Mounting Aftermarket Power Antenna - How Did You Mount Yours?

[Hardway]

I have been trying to mount the Harada MX-1 antenna I picked up this week off Ebay.  I already tried mounting a Metra PW-22 which had a flush mount and could never get it swing forward far enough or back towards the fender so it would be in between the fender and plastic trim.  I had higher hopes for the MX-1 but it is not working out either.  The old Harada that came off used a half dome mount on top and I am beginning to believe I this is my only option.  Before I buy something else can you guys post up what yours looks like mounted on your car, both inside and out?  Thank you so much!

[Captain Obvious]

I'm not sure I understand the problem... Is it that the body tube an the aftermarket antennas is too long to allow you to swing it into place?

[Hardway]

The new antenna is actually shorter than the original Harada.  It seems that new one cannot swing as far forward as the old one.  Its like the mount does not have as wide of a range or motion as the old one if that makes sense. 

[Mikes Z car]

On my radio shack aftermarket power antenna I had to make a metal strap part to make it work because the mount on the bottom of the antenna was not in the right place.  The strap was maybe 3 inches long and maybe 1/2 inch wide with a hole drilled in both ends with one end going on the original mount on the car while the other end was screwed onto the bottom of the new radio shack antenna.  I remember that this slightly changed the angle of the antenna when the antenna is raised but I have never noticed it looking off when walking up to the car.

[Hardway]

Thanks Mike.  Getting the strap to bolt to the stud in the bottom of the antenna/speaker well will take some work as they all come with the generic bracketry for securing it.  My issue is getting the antenna to mount with the outside seal flush with the fender yet having the antenna at such an angle it allows everything to go back together with no interference.  A quick look around on Ebay shows antennas with the type of mount I think I need.  The half dome top mount seems to offer a wider range of mounting positions.  Since my current antenna's chrome mounting nut sinks deep into the top mount, that is preventing me from getting the range I need.  The half dome mounts simply tighten down against the top of the dome.  I think I just need to suck it up and buy an antenna with the half dome mount like the one that was on the car.

[Captain Obvious]

I think I understand the problem now.... The mounting bushing on the new antenna is not designed to be used on an angled surface like the original was. Or at least not as extreme of an angle?

Any chance you could just use the old dome from your original antenna to give yourself the adjustment you need? Or is it dust?

Maybe a belt sander to the bottom of the new bushing to angle the surface to better match the contour of the body? Could you do that such that the modified surface is hidden down inside the rubber seal? Some black or clear silicone schmutz to help with water ingression?

[Jarvo2]

Here's how I did it (including my writeup on making the factory up/down switch work):

 

http://jarvas240z.blogspot.com/2015/05/amfm-antenna-upgrade.html

[Hardway]

Hey Captain!  I have tried using the old dome bushing with the new antenna but the antenna tube is not as long and therefore the threaded portion does not go up high enough.  If I take all the hardware off then it is too high but I might be able to fill in the gap with some washers or something, still looking/staring at it.

Jarvo/Dave, your write up is what I need!  I may not need to swing the antenna as much as I thought.  I am going to work on it this evening.  Regarding your wiring, the MX-1 I have is a semi-automatic antenna but with the antenna tube grounded and I give either the red or green wire 12v, nothing happens.  However, if I incorporate the double throw switch that came with it and ground the switch, it works and you can raise it and lower incrementally.  I had read another write where a owner used a diode/rectifier in light from the original wires to the antenna and it worked.  Why did you have to use the relays?  Do they essentially provide the intermittent power to raise and lower it at will?

[Hardway]

I used Jarvo's write up and I am happy to say the antenna install is complete.  I was able to use the original metal bracket/strap to secure the antenna so I secured the relays to the universal strap that came with the antenna and secured it using the stud and wing nut that holes the original strap in place.  It works just as expected.  The only compromise I made was I am pulling the switched 12v power source off of the parking lights.  So, the parking lights have to be on the power antenna to work.  It is cheating a little bit but the antenna draws next to nothing when it runs so I figured it won't hurt anything.  I really wanted to use the larger original antenna grommet/seal with the new antenna to cover up the ring of paint but I just could not get it to work. As I look at the pictures I am now realizing I did not install a drain tube as the new antenna did not include one.  I never drive it in the rain but I probably need to put some sort of plug in the hole of the body where the old drain tube stuck out.  Next time I have it all apart I will address these issues.  For now, I am glad to have it all back together as I was able to take it to Cars and Coffee on Sunday.  Thank you to everyone for all of your help and advice!

[Namerow]

When Steve makes a new batch, this grommet may solve your exposed paint issues...

http://www.240zrubberparts.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6517164

[Hardway]

Good to know a grommet can be sourced but $20 is a bit steep when you can buy a whole antenna for just a little more.  I will keep it in mind though.

[psdenno]

Would a proper sized firewall grommet cover the old paint circle and allow the antenna base to fit tightly to it?

Dennis