Hidden antenna for radio, anyone? (Page 1/2)
CSM842M4 AUG 31, 09:36 AM
I'm thinking of installing a hidden antenna in my '86 GT, and seriously considering looping it around the inside of the roof, above the headliner. Has anyone else here done this? If so,: results - good, bad, nobody should ever do this? Recommendations on which one to procure, if it turned out well? Tips on installation and best routing/location? As always, I appreciate any input anyone can offer. Thanks in advance - Chris
A_Lonely_Potato AUG 31, 11:46 AM
Ive seen several people on here simply lay the antenna on the inside of the fender its already mounted to. long as it doesnt contact the frame theres no issue
CSM842M4 AUG 31, 12:10 PM
Thanks, Potato. Yeah, seems like I've read that on here, too. I'm not completely opposed to that if the hidden unit idea doesn't get any good reviews. I'm mostly noodling with this because I'm after a certain aesthetic, and an aerial-type antenna just doesn't fit. In fact, if a blade-type antenna didn't rely on a grid on the glass,...
hnthomps AUG 31, 12:33 PM
If your vehicle has a rear window defroster option, I have seen several threads about using that as a viable antenna.

Nelson
CSM842M4 AUG 31, 01:26 PM
Thanks, hnthomps. I just minutes ago read a post about that, and the guy said he was able to rig up a switch that allowed him to select the function of the grid, but that as an antenna it seemed pretty selective about the stations it would receive. I'm guessing closer or stronger signal sources would be its favorites.
I've been mulling this over, and I think I'm going to lay the factory antenna 90 degrees in the fender. This will give me an opportunity to make a bracket that will mount in the existing screw holes and set the angle. I think I'll have some foam left over from a motorcycle seat project to keep the whip off of anything metal or from rubbing through the fender. Oh, boy! I'm actually looking forward to getting started! Thanks again!
theogre AUG 31, 05:10 PM
unscrew the antenna. Likely will break the stud because of rust etc.
If doesn't break the stud...

find 22 or 20 AWG solid wire. about 3 feet.
Strip one end enough so can make a loop.
W/ loop end Go under the fender to hook on the stud.
use a nut to hold the loop.
push rest of wire under windshield trim.
Done.

If careful can push wire down so at bottom the wire is hidden even where it "take a hop" from fender to glass trim.

This allows the antenna to be free of most metal that is also ground that block signal and close to vertical polarity same as antenna that send.
Has some metal in the A pillar but a lot less the some other locations.

"But Antennas are tuned to match bands..."
Doesn't Apply for AM and FM "radios" for cars because even GM can't match the antennas for two completely different ranges.
If your close to length of OE then is good enough.

I did that because of morons breaking antennas and worse.
On others cars, may not work for different reasons like some have metal trim around the windshield so the wire might well be in a metal tube...

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

A_Lonely_Potato AUG 31, 06:11 PM

quote
Originally posted by CSM842M4:

I've been mulling this over, and I think I'm going to lay the factory antenna 90 degrees in the fender.



I might do the same soon. I have used AM/FM a grand total of i think 2 times since i got the car a year ago, so i'm not too worried if i mess something up. The antenna is just so darn TALL on these cars! Definitely will be cleaner without it
Patrick AUG 31, 06:28 PM

quote
Originally posted by A_Lonely_Potato:

The antenna is just so darn TALL on these cars! Definitely will be cleaner without it.



I find that the antenna is a freakin' hazard when scraping frost off the windshield. A guy could lose an eye! (Short people and/or southerners may not experience this issue.)
CSM842M4 AUG 31, 06:36 PM
Ogre, I love this idea! This keeps the body clean and slick and looking like it belongs when it goes to track day! A question or two before I start this - is the small gauge to allow the wire to be stuck in beside the windshield trim? Would insulated be better than bare, to avoid touching any metal? What about stainless, like TIG rod, with heat shrink over it? Just so you know, I've been accused of over-thinking things before; it will neither surprise me nor hurt my feelings if that's the case now!
CSM842M4 AUG 31, 06:42 PM

quote
A guy could lose an eye!


Ha ha! Correct, Patrick!