Topic: Power antena install
in Forum: C3 Electrical
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Is there a tutorial in oh to install one of these. It looks real hard to me because I don't know elecrtonics. I've got the instructions. It's for a semi auto am/FM power ant. What does semi auto mean. It's supposed to be a replacement for 68-82 Vette. I just looked under there, Man!!!! what a mess of wires. This is way past my expertise. Lokks like you have to take off the rear wheel?zgator 2008-04-26 16:25:58
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
There are a number of replacement power antennas for your car, so it depends on which kit you got. The best kits have very good instructions about which color wire goes where. I am not sure what semi-automatic means, but your radio sends a signal to a relay, which powers the antenna up or down.
But there shouldn't be a mess of wires under there; just a simple loom of three or four wires. Maybe someone has monkeyed with it once before. A common problem with those is the relay under the dash. It is a lot easier to change. You should be able to test for power back to the antenna to see if it is the relay or antenna.
I don't think taking the wheel off will help, but the exhaust is sure in the way. Just take your time and take frequent "mental health" breaks.
Good Luck
Larry
But there shouldn't be a mess of wires under there; just a simple loom of three or four wires. Maybe someone has monkeyed with it once before. A common problem with those is the relay under the dash. It is a lot easier to change. You should be able to test for power back to the antenna to see if it is the relay or antenna.
I don't think taking the wheel off will help, but the exhaust is sure in the way. Just take your time and take frequent "mental health" breaks.
Good Luck
Larry
When I replaced mine on my 78, it was easy. My issue was with the CB portion. They don't have aftermarket replacements for CB. The wiring was no problem. I just followed the instructions that came with the new antenna. I had to add a CB divertor and use an SWR meter to tune it to the antenna. You should not have to do that. I had to manufactor a mounting bracket because the new antenna was a little different than the original one. Make sure that the new antenna has a good ground or it will give you fits. When I wasa done, I spray painted over everything to keep it from rusting. Good luck. Don't let this intimidate you - it's not that difficult of a job.
Jim
Lifetime MemberSummerville, SC - USA
Joined: 8/31/2005
Posts: 660
Vette(s): My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.
Or you could go the other way... leave the existing antenna in the car for looks and originality then go out and get XM/Sirius. The wire stays hidden and you just place the antenna on your back window with a piece of some double stick tape (not visible if black and small). You get all the channels and it goes through your factory radio and no hassle with the factory antenna.
Movie Collector 2008-04-28 07:58:30
Other possibilities are the universal window mount antenna they make that mounts a thin line on the front of your windshield or on your rear window which is hardly visible, you run the wire down under the inside panels on your car and under the dash to the radio and no one is the wiser. You can leave your factory antenna on your car just disconnected under the dash and no one will know.
These are just alternatives if you dont want to do the project you have set up for yourself already. Just take the part back or ship it back as a return.
Jeremy.
in Forum: C3 Electrical
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)