81 power antenna upgrade

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Feb 18, 2017 | 03:58 PM

U4R1A81

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 16

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81 power antenna upgrade

I have a 81 c3 that had a fixed antenna. Someone last night thought it would be funny to break it off. So, I was thinking about upgrading to a power antenna. I've seen a couple post talking about using a Metra antenna but I didn't see any reference to a particular part number. Has anyone done this upgrade with success?

Feb 18, 2017 | 04:41 PM

gbvette62

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 12,684

Likes: 3,137

From: Shamong, NJ

There's a very nice repro of the factory installed 81 power antenna available for $150.

Feb 18, 2017 | 06:06 PM

M. Young

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 122

Likes: 17

From: MA

power antenna

Sorry to hear about the vandalism. Douche bags. Make sure when and if you decide to install one you get it right the first time. Its not a hard job its just in a terrible location.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-1981-19...xYqLr4&vxp=mtr

Feb 18, 2017 | 07:05 PM

KapsSA

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 224

From: Beecher Illinois

I have 3 "correct" antennas available.....
But you'll also need a relay(I have), lower mount bracket(I have), ground strap(I have), forward harness and rear harness.

You'd definitely be cheaper to go aftermarket, tho.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-antennas.html

Feb 19, 2017 | 12:55 AM

rastafford3164

Racer

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 311

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From: Sparta NC

I used the Metra. Think it was about $85.00. Got it from O parts.

Feb 19, 2017 | 07:21 AM

U4R1A81

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 16

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rastafford3164

I used the Metra. Think it was about $85.00. Got it from O parts.

Do remember which model you used? Did you replace a fixed with power or a power with an upgrade?

Feb 19, 2017 | 07:49 AM

Darinm

Racer

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 250

Likes: 29

I had electric originally, but was then swapped to fixed by the previous owner. I swapped back out to the power antenna using this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/152357510616...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Since i have an aftermarker radio, wiring was easy. 12 volt constant power, ground and switched power from the power antenna lead on the back of the Alpine head unit.

Feb 19, 2017 | 08:03 AM

M. Young

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 122

Likes: 17

From: MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by U4R1A81

Do remember which model you used? Did you replace a fixed with power or a power with an upgrade?

The upgrade is really simple power from radio to relay, wires from relay to antenna. I installed a hidden on/off switch I use to cut the power to the relay from the radio if I'm listening to a CD and don't want the antenna to go up and down.

http://www.antennamastsrus.com/GM/Ch...01979-1982.htm

Best mast source I've ever used.

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