I am in search of a front panel that is lightweight and looks like a realistic radio/cd player with speakers at side, maybe plastic. magicwalsh@gmail.com

Look for a company that makes props for department stores. They sell "fake" moulded plastic lookalikes.

John

If somebody locates one of these companies, I'd be curious to know what else they might have.

Did a search and all I could find is IPODs and Flat Screen TVs. I think you waited to long looking for a Boombox or stereo component set. Your best bet is to visit all the furniture stores you can, and if you see something you can use, ask to purchase it or find out where the display props come from. If they say home office, ask if they have a contact name and number you can talk to.

I found this one. The company says they make the displays out of real parts. It is probably not what you are looking for, as I bet you are trying to make a vanishing stereo. Anyway, look at this:
http://electronicprops.en.ecplaza.net/12.asp

Here's another http://www.realelectronicprops.com/Audios.htm

I always thought gutting a real BoomBox and cutting the front off would do well for a vanishing radio.

John

Thanks for the link. I have a vanishing boombox partially built (long term project) in which I'm using the front from a real boombox. It is easy enough to gut them and replace certain real parts with fake ones to complete the look.

Check yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores for the real deal.

These used to sell them. http://www.propsbyidm.com/Audiovideo.htm

Has anyone ever seen this radio close up? http://www.kapmagic.com/index.php?productID=313

It seems that Kap Magic are fake.