Install a power antenna
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Install a power antenna
Hey guys,
I want to install a power antenna on my 1980 where there was previously only the standard. I have become tired of having to worry about removing it every time I want to put the car cover on it. I know I could make a hole, but to me that defeats the purpose of the cover.
I need to know how I should wire the cables (where they are laid and where they connect too) If anyone know of kits that have worked and lasted in the past please pass it along.).
My power **** on the radio is a little wonky. I have to turn it back and forth to find the right spot in order for it to stay on. I am pretty sure it has to do with the **** as that "right spot" moves at any given second. I find the volume I want to move the **** back and forth until it makes the connection and then I leave it alone.
I want to hide a stereo in the future so if there is something I can do now with wiring let me know. Can I have both my original radio and a new one work on the same antenna and speakers?
Thanks.
I want to install a power antenna on my 1980 where there was previously only the standard. I have become tired of having to worry about removing it every time I want to put the car cover on it. I know I could make a hole, but to me that defeats the purpose of the cover.
I need to know how I should wire the cables (where they are laid and where they connect too) If anyone know of kits that have worked and lasted in the past please pass it along.).
My power **** on the radio is a little wonky. I have to turn it back and forth to find the right spot in order for it to stay on. I am pretty sure it has to do with the **** as that "right spot" moves at any given second. I find the volume I want to move the **** back and forth until it makes the connection and then I leave it alone.
I want to hide a stereo in the future so if there is something I can do now with wiring let me know. Can I have both my original radio and a new one work on the same antenna and speakers?
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
I bought a power antenna from autozone. Wired it to the radio power lead. Only goes up when radio is powered on. I had to route the wires up front to the radio area. Since you want the stock and additional radio I have no idea how to wire that up. Why would you want that combination? There are vendors out there that can make the old radio work like new.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Virginia
on my '81, the wires run from the drivers side rear quarter up over the rear wheel well, down behind the drivers seat (under the carpet), then under the center console to the radio. there are 3 power wires and the antenna wire. very easy to install and wire once you get them routed to where they need to be.
the power antenna "SHOULD" fit in the whole that is already in the fender for the regular antenna too.
as for the radio itself, if you are trying to preserve the look of the factory radio. why don't you just get one of the "retro" radios that have all the "bells and whistles" and still look like stock. I've heard mixed reviews on some of them so do your research first but it would be alot easier than trying to wire up two radios in parallel
the power antenna "SHOULD" fit in the whole that is already in the fender for the regular antenna too.
as for the radio itself, if you are trying to preserve the look of the factory radio. why don't you just get one of the "retro" radios that have all the "bells and whistles" and still look like stock. I've heard mixed reviews on some of them so do your research first but it would be alot easier than trying to wire up two radios in parallel
Last edited by Jig A Low; Oct 29, 2013 at 06:50 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 119
From: Springfield Missouri
I put one on my 76, for the same reason. The radio had a power antenna lead already on it. You have to get power to it off the fuse panel. The wires run (on mine) down the drivers side by the door seal., then back over the rear tire hump, and out to the rear quarter panel. Not a hard install, just takes a little time. Make sure the ground is good on the antenna mount, or else no stations.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The rear harness on your 80 probably already has the optional power antenna connector in it. Peek around the muffler and see if you see it. You should be able to install a reproduction power antenna and plug it up to the existing harness. Take a look at the AIM diagrams. If memory serves, the relay should plug up at the front of the rear storage compartment.
The antenna takes its power from the off/on **** on the radio. If your on/off is a little wacky, up/down on the antenna might be affected.
The antenna takes its power from the off/on **** on the radio. If your on/off is a little wacky, up/down on the antenna might be affected.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Oct 29, 2013 at 09:29 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
What part looks better? corvette central back ordered my antenna for months at a time. I thought i would buy a after market one thinking that they would probably look about the same . I do think that the factory ones will probably withstand the weather better , but since I dont drive my vette out in the rain the concern would be minimal.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
What is so bad about the aftermarket antennas?
The reason I was thinking of setting up two consoles was because I like the use of the old stereo. And even though I am not really a purist, I like the idea of the interior functioning as it should. But I wanted the option to listen to an ipod on the way to car shows that wasn't a fm transmitter. I was just looking into the option. I have not made the decision yet.
The reason I was thinking of setting up two consoles was because I like the use of the old stereo. And even though I am not really a purist, I like the idea of the interior functioning as it should. But I wanted the option to listen to an ipod on the way to car shows that wasn't a fm transmitter. I was just looking into the option. I have not made the decision yet.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Factory antennas sit pretty much flush on the quarter panel, while universal after markets stick up about 3/4''
If you have a working tape deck, a cassette adapter works perfectly for an IPod. I use one with my droid phone to listen to Pandora and siriusxm
If you have a working tape deck, a cassette adapter works perfectly for an IPod. I use one with my droid phone to listen to Pandora and siriusxm
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
I would like to order one today. For those of you suggested that I get a factory stock power antenna could you provide a link to one so I can make sure i am buying the right one. I am not sure what to look for when I view one on a website.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
ask this guy, I bought my CB antenna from him. He says they are correct for 78-79, but I'm sure they will work fine with your 80
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...-antennas.html
EDIT: just saw he only has CBs left. I'd shoot him a PM anyways, he might have a used one for sale.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...-antennas.html
EDIT: just saw he only has CBs left. I'd shoot him a PM anyways, he might have a used one for sale.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
How is this? It says flush mount. Anyone buy this? If so what has been your experience? Does it look good or does it look aftermarket?
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1989.html
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1989.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
It seems the after market options all have this black tubes which I am assuming is too hold the antenna in the hole. Does anyone know if we can use the stock metal pieces from the fixed antenna to hold these aftermarket antennas in?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
If this is really about the car cover's fit as mentioned, mine has an opening in the cover for the antenna. If yours does not, consider ironing on a denim patch (they come in various colors, designed to patch holes in denim pants), or simply glue on a marine grade vinyl patch (if an outdoor cover) where the antenna should go through. Add a few reinforcement stitches with clear monofilament line if it will be used outside in the wind. Then, cut a 2" vertical (front to back direction, not left to right ) slit. I have a top of line out door car cover and this was their design ploy.
Btw, I recently fixed my power antenna which actually added time to putting on the car cover because the antenna locator hole helped to anchor the cover at the antenna while putting on the rest of the cover. Everything has it's trade-offs. Good luck.
Btw, I recently fixed my power antenna which actually added time to putting on the car cover because the antenna locator hole helped to anchor the cover at the antenna while putting on the rest of the cover. Everything has it's trade-offs. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
I have never thought that putting a hole in a car cover was a good idea. No matter how much prep or work you do to keep sealed, it is still a hole; stuff will get it.
Its not the sole reason, but it is towards the top.
Its not the sole reason, but it is towards the top.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the info. Apparently my table of contents is absolutely worthless. It has the antenna stuff on pages 169-176. According to the TOC, that is section 1: the front end. Obviously, that makes no sense as the antenna is in the rear.
How did you find it? Are you just the familiar with it or do you a much better TOC or index?
Thanks.
Thanks for the info. Apparently my table of contents is absolutely worthless. It has the antenna stuff on pages 169-176. According to the TOC, that is section 1: the front end. Obviously, that makes no sense as the antenna is in the rear.
How did you find it? Are you just the familiar with it or do you a much better TOC or index?
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Looked for it.
Yes. The more you page through an AIM, the more you become familiar with it.
The AIM itself has a Table of Contents. Any page index is aftermarket. I've never purchased an index. I've never had a need for one.
...Are you just the familiar with it...
...do you a much better TOC or index?...