In the process of removing the gas tank, I realized I had to pull the mufflers too...not a big deal, since one of them is completely shot (ordered the N-11 setup from CA) after a hole on the inlet end expanded rapidly at a red light. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to figure out why my antenna doesn't work. What I found wasn't what I expected, based on pictures that I've seen here. I didn't remove it since it was time for dinner, but I did take a couple of pictures. What do I have?



It seems to only have the one wire coming off...looks like the signal wire, rather than power. Dangling underneath was a 2-prong female plug...the slots are perpendicular to one another. Is this the power/ground for an antenna? I couldn't see anywhere to plug it in, but I was in a hurry and I'd already cleaned up so I didn't want to go fumbling around much.



And finally, I apologize for this TERRIBLE photo (my camera doesn't have a macro mode) but what is this broken off ground from? It's dangling from that wire running across the car, just right of center. This is the front of the rear valance. You can see where the license plate frame mounts on the other side.



Actually here's the final pic. This used to be a small (1/2" or so) hole. I know exactly when it gave out, because I heard it happen. It was pretty awesome, I must admit.

 

That's just a regular ( not power) antenna so the only cable ( what you are calling a wire) is the antenna cable going into it. If you have a power cord hanging there, that was for the power antenna when it was in the car. The mysterious ground is also probably from the original power antenna.

 

The mounting plate should be grounded.

 

That's pretty much what I was thinking. I've never seen a manually collapsable antenna before.

Who's got the most accurate repros? Ecklers' looks more like what I was expecting, but Paragon's looked a different. I've read that the mast tips are usually wrong.

 

That's the repro manual antenna made for 63-64's. It's also sold for 65-66's, the difference being the 65-66 antenna nut in place of the 63-64 type nut.

The 65-66 power antenna is repro-ed by EC Productions and comes in 2 versions, regular and concourse. The difference being the regular one having a natural stainless mast versus a polished mast on the concourse one. The original mast was chromed, but the polished mast is about as close as you can get in a repro. I believe the tip on either of these antennas is pretty close to correct. The difference in cost is $10 or $15 dollars. EC only sells wholesale, but their antennas are available through most vendors, or retail their division (Pacifica Corvette I think). There is a mounting bracket needed for the power antenna also, which from your pictures, appears to be missing.

Do you have the power antenna switch in your car still? It is mounted to the left (drivers side) radio side panel on 65 & 66's. If not, you will need one of those also. The antenna is raised by the switch in 65-66, not by the radio like on later cars.

 

Yeah, I have the switch. Thanks for the info on the supplier, I'll check them out in the morning.

 

You can also check with Greg Thompson if you are looking for a correct antenna. Here is his web site. Tha is where I got mine.
http://c2powerantenna.com/index.html

 

I was stopped by Va. Vettes on Saturday and they had both the repro antennas and three of the originals. Don't know the prices but give Dick a call at 757-229-0011 and he can hook you up.

JP

 

I've got his page bookmarked. For the moment, he's at the top of my short list of options.

Awesome, I just sent him a PM. Thanks for the tip!

 

John is correct .
We sell the EC repro. std power antenna for $165 and the GM restored antennas for $599 outright or $499 exchange.
Thank you for the inquiry.
Virginia Vettes
1-757-229-0011

 

I suggest you get the concours repro antenna for a extra 20 bucks. Not only is it polished, but it has the rings cut in the top of each mast section, like the originals had. A pretty good repro really. It won't fool a NCRS judge, but most people wouldn't know the difference.

 

... that is pricey when a SOAB wants to stop by and snap it off at the next car show.

 

I keep hearing how old car parts are cheap. Then I try to find a friggen antenna, and $500 is by far the best price.

VA Vettes has the best price I've found so far. Several hundred less than Pacifica.

 

I made another trip to Va. Vettes on Saturday and took a closer look at the repro and refurb antennas. I think everyone knows that the undercar parts of the antennas are completely different so I'll jump right to the mast. The mast on the repor is a smaller diameter and shorter than the original. The repro mast is not polished (Dick says he can get the polished unit for a few buck more). The tips on each antenna look pretty similar. There are four sections to both antennas but the original has a rolled groove near the top of each section and this feature is not found on the repro. When you look at them side by side there is no comparison, the original is more substantial looking.

I ended up getting an original but only because my '66 has so many original parts on it already. 99% of people (including Corvette owners) would never notice the difference so simply buy the one that matches your needs and budget.

Dick says he is going to get some pictures posted soon and that should help everyone get a clearer picture of the differences.

 

Thanks for the details! Dick mentioned someone just bought one of the originals, I guess that was you

If I'm going to buy one, I might as well do it right and skip the repro. Down the road the car may end up with a more in-depth restoration, and prices are only going to go up.

 

Those were exactly my thoughts. Pay me now or pay me later!

John