Another 1978 Pace Car Antenna Problem
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Another 1978 Pace Car Antenna Problem
Friends,
I'm new, but it only took about 5 minutes to learn that finding a power antenna replacement for a 1978 Pace Car is quite a challenge. I'm not sure if i should say "fortunately" or "unfortunately," but my '78 has an AM/FM/CB radio, so finding a power antenna w/ CB feels like trying to find Jimmy Hoffa's gravesight.
For me, the issue is that the mast broke near the top. The motor still works, and I have the remaining mast sections which do go up and down (albeit not completely, as the new "top" is bent a bit), as well as the cap. If anyone has any advice on where or how to find a replacement, or if this can be repaired, I would be most grateful!
Another member suggested I repeat this post and question here -- thanks in advance for any help or advice you can lend!!
Thanks very much!
Gino P
I'm new, but it only took about 5 minutes to learn that finding a power antenna replacement for a 1978 Pace Car is quite a challenge. I'm not sure if i should say "fortunately" or "unfortunately," but my '78 has an AM/FM/CB radio, so finding a power antenna w/ CB feels like trying to find Jimmy Hoffa's gravesight.
For me, the issue is that the mast broke near the top. The motor still works, and I have the remaining mast sections which do go up and down (albeit not completely, as the new "top" is bent a bit), as well as the cap. If anyone has any advice on where or how to find a replacement, or if this can be repaired, I would be most grateful!
Another member suggested I repeat this post and question here -- thanks in advance for any help or advice you can lend!!
Thanks very much!
Gino P
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,884
Likes: 3,561
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Jimmy Hoffa's under the pitcher's mount at the Giants Stadium!!!
Try these guys-
https://theantennasource.com/CHEVROL...1979-1982.html
Try these guys-
https://theantennasource.com/CHEVROL...1979-1982.html
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
I sourced parts from Antenna Masts R Us when the cable broke in my original antenna: It worked out well. https://www.theantennasource.com/CHE...te%201978.html
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 86
Likes: 3
From: Riverside County
I am looking for alternatives also, but I just found this part.
https://www.zip-corvette.com/79-82-p...ly-w-o-cb.html
https://www.zip-corvette.com/79-82-p...ly-w-o-cb.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,677
Likes: 2,479
From: Indiana
I think 78 also unique..my early 79 has a 78 antenna and it was aluminum I think..and different.
not sure whats different on cb or not though..
suggest rebuilding it
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...na-wiring.html
not sure whats different on cb or not though..
suggest rebuilding it
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...na-wiring.html
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Maybe the market’s changed since I had to do mine a few years ago, but my Pace Car’s antenna was impossible to find a service replacement for, I would have replaced instead of rebuild as well. Mine is not a CB antenna, CB antennas are even more rare. Mine was a fairly straightforward rebuild, but I’m sure if you call around you’ll be able to find someone you can send the unit to for an overhaul.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 86
Likes: 3
From: Riverside County
Just found my answer! Hidden antenna, plugs in, no drilling, yadi, yada.
https://www.ecklers.com/1953-2015-co...-342505-1.html
https://www.ecklers.com/1953-2015-co...-342505-1.html
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Just found my answer! Hidden antenna, plugs in, no drilling, yadi, yada.
https://www.ecklers.com/1953-2015-co...-342505-1.html
https://www.ecklers.com/1953-2015-co...-342505-1.html
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
You guys are all awesome -- Thank you. I genuinely appreciate the help.
I reached out to The Antenna Source to see if they can repair/rebuild the broken mast on my antenna. Fingers crossed... (or I may end up getting a non-CB replacement... for now).
Funny thing about Ecklers -- I grew up in Titusville, FL and went to school with one of the Eckler boys. The company was just starting out then...
Thanks again,
Gino
I reached out to The Antenna Source to see if they can repair/rebuild the broken mast on my antenna. Fingers crossed... (or I may end up getting a non-CB replacement... for now).
Funny thing about Ecklers -- I grew up in Titusville, FL and went to school with one of the Eckler boys. The company was just starting out then...
Thanks again,
Gino
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1978 Corvette CB Power Antenna
The 1978 corvette antenna with cb option is a one year only and no other GM antenna is configured that way I have a refurbished one for sale the cost is $ 1500.00 I also know some one with a nos one but it should be refurbished due to it’s age it would probably only go up and down 20 times and then snap the drive cable
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
The 1978 corvette antenna with cb option is a one year only and no other GM antenna is configured that way I have a refurbished one for sale the cost is $ 1500.00 I also know some one with a nos one but it should be refurbished due to it’s age it would probably only go up and down 20 times and then snap the drive cable
