Antenna Rework

[Oiluj]

My OEM antenna didn't work so this weekend I completely dis-assembled it, cleaned-up all the corrosion and "muck" on the inside and installed a new OEM antenna mast, (provided by the PO).

Installing the new antenna mast was not difficult, but the interior of the mechanism was filled with a mixture of dried-up grease & dirt. Also, the aluminum channel the nylon antenna rod runs in was very heavily corroded. Inside the motor case I cleaned-up using electrical contact cleaner, paper towels and Q-tips.

Once cleaned-up, lubricated and re-assembled, it now operates smoothly. Now I just need to decide if I'm going to use it or go with a more modern, "automatc" antenna...

[beandip]

I guess it depends on weather you use the OEM radio or not. I am using the old AM/FM radio with the switch on the face. However I am using the modern antenna. to do this you need to rewire it to make it work manually. Personally I prefer this because I don't like the appearance of the antenna all the way up. I usually only extend it level with the roof . Because the OEM radio on a 240 isn't compatible with the automatic feature is another reason.

[Arne]

I have my original packed away with the original AM radio. The old Supertuner I have in the car has a power antenna lead, so I installed a modern automatic antenna to go with. If you are going to use a modern head unit, I'd probably use the modern antenna.

And if you ever find a source for more of those replacement masts for the original antenna, I'd love to have one.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

On that subject, I would LOVE To find an original 71 radio for my car. My JVC unit installed by the PO is poo poo.

[Arne]

An original radio for '71 is AM-only, and they sound pretty bad. Are you sure that's what you want?

[hls30.com]

I did the "37 year service" to my original antenna (and a couple of extras) and put it away for posterity. All of them went from barely moving and noisy as hell to smooth as glass and almost silent...almost a shame to file them away in a box! I am closing the fender, and installing a wire antenna in both the front and rear wind shield weatherstripping.

[rdefabri]

I finally landed the original radio for my '72. I may also have an original antenna (it came with the car), but it has a power lead also. Is that correct?

[Oiluj]

My OEM antenna for my late 72' has two leads and a ground strap. One lead is power for "up" and the other for "down".

[Arne]

My original '71 antenna is the same, just two leads. As I recall, one is blue with a red trace, the other blue with a white trace.

[mlaw7]

I have my original packed away with the original AM radio. The old Supertuner I have in the car has a power antenna lead, so I installed a modern automatic antenna to go with. If you are going to use a modern head unit, I'd probably use the modern antenna.

And if you ever find a source for more of those replacement masts for the original antenna, I'd love to have one.

Arne,

I bought a replacement mast a few months ago from MSA and it worked fine. Almost identical to the original.

Michael

[Zealous]

I purchased a metra 44-PW22 power antenna after reading another posting from Dave (zsondabrain) which I can not find right now. Does not look completely original but does the same job in my opinion and I can show you the look and style next time I am up your way. Or even take a photo tomorrow if you like.

This forum has ideas:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31958&highlight=antenna

[Arne]

Arne,

I bought a replacement mast a few months ago from MSA and it worked fine. Almost identical to the original.

Michael

Any chance you could post a picture of the tip of the mast?