Power Antenna in a Bag - Original?

[240 in OZ]

Hey Guys

I did a little exploring in my 240z over the weekend just passed and decided to remove the inner hatch plastic trim panels. When I removed the panel covering the radio antenna side I discovered a non-original, non-powered antenna installed (as expected) and also a curious looking object wrapped up in a blue cotton type material bag. It was pushed into the cavity between the inner wheel well and the reinforcement metal in the area.

On closer inspection I discovered that the object was plugged directly into the original power antenna wiring harness and was also secured to the hatch area using the original threaded rod which is secured in the cavity.

Upon removal and unwrapping I discovered what is the original Harada brand power antenna. The mast has been removed, the mast tube is gone along with the antenna connection to the lead. The motor doesnt work and the extender coil has been snapped off. The case is in pretty reasonable condition.

I am curious to know if the bag that I found it wrapped in is original or not? The bag was badly perished on the base. It is of a blue, non-weatherproof material and it has two slits cut into it, one corresponds to the wiring location on the case and one corresponds to the mast location. The bag was double thickness of material.

The car is a 71 240z. I had a 75 260z 2+2 which also had the original antenna in it and I remember that it wasnt in a bag.

So, is this original maybe to early cars only? Anyone else seen this?

Regards

Joseph

[26th-Z]

I have never seen anything like it, but I'll remember this thread and ask around.

[240 in OZ]

Hey Chris

Thanks for the reply; let me know what you find out. If it turns out to be original Ill arrange some pics and post them.

Regards

Joseph

[Fun_in_my_z]

My 71 still has the antenna. Its electric, but donno if its stock or not. Its not in a bag. But this car was in the weather for a long time.

[Victor Laury]

In a bag uh? sort of like the wiper moter?

[jmark]

In a bag uh? sort of like the wiper moter?

Vic, Is that what's under the cowl? I was wondering what that was.

[240 in OZ]

Victor

Yes, but the material is non-weatherproof. Also the bottom of the "bag" was badly perished so I cannot ascertain if it was fully sealed off at some time in the past.

It may just be a crazy previous owner mod, who knows. But, why choose to store the antenna in this fashion. The mast has obviously been broken off at some stage and the unit replaced. Why not remove the old power unit all together?

Regards

Joseph

[mlc240z]

Have a 71 240z. harada original power antenna installed. no bag, don't think it's original.

anyone know where to get replacement masts or a substitute? nobody seems to carry them anymore.

[240 in OZ]

FWIW, here is a pic of the replacement mast (I borrowed it from ebay).

Joseph

[26th-Z]

Replacement mast kits like that one have been unobtanium for some time. That little baby is worth some bucks!

[Bambikiller240]

So what do people do if their mast gets broken?

Is there an alternative to buying a modern antenna?

[Go240Zags]

I noticed our local "dry goods" store has new Harada power antennas for about $55. Look very similar to the original Z antennas, but use more plastic in the spool/motor area that doesn't show anyway.