I'm planning on installing a radio and speaker into my 52 (and the 51 eventually) sometime soon. In doing some research, I found that the speaker is attached to a bracket that fits over the radio turn dials and is then attached to the inside of the dash. Finding the speaker bracket appears to be almost impossible.

Several years ago I purchased an NOS Radio Adapter Kit and have only now brought myself to the point of opening it. Inside the kit I found the speaker bracket, radio housing support for the rear, antenna bracket, templates for drilling a hole for the antenna and for the housing support bracket, as well as the instructions.









The installed speaker bracket can be seen below (image courtesy of eBay).




The speaker bracket is not available in reproduction and I don't think that many vendors even know about it. Plus, not sure how good of a seller this item would be in a repro market, but I have decided to look into it. I plan on locating a few local facilities that may be able to reproduce the bracket. Once I know whether it could be done and the initial cost, I'll then decide if I should enter the repro parts business with my first product.

It's an ambitious step that may not materialize, but it costs only my time and effort to try.

 

Ilya,

I kind of think it's funny that this kit is specifically made for the '51-52 but on last page it show what looks like a '48-50 front quarter.

 

Does the same bracket flip over for use in a 48-50 truck? That would increase the potential market a little bit.

 

Would you need an extra bracket to do this? There is a speaker hole where you can mount a speaker directly to the dash in my '49 and '50:

 

There's a different adapter for the '48-50



They show up on eBay every so often.

 

I've got one of those radio brackets too, but I don't recall there being any special bracket for the speaker when I pulled it off of my parts truck... but then again, its been a while since I did that.

[edit] Ok, I think I misunderstood and assumed that the speaker was the same for the '48-'50 and '51-'52 model years

 

Hello Mr.Panel man!, I am in dire need of one of those kits that you have pictures of ,,, or just diminsions, you said that you may start fabricating some if the cost was not to bad, Well, just how much can your existing speaker adapter kit be bought for?? If it can be bought ! Thank you first of all for posting those pictures so that I now now exactly how the speaker is attached in my 52 f-1

 

I didn't realize they were hard to come by? I think I've got a couple in the parts stash. if Panelman hasn't found or made some more by now?

 

See if you can access my email and send a phone number,as I will purchase this speaker adapter now if you have one for sale, thanks,JMadsen

 

Mcgeede wants a radio adapter kit or just the plate to mount the speaker!!!Heeelp

 

JMadsen ! Please send your e-mail or phone number, via private mail

 

Sorry. I initially looked where i thought they where but didnt find any. Just got out of the attic and have one in hand!

Send me an email to jfmadsen at yahoo dot com


Thanks
Josh

 

Update: I received a quote on getting the speaker bracket and radio support bracket reproduced a per the original. The initial cost isn't bad and the first run will be limited to 25 pieces. I'd like to know if there'd be interest from FTE members for these parts before I place the order. I'd prefer to have several or at least half preorders. It would about 1-2 weeks to get a run of 25 made. The new kit will also come with a copy of the instructions.

Since selling is not permitted in this forum, please PM or email me, and I'll provide you with the cost and take your pre-order.

Thanks!

EDIT: Forgot to mention that the speaker bracket will allow you to install a 6x9 speaker in the stock location even if you are not using the original radio.

 

I'd be interested in just the rear bracket. I'll PM you.

 

I am definitely interested, especially if you reproduce the instructions. Thanks for doing this.