What are y'all using for an antenna?

4220 Views 43 Replies 32 Participants Last post by DrHawkeye, Apr 16, 2021

Caper50

Discussion Starter · Apr 9, 2021

I'm looking at filling the hole in my fender. I have a repro at home now but I'd like to have something that will sit lower than original. A power antenna would be nice or a low profile billet is what I have in mind. I see SD makes a billet style but how's the quality. I'm not really concerned with using the radio, it's merely for looks. I'm using a bluetooth speaker for tunes.

1 - 20 of 44 Posts

67 Doctor

· #2 · Apr 9, 2021

Caper50 said:
I'm looking at filling the hole in my fender. I have a repro at home now but I'd like to have something that will sit lower than original. A power antenna would be nice or a low profile billet is what I have in mind. I see SD makes a billet style but how's the quality. I'm not really concerned with using the radio, it's merely for looks. I'm using a bluetooth speaker for tunes.

Just a question but if you are not worried about using the radio why are you worried about the quality?

Caper50

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 9, 2021

I see too many vintage cars where the antenna sits crooked because it can't be tightened properly due to cheap quality.

LeeFred

· #4 · Apr 9, 2021

I'm using a repro stock antenna that I've had on there for years. I keep it collapsed to the lowest level and it has a slight rake to the rear of the car. No issues with it.

Reactions: 1

uibalnme

· #5 · Apr 9, 2021

I installed a metra 44-pw22 power antenna in my 65. It makes the car cover easier to deal with. I was able to use the original base from the stock antenna, so it looks just about factory when up. The only give away that it’s not factory are the extra nut on top of the base and the tip is shaped like a cylinder not a sphere.

kblagron

· #6 · Apr 9, 2021

2

I purchased the RetroSound PA-02 Power Antenna, and mounted the power unit inside the car (right of glovebox) and routed cable outside. I used the original base and the supplied nut to hold it in place. If I had to do it again, I would get the same antenna and mount it outside as suggested. I was able to get it installed and working without taking off the fender, but it was a PITA. Taking off the fender or accessing it through the panel in the wheel well would of made it much easier.

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Reactions: 4

supershifter2

· #7 · Apr 9, 2021

An antenna

Reactions: 3

jpacosta481

· #8 · Apr 9, 2021

anybody have any thoughts on the antenna you stuff behind the dash? That way i dont have to open a hole in my new fender plus i like the cleaner look.

geicoman58

· #9 · Apr 9, 2021

On the rare occasions, I use a car cover, the hard mount stock antenna is a p.i.a. to get the cover over..in hindsight, I should have put a power unit in when I built the car....one more thing now on my list of things to redo. Or one of those hidden antennas as the radio is hardly used when cruising as the car is too loud, or just right depending on your opinion!!

richardsimon52

· #10 · Apr 9, 2021

I used the Scott Drake billet antenna which was a tight fit and a PIA to install, but it does look good. Reception is crap, but I don't use the radio when driving, so it basically just fills the hole in the fender.

macstang

· #11 · Apr 9, 2021

No antenna sounds best to me which is what I have. I filled in the antenna hole back when I was drag racing.

Chaplin

· #12 · Apr 9, 2021

I deleted my antenna also. With the Bluetooth radio, I can stream whatever I want to hear directly from my phone.

Reactions: 1

pollock

· #13 · Apr 9, 2021

uibalnme said:
I installed a metra 44-pw22 power antenna in my 65. It makes the car cover easier to deal with. I was able to use the original base from the stock antenna, so it looks just about factory when up. The only give away that it’s not factory are the extra nut on top of the base and the tip is shaped like a cylinder not a sphere.

kblagron said:
I purchased the RetroSound PA-02 Power Antenna, and mounted the power unit inside the car (right of glovebox) and routed cable outside. I used the original base and the supplied nut to hold it in place. If I had to do it again, I would get the same antenna and mount it outside as suggested. I was able to get it installed and working without taking off the fender, but it was a PITA. Taking off the fender or accessing it through the panel in the wheel well would of made it much easier.

Are you happy with the reception on those antennas? I will be reinstalling fenders soon and want to consider a power antenna. Unlike many, I use the radio a LOT.

Reactions: 1

uibalnme

· #14 · Apr 9, 2021

pollock said:
Are you happy with the reception on those antennas? I will be reinstalling fenders soon and want to consider a power antenna. Unlike many, I use the radio a LOT.

The reception is fine. Power or not, just having the antenna makes the difference in reception. Though, in my case, I only installed it to make the car cover easier to deal with. I have a retro sound Bluetooth stereo, so all my music streams from my phone.

LeeFred

· #15 · Apr 9, 2021

richardsimon52 said:
Scott Drake...tight fit...PIA to install...Reception is crap...basically just fills the hole in the fender.

Another quality product brought to you by scott drake. Just think if you bought it for radio reception?

Reactions: 1

GT289

· #16 · Apr 9, 2021

^ Hilarious

BlakeTX

· #17 · Apr 9, 2021

I filled my antenna and mounted the stock unit behind the fender. Ran with it that way for a few years and I would say radio reception was about 90% as good as stock. Then I deleted the radio entirely and run Bluetooth through a small amp. Haven’t needed to yank the fender so the old antenna is a bit of an archeological question mark for the next owner.

Reactions: 1

bmcgc

· #18 · Apr 9, 2021

The PO put on repop fenders with no hole for the antenna. Its now under the passenger seat. I leave it on the same station, reception is ok.

At some point Im going to install a bluetooth and I will leave the antenna as is.

66coupe289

· #19 · Apr 9, 2021

What? No coat hanger fans?

I think I have 35+ year old Radio Shack manual telescoping antenna. It works and looks okay.

Reactions: 2

Mike the old grump

· #20 · Apr 9, 2021

66coupe289 said:
What? No coat hanger fans?

I think I have 35+ year old Radio Shack manual telescoping antenna. It works and looks okay.

Wonder if it's in this catalog... https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Catalogs/Consumer/Radio-Shack-1977.pdf

Reactions: 3

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