (AM/FM/LW/etc). I googled radios and didn't find any with no buttons whatsoever. Can you post a picture of yours? |
I will try to get a pic from the owner. |
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EverettB
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Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 69798
Location: Phoenix Metro
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jimbob1
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Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 24
Location: oregon
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 12:02 pm Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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| EverettB wrote: |
Maybe it's a Motorola Big M radio?
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Here is a pic
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EverettB
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jimbob1
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 24
Location: oregon
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 12:20 pm Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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| EverettB wrote: |
I'm not familiar with that one myself but definitely looks like a period radio.
If it's not a Motorola radio, the value is probably minimal, even if it's NOS/New |
Don’t really care about value, just wondering if it could’ve been an original radio for this year... |
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KTPhil
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Joined: April 06, 2006
Posts: 33986
Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 12:35 pm Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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It's definitely not "factory" (German) since it has the USA CONELRAD markers at 640 and 1240 kHz, something not done for other countries.
It does look "period." If you can find markings on the radio indicating make and model number, it can probably be identified by year.
It may not even be intended specifically for the VW; those knows have a more generic or American look to them. But I'm just speculating. |
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my59
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Joined: August 13, 2003
Posts: 3789
Location: connecting the dots
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 2:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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My '59 came with a dual mount antenna and a Motorola AM push button radio.
_________________
my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget. |
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jimbob1
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 24
Location: oregon
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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| KTPhil wrote: |
It's definitely not "factory" (German) since it has the USA CONELRAD markers at 640 and 1240 kHz, something not done for other countries.
It does look "period." If you can find markings on the radio indicating make and model number, it can probably be identified by year.
It may not even be intended specifically for the VW; those knows have a more generic or American look to them. But I'm just speculating. |
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KTPhil
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Posts: 33986
Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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jimbob1
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 24
Location: oregon
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: 1959 factory bug radio |
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I found out an Australian company made radios for bugs from 1958-62, I think. They had some type of relationship with RCA or the stated manufacturer. |
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