Hi all
I would like to put a different antenna on my 81 and I was wondering if anyone had some pics of how they look ,I,e short ones or what ever you have that is different than original
i think I would like a manual retractable chrome that I can adjust to a angle but where do I find one?

Thanks
Todd

 

The factory manual antennas use a ground plate and a ground strap. Without either of these your radio reception will be poor. Now the next problem is the ground plate itself. On 1968 to 1973 cars they have a large plate. In 1974 when the cars went to the rubber bumper on the rear the plate was changed to a smaller one. That plate was used on 74 to 77 cars.

In 1978 when the cars got the large back window the ground plate was replaced with a u shape hold/bracket with a ground strap attached to it. This method was used on all 78-82 cars with manual antenna. The problem is nobody in the aftermarket makes this bracket.

This is what I do to put a manual antenna on a power antenna car. I buy from Corvette America a 1969 to 1973 Antenna Kit. This kit comes with the antenna lead, the antenna base, bezel nut, gasket, and antenna mast. You will also have to buy a 74-77 ground plate and strap.

On the ground plate you will see on the underside of it a bracket that holds the lead in on it. Remove this bracket from the plate, the reason is the plate will not fit flush inside the rear panel.

On the the lead in you will see two notches that fit into the bracket. The lead in needs to be in those notches or it will not fit through the body. Now on the bezel you will see a tip that is on the rear of the bezel. You will need to file a notch in the body for that tip to fit.

In your rear luggage area on the driverside where the side carpet and the center carpet meet. pull the carpet back and you will find the grommet that the antenna lead goes through. You will need to pry that grommet out. (Tip) cut the side of the grommet and it makes the job easier. Put the lead in from under the car up and into the grommet. When you have it in there get inside the car and pull it through.

Next you will need someone to help you. Put the lead into the bracket and hold it up. Have someone put the bezel and gasket over the threads and then put the nut on and tighten it. Put the mast on. The rest is running the rest of the lead in up to the radio.

 

That antenna/noise suppressors/etc are for AM radio - all you need is about 3-4 feet of good FM wire and the radio will work fine. So you don't even need a antenna at all.

 

Holy crap this looks to be a lot of trouble to do this, is there not an easier way to do this? or maybe i will just put the power one back in and use it as manual

 

That is how it is. I work on these cars everyday. If the power antenna can be pulled up and the radio works leave it alone.