power antennae install C3
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
power antennae install C3
I want to upgrade the fixed mast antennae to a power unit on my 80 C3 but one look and appears it's a pay grade higher skill set. Can you use the cable from the fixed unit or do you have to replace it? How and where do you run cabling to the stero head unit? Retailers say you have to add cable that runs under the car. Is there a really good diagram or video showing how to do this swap? It looks like I'm going to have to remove the left muffler to get to it - sound reasoning or working hard and not smart?
Last edited by svet; Jul 23, 2012 at 10:19 PM. Reason: spelling error
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 836
Likes: 26
From: Harrisburg Pa
Most aftermarket radio's have a yellow or blue wire just to run a power antenna just ground the motor and you might be lucky enough to have a extension connection
under your rear carpet somewhere.
1980 guys needed here!
under your rear carpet somewhere.
1980 guys needed here!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
The power antenna kit I got had all the required cables with it. The motor unit mounts inside the left rear fender. There is supposed to be a plate on the mast on the underside of the fender, its a ground plane and the antenna will work a Lot better with it. The cables (coax and control) run through a grommet into the rear of the cabin and under the carpet, over between the seats and then under the console to the radio head. Not all that hard. If you have ever installed a radio you can do it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
The universal kits should have everything you need as far as hardware. You can either reuse the antenna lead you have or replace it with what comes with the power antenna kit.
The one problem I see with this is how to control the power antenna. Does the radio unit you have do this or will you have to add the relay to the car? Was a power antenna option available in 1980? If so, then you can follow the wiring in the manual.
As stated above the wiring routing is under the carpet on the driver's side and comes up under the center console to the radio. It is going to take a few hours to route everything....take your time and do not rush....plastic is brittle and expensive.
I put a new unit into my '81, but I had the entire interior out when I did it.
The one problem I see with this is how to control the power antenna. Does the radio unit you have do this or will you have to add the relay to the car? Was a power antenna option available in 1980? If so, then you can follow the wiring in the manual.
As stated above the wiring routing is under the carpet on the driver's side and comes up under the center console to the radio. It is going to take a few hours to route everything....take your time and do not rush....plastic is brittle and expensive.
I put a new unit into my '81, but I had the entire interior out when I did it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Purchase a 79-82 stock reproduction electric antenna. Purchase the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for your model year. Follow the assembly diagrams in the AIM. AIM shows how the antenna installs, how the power and antenna leads route, the relay, and how it plugs into the back of the stock stereo.
In the stock set up, there is no wiring under the car.
In the stock set up, there is no wiring under the car.
