78 Antenna
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City OK
78 Antenna
Need some advice on what to do about an antenna for my '78. This year, I think, came with a power antenna. The one I have has a non-funtioning manual antenna through a gouged hole in the body and no backing plate. Should I order a new power antenna from one of the mail order vendors or is there another way to go? And, how difficult is putting in a power antenna on a 78-82?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Originally Posted by Raider2
Need some advice on what to do about an antenna for my '78. This year, I think, came with a power antenna. The one I have has a non-funtioning manual antenna through a gouged hole in the body and no backing plate. Should I order a new power antenna from one of the mail order vendors or is there another way to go? And, how difficult is putting in a power antenna on a 78-82?
Installation usually requires loosening or dropping the driver's side muffler. Removing the tire helps with both light and space. I'm not sure if the bracket was used for both units or not but the power unit uses a ground strap...check for evidences of its.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
It's a good place to put a satellite ant. I would just buy the kit. Mine is also in tough shape. 25+ years of cheap gas station car washes have taken there toll. BTW, May 78 is wired for ever option even though I don't have them all. You should be able to locate the wire via AIM and plug in your new power ant.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Originally Posted by Raider2
Need some advice on what to do about an antenna for my '78. This year, I think, came with a power antenna. The one I have has a non-funtioning manual antenna through a gouged hole in the body and no backing plate. Should I order a new power antenna from one of the mail order vendors or is there another way to go? And, how difficult is putting in a power antenna on a 78-82?
If it was originally power the relay may still be there. In my 82 it was in the compartment on the passengerside (under the tray). Some also had it in the consol.
All the aftermarket antennas need a bracket and do come with it. They also come with the relay on the mast. There all the same. You should be able to find one in a local parts store. Actually even the dealer carries them.
Try a scap yard. I bought a Delco out of a 92 Cadillac. I used the trim ring out of a 1997 Mercury Sable.
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 1
From: Kerrville Texas
I installed an aftermarket electric antenna and didn't even need to drop the muffler to do it plenty of room (not really). The one thing that you might want to do that I did is install a toggle switch in the power loop so that when you turn on the radio to listen to a CD the antenna doesn't go up. Nice feature easy to do and saves alot of wear and tear on the new antenna.
Kona
Kona
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
Unlike the late79-82 antennas, the 78 is bolted in pretty securely. Bracket WAY up at the top. Pain to get at. Try to get to it with the muffler in, if you can't, well...pull the muffler. I've removed the entire rear Y-pipe with both mufflers installed, disconnecting at the converter.
Repaired antennas on all 4 of mine, muffler out of the way each time.
Mike
PS, I've got 2 78 antennas for sale.
Repaired antennas on all 4 of mine, muffler out of the way each time.
Mike
PS, I've got 2 78 antennas for sale.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
Originally Posted by Hwy St*r
darn, just had he exhaust done........
This is a late79 with the plastic housing antenna, no upper bracket, the chrome bezel holds the top. Pretty tight fit to get your hand waaaaay up to that top bracket on the 78!
Mike
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Hot AZ
Sorry, you can't get at it from inside. Like the prior post say the best way is to swing the muffler down. This gives you plenty of room to work. I remove/repaired my 78 power antenna this spring. There is a nylon cable inside that makes the antenna go up and down that broke. I replaced the cable and it works like new again. If I recall correctly the relay for antenna is under the e-brake/arm rest.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Hot AZ
Raider2, I just saw a 78 power antenna on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-...QQcmdZViewItem