Shipping Information

Click here to download the Shipping Form.

Congratulations on your decision to have your radio converted to AM/FM Stereo. Remember the radio that you send in must be in good physical and mechanical condition AND proven to be the OEM correct radio that fits YOUR car's dash correctly.

The most critical stage in this process is the packaging and shipping of your radio.  Use this page to help in preparing your vintage audio radio for shipment. You may wish to Print this page and refer to it as you prepare your unit. Taking adequate time to pack your vintage auto radio properly and sufficiently before shipping is well worth the time, effort, and expense. It will also help prevent the heartbreak that inevitably comes when a one-of-a-kind radio has been inadvertently damaged during shipping. When that happens, there’s simply no turning back the clock.

Materials Needed

  • Boxes x 2 (see instructions below)
  • Packing/Strapping Tape
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Extra Cardboard

To Properly Pack and Ship a Vintage Auto Radio:

  • Please don’t send JUNK! Look at the inside of the radio to make sure the mechanical tuner mechanism is clean and works. Turn the knob and push the buttons. Turn the volume, tone, on and off switch to see if they feel “normal.” We reuse those parts as new replacement parts are not available for these components. We do not fabricate radios from drawings either.
  • Measure your unit- Length, Width and Height.  Locate a sturdy box that is approximately 8 inches larger than your unit on all sides. (Once unit is bubble wrapped, you’ll need at least 4″ of space, surrounding the top, bottom, and all sides.)
  • Place small or loose parts in bags and label them.
  • Do not include radio knobs. Keep these is a safe place. You’ll reinstall the knobs when your “new” conversion is returned to you.
  • Check all chassis mounting screws. Make sure they are there (not missing) and tight. A loose chassis will most always damage your radio during shipment. Shifting may occur and the dial glass or other delicate parts might get broken.
  • Wrap the entire unit in bubble wrap: Top, Bottom, and Sides. Wrap your radio loosely (not so tight as to bend the shafts) in bubble wrap. Carefully pack & protect the shaft controls and the face of the radio best you can. Bent shafts cannot be repaired or replaced. We have seen damage from shipping, so take care to pack carefully, NO PACKING PEANUTS!  They do not keep the radio centered in the box!  Bubble wrap (loosely, not so tight that it bends the shafts).)
  • As you wrap the unit consider marking the top, that way you avoid placing it in the carton upside down. DO NOT: use excessive amounts of tape to secure the bubble wrap.  A little goes a long way.
  • Insert the unit with the top end up. While gently pushing down, shake or vibrate unit to settle into place.
  • Fill sides and top with bubble wrap, making sure the unit does not have room to ‘float’ around during shipment.
    DO NOT: Use clothing, blankets, your recyclables, newspaper, or pillows in your packaging.  These items are not suitable for shipping and will not be kept or returned.
  • IMPORTANT! Submit the Shipping Form which provides information about you (your name, address, phone numbers, including daytime and evening numbers, and email) as well as desired conversion information.
  • Seal the box with packing/strapping tape.
  • Mark the top as: TOP or This Side Up!
  • For the Double box method, use a second box 3″ larger than first box. Line bottom with bubble wrap and insert first box. Fill sides and top.
  • Seal the box with packing/strapping tape.
  • Print and tape these 3 labels on the outside of the box. (Click here) – Fragile, This End Up!, Handle With Care!
  • Insure your equipment for a minimum of $300.00 Keep in mind, a radio that arrives damaged, will not be covered by shipping insurance, if the carrier’s claim department determines that it was inadequately packed.  Please see your carrier’s website for proper shipping and packing.
  • Ship to:

Vintage Auto Radio
6523 247th Ave.
Salem, WI  53168
888-514-3811 or 262-885-1581

 

This page is intended to assist you in the proper packaging of your radio for shipment. It is not intended to warrant or guarantee against damage. You must use your own discretion when preparing your unit for shipment.