Antenna Help Needed -- Replacement??
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Parkville, MO (KC)
Antenna Help Needed -- Replacement??
Anyone have a good suggestion about a replacement antenna for my 65. It had the stock antenna on the cowel, right above the fender originally.
I found an old one, 1963 vintage that looks good from the outside, but who knows what the cable looks like on the inside. And moreover, I wonder about the original design with the spring at the bottom. Does it get decent FM? Are newer, fixed antenna designs better? I also remember the sping antenna getting to swaying or bouncing in some circumstances (like when a juvenile delinquent bends it over to 90 degrees and lets it go), and even hitting the drip edge of the cab. That I do NOT want, after a 5k paint job!!
So, I'd like an aftermarket antenna that will fit in the stock cowel hole, but be fixed, and modern in reception at least. Anyone find one? Surely there is someone that had replaced their antenna!!
Thanks......
I found an old one, 1963 vintage that looks good from the outside, but who knows what the cable looks like on the inside. And moreover, I wonder about the original design with the spring at the bottom. Does it get decent FM? Are newer, fixed antenna designs better? I also remember the sping antenna getting to swaying or bouncing in some circumstances (like when a juvenile delinquent bends it over to 90 degrees and lets it go), and even hitting the drip edge of the cab. That I do NOT want, after a 5k paint job!!
So, I'd like an aftermarket antenna that will fit in the stock cowel hole, but be fixed, and modern in reception at least. Anyone find one? Surely there is someone that had replaced their antenna!!
Thanks......
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
How about one of those new "stubby" black rubber units. I am leaning towards one of those as they look like they will not attract a lot of attention in a parking lot 
. You could always fill the hole and go to an underdash unit....
--Mike G
. You could always fill the hole and go to an underdash unit....--Mike G
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,218
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From: Parkville, MO (KC)
Mike, do you know that the stubby unit will fit? I ordered out a replacement from L** (you know who, I figured I'd put in the asterix ahead of time), and it was totally wrong.
I am hoping someone can say: "I used xyz unit and it fit fine and gets decent reception".
I'll take one long, short, stubby, chromed or stainless, fixed or extendable. But I want it to fit!!
I am hoping someone can say: "I used xyz unit and it fit fine and gets decent reception".
I'll take one long, short, stubby, chromed or stainless, fixed or extendable. But I want it to fit!!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 347
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From: charlotte, nc
I replaced the antenna in my 1970 with a replacement from autozone. I bought a complete package (new cable, fender gasket, stainless trim plate, antenna) for about ten bucks. I did have to use all of the replacement parts. It looks identical to the original, but the autozone parts would not interchange with the fomoco parts. Luckily, replacing the antenna cable wasn't bad. I took an old twisty tie and tied the end of the new cable onto the old and was able to fish it through the fender that way. Plugged it in to the radio, and that was it.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Parkville, MO (KC)
Matt -- do you have a 61-66? Dotcentral -- do you mount the antenna on a 70 on the side of the cowel (kind of at a 45 deg angle) or more on the flat part? What size was the hole? The 61-66 holes are about 1 1/4 across --- rather large.
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 347
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From: charlotte, nc
It mounts on the flat, slightly sloping part of the area of the cowl. There was sort of a swiveling hook or claw piece that tucks inside the hole in the cowl. I was saying fender, but actually meant cowl, sorry. I guess I forgot where the hood-fender gap was on these era trucks. It didn't move up high until '80 restyle.
I'd say the hole in mine is about 3/4 inch, plus or minus. 1-1/4" seems pretty big, but the base plate or trim may cover it. I wonder if a previous owner enlarged that hole? I will try to remember to measure the base-trim plate of mine, It may cover the hole. I don't the claw or hook thing will span that big of a hole.
The original antenna had a different attachment method. The orig. antenna had a fixed plate that screwed onto the cowl with 4 screws, then a trim plate snapped over it. My replacement looks identical once installed. I guess the "claw" must be cheaper to make, or fits more models.
Anyhow, maybe a good used original ford antenna (with the screw down mounting) would work. I will measure the snap-on trim plate to see if it would cover your hole. Hope you can follow this. If not email me. I can try to take a digital photo, but might take a few days.
I'd say the hole in mine is about 3/4 inch, plus or minus. 1-1/4" seems pretty big, but the base plate or trim may cover it. I wonder if a previous owner enlarged that hole? I will try to remember to measure the base-trim plate of mine, It may cover the hole. I don't the claw or hook thing will span that big of a hole.
The original antenna had a different attachment method. The orig. antenna had a fixed plate that screwed onto the cowl with 4 screws, then a trim plate snapped over it. My replacement looks identical once installed. I guess the "claw" must be cheaper to make, or fits more models.
Anyhow, maybe a good used original ford antenna (with the screw down mounting) would work. I will measure the snap-on trim plate to see if it would cover your hole. Hope you can follow this. If not email me. I can try to take a digital photo, but might take a few days.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Texas
Yeah, ive got a 65 F100 jet black. 390 w/428 crank msd ignition and no brakes. sucks to go fast and not stop so she don't go at all right now.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Parkville, MO (KC)
OK -- final/update post.
Upon further checking, the junkyard antenna had chrome that was starting to peel off. So I didn't go that route. Moreover, it had the spring at the base which I don't like.
I ordered out the one from Dennis Carpenter. It looks to be a very nice piece and it does NOT have the hated spring. Comes with base rubber seal (to cowel) as well as the rubber grommet for where the antenna cable goes through the firewall into and under the dash.
I test fit it -- it fits great in my original cowell. Havn't tested it yet with a radio. But looks to be a good unit.
Just posting so that future searches can get the final story.
Upon further checking, the junkyard antenna had chrome that was starting to peel off. So I didn't go that route. Moreover, it had the spring at the base which I don't like.
I ordered out the one from Dennis Carpenter. It looks to be a very nice piece and it does NOT have the hated spring. Comes with base rubber seal (to cowel) as well as the rubber grommet for where the antenna cable goes through the firewall into and under the dash.
I test fit it -- it fits great in my original cowell. Havn't tested it yet with a radio. But looks to be a good unit.
Just posting so that future searches can get the final story.
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