Acceptable Antenna Replacement

[Tirnipgreen]

Hello...I have a 1973 240-Z that needs an antenna to fill the hole where the original one once was. I would love an original, but I am not willing to spend the kind of money that I see them for on Ebay, etc. Does anyone have a suggestion for a respectable alternative...? I really don't care if it works...it could even be completely manual. I just want it to look good and retract fully. Thanks for your help...Ryals in north GA.

[jfa.series1]

If it is limited to a broken mast but the lower unit is working, you can fit a replacement non-OE mast. I had that situation when I needed a working unit for bench testing a radio. I picked up a replacement mast with the correct base dia. on ebay. The mast had a nylon lead that worked perfectly with the OE drive mechanism after I transferred the ferrule to the new lead.

This is the same mast I used:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement-Power-Antenna-Auto-AM-FM-Signal-Receive-Expandable-Mast-For-Cadillac/363082619349?hash=item54896919d5:g:UH8AAOSwUdZegvcH

Edited April 5, 2021 by jfa.series1

[mailnome]

My ZX has a black bendable one that was there when I bought it similar to this one

https://www.carid.com/scosche/1979-nissan-280zx-antennas/scosche-antenna-adapter-3180894646.html?relationshipId=3603569300&childId=2656657539&offermpnid=1558167&view=637289&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9cCyr5Do7wIVGrbICh09jwmgEAQYAyABEgLZXPD_BwE

Cheapest route

https://zcardepot.com/collections/280zx/products/antenna-hole-rubber-plug-240z-260z-280z-280zx


Same place has power ones for a fair price. No idea on quality

https://zcardepot.com/collections/280zx/products/antenna-power-electric-radio-240z-260z-280z-280zx


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[Tirnipgreen]

Jim...Thanks for the response. I know the original (previous) owner. He told me that when the original antenna went bad, he replaced it with a manually operated unit that then was broken off and subsequently replaced with a coat hanger...which is the way I got the car from him. I hate to "go cheap" on this item, but the budget has already been blown 4 times my original notion. That being said, and knowing I will never turn the original radio on, I am up for anything respectable...Ryals

[KenFirch]

A few months ago I installed a Retro PA-01 antenna in my 73, works great.  You'll need to connect leads to an always on power, and accessory power to automate.

https://www.jegs.com/i/RetroSound/700/PA-01/10002/-1

[Namerow]

5 hours ago, sfm6s524 said:

A few months ago I installed a Retro PA-01 antenna in my 73, works great.  You'll need to connect leads to an always on power, and accessory power to automate.

https://www.jegs.com/i/RetroSound/700/PA-01/10002/-1

At $55, this looks like a practical alternative to rebuilding your OE Harada (finicky work that may generate indifferent results if the internal plastic bits and the mast tubes aren't in A-1 condition).

[mayolives]

I used zcardepot's replacement antenna on a 77 280 last year.  I fit and worked like new.  As I remember, I had to trace the wiring to get it working correctly.  

[Terrapin Z]

I picked this up at a swap meet a while back. It is missing the top nut though. I have since found an original bullet tip that works so I would sell this if you're interested.