Zeke1953

This should work. I believe it is the original formula. Zeke YS410N CC:H Chromapremier SS Alt: 1 801J HSWHITE 154.8 843J BRIGHT YELLOW 245.1 807J LS BLACK 289.4 853J RED ORANGE 293.9 52320N BINDER 499.3 52330N BALANCER 526.0

Congrats, Hank. Looks like your truck just came out of the factory! Zeke

Hank, I got my antenna from these guys -http://www.antennax.com/. If the mounting hole hadn't already been drilled in my truck I think I would have gone with a hidden antenna. I can only get a few stations but that might be due to my location. I got one of those RediRad units so I can play all my classic rock songs through that big mono speaker - just like the old days. Zeke

Hank, I'd say the dashboard cut on my truck was definitely not done at the factory. If you look at the edges in the picture I posted, you can see that they're way too sloppy to have been done at the factory. Zeke

Does this help, Hank? I don't think it was done at the factory. The radio probably came with a template for the dealer to use. Zeke

WOW! Congratulations, Hank. Be careful, though, you're not too far from Reg. I kept all the parts they took out of my radio when I had it restored. I'm pretty sure none of them are in working order, but let me know if you need a part number or something. Zeke (Yep, I'm still here!)

Congrats, Jim! The other good news (for me) is that you are a lot closer to Reg than I am. Also, before you even turn it on, you might want to have it checked out by an expert. I remember reading something about this at the time I was getting mine ready to re-install. I'm sure there are members here who can advise you. Good luck! Zeke

Just got back from vacation and found this auction on eBay for a Model 611-T radio. The information says that it was made for the 1956 trucks, but it looks identical to my 610-T. Not much time left if anyone is interested. Zeke http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1956-Dodge-Truck-Radio-Mopar-Motorolla-model-611T-/270735556511?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ADodge%7CModel%3ATruck&hash=item3f0918bf9f

Here you go, Hank. This should give you all the information you need.

Hank, I'll get you that information this weekend. You're correct about my radio not being factory installed. The cutout in the dash is a little too rough to have been done at the factory.

Does this help, Hank?

Well, the 610-T was in my truck when I bought it but I had no idea it was rare until I joined this forum. I think that the design of this radio was actually a step backward; as we know, both the 602 and 802 models were one piece and covered in a metal case. The 610-T is in three pieces, the power unit, the control unit and the speaker. Only the control unit is encased. The power unit, which contains the vibrator and all the tubes, rectifiers and capacitors is only covered by a thin piece of cardboard over the top. This unit attaches by a bolt through the firewall and it sits right under the antenna mount on the cowl. Over the years, leaks would develop around the antenna and drip down onto the power unit. That's what happened to mine, but because it was garaged for most of its life, the damage was minimal. But it still cost me a lot to get it restored. So my theory is that although many were made, very few (maybe just one) have survived.

At the risk of getting Reg and Bud all riled up, here it is.

You guys crack me up! We ate the base of the cake but I can't bring myself to cut into the truck or the dogs so I think I'll freeze it and roll it out for my birthday every year. And thanks for all the birthday wishes. Zeke

Never expected a birthday cake that looks like this. The detail is incredible -right down to the Lemon Yellow wheels and my two Labrador Retrievers on board.