Need Radio Antenna Ideas

820 Views 18 Replies 15 Participants Last post by supershifter2, 7 mo ago

Frizlefrak

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

When I built my '70 Mach One years ago, I replaced both front fenders. The new fenders didn't have provisions for the factory antenna, and I really don't want to drill a hole in the new fender. I'm just using a basic media player/radio in the car, but without the antenna hooked up, local FM barely comes in if at all. We have some good FM stations here, so I'd like to add an antenna of some kind, but would like to keep it....well, subtle if possible.

What are you guys using if you don't have the factory antenna? TIA

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

22GT

· #2 · 7 mo ago

Just search "hidden car antenna" and you'll have dozens of choices.

Reactions: 3

gt350sr

· #3 · 7 mo ago

I used a hidden one in my ‘40 Sedan… it worked ok, but not great. Might be easier to use a Bluetooth capable radio and your phone .

Reactions: 2

kb65

· #4 · 7 mo ago

I did not even put a speaker in the dash. the radio lights up and that is all i need it to do.
I have a bluetooth speaker that just sits on the speaker grill and stream xm from my phone.
Car is too loud to spend much on a sound system.

ken

Ray H

· #5 · 7 mo ago

When I installed new fenders I deleted the antenna hole on my 1966. I also installed vintage air in the car that delated the cowl vents. I installed my radio antenna in the cowl area .

Reactions: 1

Frizlefrak

Discussion Starter · #6 · 7 mo ago

gt350sr said:
I used a hidden one in my ‘40 Sedan… it worked ok, but not great. Might be easier to use a Bluetooth capable radio and your phone .

The cheapie head unit has an input jack, and I use my phone for XM. Works good, but sometimes it's nice to twist the key and the tunes come on. The local stations are all 100K watts, just need reception around town.

Thanks guys, I'll do a little digging on the forum.

Blues Power

· #7 · 7 mo ago

back in the day radio shack sold one that clipped to the drip rail over the door
you can probably find on on ebay for $5

Reactions: 1

JAG Sarge

· #8 · 7 mo ago

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Reactions: 4

WreckRod

· #9 · 7 mo ago

Louder exhaust, drive it like you stole it, don’t turn the radio on. 👍🏽

Frizlefrak

Discussion Starter · #10 · 7 mo ago

JAG Sarge said:

I tried it...didn't work. Lousy plastic hangers.

WreckRod said:
Louder exhaust, drive it like you stole it, don’t turn the radio on. 👍🏽

I like the way you think. But about 15 minutes in, I get the itch for some tunes. Baby Boomer Disease.

Reactions: 1

jasonwthompson

· #11 · 7 mo ago

My AM radio antenna is in the passenger side fenderwell area mounted with some zip ties so it does not touch anything.

dcubedus

· #12 · 7 mo ago

Similar situation here. I recently purchased this antenna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNMDTY8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I slid the flat antenna behind my passenger side A Pillar pad and ran the wire down into the dash and to the radio. It’s completely hidden from view. I get good reception on all of the strong FM channels. NOTE - I do live in the DFW metroplex so I do have good signal strength by locality. I can’t vouch for reception out in the rural areas.

Dcubedus

Reactions: 1

Sunlit68

· #13 · 7 mo ago

Do NOT buy a hidden antenna, they get horrible reception.

Reactions: 1

Frizlefrak

Discussion Starter · #14 · 7 mo ago

dcubedus said:
Similar situation here. I recently purchased this antenna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNMDTY8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I slid the flat antenna behind my passenger side A Pillar pad and ran the wire down into the dash and to the radio. It’s completely hidden from view. I get good reception on all of the strong FM channels. NOTE - I do live in the DFW metroplex so I do have good signal strength by locality. I can’t vouch for reception out in the rural areas.

Dcubedus

Thanks....looks good. I may give that one a try. I live in El Paso, so lots of stations at high power. I seldom take the car out of the metro area very far, so as long as it will grab the local channels, that's all I need.

Roddster

· #15 · 7 mo ago

If you can completely insulate your deck lid, meaning hinges and latch, I have heard you can use that as an antenna.
22GT's idea might be out on the internet.

blkfrd

· #16 · 7 mo ago

dcubedus said:
Similar situation here. I recently purchased this antenna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNMDTY8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Dcubedus

I love how the ad says the ferrite core "Reduces Distractions"...Chinglish at its best!

Reactions: 1

Sunlit68

· #17 · 7 mo ago

Roddster said:
If you can completely insulate your deck lid, meaning hinges and latch, I have heard you can use that as an antenna.
22GT's idea might be out on the internet.

Yes, Gilligan got radio stations from the fillings in his teeth.

Reactions: 1

74Rallye

· #18 · 7 mo ago

I had a replacement antenna back in the 80s that was a piece of tape with a wire in it. I placed it around the edge of the windshield and it worked well. It wouldn't be hard to DIY.

Reactions: 1

supershifter2

· #19 · 7 mo ago (Edited)

Eye put a left rear quarter mounted manual straight up and down antenna on mine. Heres a foto of one on a 66 fb i had. You gotta look real good with a real big monitor screen.

Wheel Tire Car Land vehicle Vehicle

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Reactions: 1

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