Radio reception
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 56
From: Milan Indiana
Radio reception
Installed new radio(am/FM) in my 68 all wiring is correctly done with antenna plugged in. My problem is only my local FM station comes in- all others are just static. 50000 watt am station in Cincinnati doesn't come in at all. Common problem? Ground? Just got all dash components back in and everything works( with lots of forum members help) Any ideas on a fix? Big block engine noise with headers will make it difficult anyway but would like for it to be right. Does an antenna go bad? grounded under fender? Thanks for any help Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
I doubt that it's a grounding problem. The oscillators may (probably) have drifted in frequency or a high frequency amplifier may have died. It's going to have to be removed and sent out for repair.
I reread your post. It's a "new" radio? New being modern electronics, or new to you as in 40 year old GM radios? If it's a modern radio, I'd look at the antenna wiring to be sure it's making good contact with the mast and the radio connection.
I reread your post. It's a "new" radio? New being modern electronics, or new to you as in 40 year old GM radios? If it's a modern radio, I'd look at the antenna wiring to be sure it's making good contact with the mast and the radio connection.
Last edited by jnb5101; Jun 30, 2014 at 08:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 56
From: Milan Indiana
radio
It is a new radio and also new to me I will try and see the connections and possibly switch out the antenna Thanks with fm station on-nothing happens when I hold onto the antenna- know it means something but forget what!!! Old age is killing me
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,875
Likes: 3,554
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Corvettes because of the fiberglass body from DAY one had problems w/ the radio. Stock AND aftermarket.
Since the body isn't metal- there is not a very good "ground plane" for the antenna. The mast is just half of the antenna and metal bodied cars use the body panels as the "other" half. For the Corvette - GM stuck a piece of metal underneath the antenna to act as a ground plane- the rectangular piece of metal in the pic-
Check to make sure "Bubba" didn't remove it...And antennae sort of wear out- as corrosion on the connections/coax affect the performance.
I'd look for the ground plane...and probably go ahead and order a new antenna while you're at it...
Richard
Since the body isn't metal- there is not a very good "ground plane" for the antenna. The mast is just half of the antenna and metal bodied cars use the body panels as the "other" half. For the Corvette - GM stuck a piece of metal underneath the antenna to act as a ground plane- the rectangular piece of metal in the pic-
Check to make sure "Bubba" didn't remove it...And antennae sort of wear out- as corrosion on the connections/coax affect the performance.
I'd look for the ground plane...and probably go ahead and order a new antenna while you're at it...
Richard
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
The antenna "ground plane" is very important to good reception on a fiberglass car. There is also an antenna 'peaking' adjustment under the tuning **** on the stock radios. Dial in a weak FM station, then adjust that screw for best reception (using a non-metallic tool is best; but you can adjust and remove the tool, then make assessment of signal strength for each adjustment made).
One can also purchase one of those 'high tech' "hidden" antennas and just bypass the stock one.
One can also purchase one of those 'high tech' "hidden" antennas and just bypass the stock one.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 17
From: NW CT
I would go get a cheap universal antenna with the coax and motorola connector already on it. Plug that in the radio and hold the antenna by the mount part up in the air. If you get better reception then its your antenna system. If the same then look at the radio.
Is there a "DX / LOCAL" setting on this radio? Make sure it is not set to local.
Is there a "DX / LOCAL" setting on this radio? Make sure it is not set to local.