1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

[Marvin B.]

Hello! My first post! I'm working with a couple from Australia to buy a !979 - 81 and they have found a 1981. The dealer has a couple of pictures of the center dash and console, but not high resolution. My concern is this, the dealer is claiming that the radio is a RPO# UM6. Black Book defines the radio as having a built-in clock, so the dash mounted clock is replaced by an oil pressure gauge. The clock is present in the dash, but as noted, the pictures are not clear enough to identify the radio. I'm also concerned about the air conditioning controls being correct.

Is there a resource here Technical Discussion that I might find a picture of the center dash and console for the RPO# UM6?

Thanks in advance, Marv Braund 63427

[Tom B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

When one of the ETR (electronic tuning with digital readout) radio options were selected they had a digital clock in the radio screen. The clock location then was fitted with an oil temperature gauge in place of the clock. All '81s had an oil pressure gauge and none had both a digital clock in the radio and an analog clock in the instrument panel. UM6 is AM/FM with casette. Mine has UM4 which is AM/FM with 8 track so I can't help with the picture you need and yes it works just fine. 8 track is obvious from the large black rectangle door for the big tape cartriges. The casette should be easy to see with the familiar casette shaped slot.

To get a radio and analog clock in the instrument panel you would need one of the standard non ETR radios with a needle dial since they didn't have a digital readout. U58 for AM/FM stereo and U69 for AM/FM mono.

Tom

[Marvin B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

When one of the ETR (electronic tuning with digital readout) radio options were selected they had a digital clock in the radio screen. The clock location then was fitted with an oil temperature gauge in place of the clock. All '81s had an oil pressure gauge and none had both a digital clock in the radio and an analog clock in the instrument panel. UM6 is AM/FM with casette. Mine has UM4 which is AM/FM with 8 track so I can't help with the picture you need and yes it works just fine. 8 track is obvious from the large black rectangle door for the big tape cartriges. The casette should be easy to see with the familiar casette shaped slot.

To get a radio and analog clock in the instrument panel you would need one of the standard non ETR radios with a needle dial since they didn't have a digital readout. U58 for AM/FM stereo and U69 for AM/FM mono.

Tom

Thank you Tom for your reply. I understand what you have told me and appreciate the correction on the oil temperature gauge (not pressure gauge). I was in a rush to get my first post done...so much for perfect! I may still have a few 8 tracks laying around!

Per my request, if there may be a thread or other place to search for a picture or if someone has the ability to provide a picture, I would appreciate it. Thanks for your help!

[Tom B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

I found this '82 picture. It's the same as '81 and this appears to be a UM6 radio.

[Jack M.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

Perhaps the pictures and info in the 1981 Corvette brochure may be of some assistance.
The FULL resolution file would be best (10MB)... it blows up nicely: CLICK HERE
(Dash image on Page 2... radio option details on Page 4.)

While you are at it, consider downloading the FREE 1981 Information Kit too: CLICK HERE

And welcome to the forum!!!

[Jack M.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

Forgot to mention this little tidbit, but I could be wrong for the 1981 model year (I had it in my '79)...
If the Vette came with a cassette radio (UM6), it should also have cassette holder slots built into the glovebox.
They could easily change out the stock AM/FM radio, but it takes more time/effort/details to also swap out the glovebox.

[Marvin B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

Thanks Tom, I've added this picture to the file.

[Marvin B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

Perhaps the pictures and info in the 1981 Corvette brochure may be of some assistance.
The FULL resolution file would be best (10MB)... it blows up nicely: CLICK HERE
(Dash image on Page 2... radio option details on Page 4.)

While you are at it, consider downloading the FREE 1981 Information Kit too: CLICK HERE

And welcome to the forum!!!

Thanks Jack! The brochure was clear enough to see on a printed that it was the radio I am dealing with. Also, great thanks for the 1981 Information Kit! I appreciate the welcome...have already been to a judging event and worked as an observer judge on the C3's. I'm learning much! Again, thanks!

[Marvin B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

Thank you to those of you that responded to my post. I have been able to identify the radio as RPO#UM6, however the center console dash has the clock in it, so I suspect the original radio was changed out. The AC controls appear to be stock configuration. I was concerned that this vehicle may have been in an accident, because it has a hatchback hatch from a 1982 and that other parts were replaced during a rebuild. Carfax doesn't show any accidents after the first date entry in 2007. Thanks again to all of you! Great help here!!!
Marv B

[Michael J.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

Marvin, if you need any more pictures or information, I have a 1981, 5000 mile all original one that won the NCRS Bowtie Award at the National last year. I would be glad to help, just ask or PM me as things come up. Good luck!

[Marvin B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

Thanks Michael! It sounds like you have a real nice Corvette; one to be proud of!!! I was able to answer my questions regarding the radio and A/C controls by using information provided earlier. I also started another thread asking about a hatch on a 1981, as the vehicle I am looking at has one. Got that question answered, as well.

I'm an appraiser, doing mostly Corvettes, and my membership in the NCRS has paid dividends over and over with original type vehicles. I'm working with a couple from Australia on their first Corvette and have been following up on their leads for them. I will be guiding them to consider a '81, so your offer to help will be useful as I go on this journey. Thank you for your kind offer. Marv B

[Tom B.]

Re: 1981 Center Dash Console Pictures

There were aftermarket companies that offered a hatchback conversion kit for 1978 to 1981. Some guys converted theirs with factory pieces from the '82 when they became available.

Tom