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Hi all, ISO a solution for my 65 Convertible and it’s Antenna . In the process of having Vintage Air installed the original Antena switch mounted to the Side kick panned went “missing”. I’m faced with trying to find a replacement switch, which seems a mission impossible, or a complete replacement such as a Metra 44-PW22 (22B) unit. I do have a switched battery out from my upgraded radio so that could power the replace to Antena should I go that route negating the need for the External switch.
I guess I’m looking for experience and input on which way to go. I’ve read there is a guy here who updates the Antenna / motor but that alone doesn’t solve my switch issue.
thanks in advance.
Last edited by Dan Delena; Jun 1, 2026 at 06:03 PM.
A normal aftermarket antenna output switch won't work if you have the original antenna. You have to have a switch that has a 12v input (original wasn't switched through ignition, hot all the time) and the output goes to one wire to the antenna for up and to the other for down, and only as long as you hold the switch. A standard turn on the radio and get 12v to the antenna won't work for you, again if your antenna is the original type.
Any chance your old switch is tucked up behind the radio somewhere? I don't know why they would remove the wires, and if they did, the red one would have straight battery voltage on it with no fuse and the key on or off, so, I'd look for it.
A normal aftermarket antenna output switch won't work if you have the original antenna. You have to have a switch that has a 12v input (original wasn't switched through ignition, hot all the time) and the output goes to one wire to the antenna for up and to the other for down, and only as long as you hold the switch. A standard turn on the radio and get 12v to the antenna won't work for you, again if your antenna is the original type.
Any chance your old switch is tucked up behind the radio somewhere? I don't know why they would remove the wires, and if they did, the red one would have straight battery voltage on it with no fuse and the key on or off, so, I'd look for it.
I with you that maybe it’s just there behind the kick panel will check this AM.
A normal aftermarket antenna output switch won't work if you have the original antenna. You have to have a switch that has a 12v input (original wasn't switched through ignition, hot all the time) and the output goes to one wire to the antenna for up and to the other for down, and only as long as you hold the switch. A standard turn on the radio and get 12v to the antenna won't work for you, again if your antenna is the original type.
Any chance your old switch is tucked up behind the radio somewhere? I don't know why they would remove the wires, and if they did, the red one would have straight battery voltage on it with no fuse and the key on or off, so, I'd look for it.
agree, I need a plan B if I can’t source an original switch, since I did the radio “update” and have a switched 12v line coming out I do have an option for a new power antenna if I chose that route
agree, I need a plan B if I can’t source an original switch, since I did the radio “update” and have a switched 12v line coming out I do have an option for a new power antenna if I chose that route
to repeat just so that we're clear, the switched output from an aftermarket radio will not work your antenna.
thanks for the lead, seems it’s backordered and you get in a que for the Mfg to create one. My search found a “use” on on eBay, attached to the kick panel. Will see if it works as seller couldn’t verify if it does I will be in good shape.
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