Was there an AM/FM radio with a separate amp option available for a 1971 Cutlass. Thanks for any info on this option.

 

the 71 was the first year for the stereo unit being built into the radio and not a two piece unit. You could get it as a mono or stereo in 71 but was one piece either way

 

Slight correction, the only FM in 71 was a stereo version. The mono version was added in 72.

 

I did not know that.

 

Ok, so maybe my description wasn’t accurate, I’m looking to buy an AM FM radio, and was told by the seller there were two pieces to the unit, I assumed that the other piece was an amp. Why would there be an additional component. He said it was from a 1971 Cutlass.

 

I could be wrong but I believe the 71 was a one piece unit for stereo. This is a multiplexer for the stereo affect and not an amp. In 70 the Multiplexer was a separate piece from the main radio and I believe that this was built into the radio for 71 so it would be a one piece unit. I know for sure the 72 is a one piece unit for the stereo. Hopefully someone can confirm what version 71 had.

 

That is my understanding as well. However, my late build 70 442 still had the two units like it should for 70. So, I wonder if there were a few that made it into early 71 builds as inventory of the old two piece units were used up.

 

ok thanks. Is this something worth picking up ? What would be a good price to pay for this unit. I may have to resell if if I don't use it. Troy could be correct, the car is a unmolested original and its a 1971.

 

The radio should have a paper sticker that tells you the year. The second unit is actually the amp for the rear channel of the stereo. The tuner and front amp were both housed in the main head unit. The second unit housed the amp for the rear channel. For the 1971 model year, the electronics were made smaller and both amps fit into one housing.

 

The other unit is referred to as a multiplex and yes the numbers of both units should match. As mentioned above 1971 was the first year where is was all incorporated into a single unit ( my favourite am fm radio) and yes the 71 model was am fm stereo. The mono am fm units are good but not as desirable as the am fm stereo units. Al

 

You also have one more potential problem when you add the multiplex into the equation and you need to locate it above the glove box (see manual for mounting diagrams). The one piece am fm radio is worth the wait.

 

While stereo is better than mono in most cases, I am not certain the "one in the dash, one in the package tray" is one of those cases. Other divisions that had gone to left and right by then definitely had the right idea.

 

Antique Auto Radio makes a great retro-look Olds Cutlass high power AF/FM stereo which is a simple install and looks pretty close to factory in appearance. Have it in my '72 ragtop and made way more sense than the cost of sourcing and rehabbing a factory part (or worse, settling for '70's-era sound quality after spending close to the same $$ to get an original unit working).


The AAR is 2 or 4 channel, has AUX inputs and amp-ready. Unless you NEED to keep it stock, better to spend your $$ on the best return for investment IMO.


http://www.classiccarstereos.com/197...442-radio.html


with careful internet searching I found mine for $505 shipped.

 

I passed on the radio based on all the good info you guys gave me. I actually found out a lot of info on the subject on this forum which helped a great deal. Thank You. The classic reproduction radio looks like a nice item.