Decoding Radio Tags

If you are fortunate enough to locate the original identification tag on vintage audio equipment, the numbers can provide invaluable information. The placement of the tag varied, as well as the information given, from year to year.

Delco Radio was the manufacturer of the factory radios in the Chevelles and related vehicle lines. Before 1969, nearly all General Motors audio equipment and accessories were labeled with Delco's numbering system they had used for years. This system consisted of a model number typically six to seven digits long. Unfortunately, these model numbers are not very helpful unless you have a list of numbers to go by. For example, it is difficult to tell the difference between radio models 985159 and 985776 by these numbers alone. If you have access to model number listings, the difference becomes obvious. "985159" indicates a 1962 Corvair AM pushbutton radio, while "985776" indicates a 1964 Chevelle AM pushbutton radio.

In 1968, Delco devised a new system for audio equipment model numbers. This new system can be seen on some 1968½ equipment. However, the vast majority of radios and accessories did not receive tags with this new system until the 1969 model year. This new system consisted of both letters and numbers and was referred to as a Service Model Number. This system made identification of equipment much easier than the previous one.

Click below to view examples: