Original 1 piece radio antenna

[Martin]

Can somebody tell me please, what is the approximate length of the one piece radio aerial?  I've seen a new 1 piece in a spare parts place (has a chrome ball on top, not coloured plastic - can always paint it) that is about 30 inches long.

Thanks,

Martin

[mcl1959]

Martin - one piece radio aerial is new to me.  The genuine aerials were all 4 piece masts.

Ken

[Martin]

Well, well!

Thanks Ken.  I thought those aerials with the little plastic tips were one piece.  4 piece is good - it means I can buy anything and it won't look "un-original".

Another question:  Mounting the aerial:  mudguard or the panel in front of windscreen?  I recall seeing lots mounted on this panel as it runs directly into cabin.

Any recommendations?

Martin

[nicko]

between my mate and I,we have 4 FE and FC's which 3 have hole in windscreen wiper panel,
my actual preferance is to weld it up and use guard when i finish doing my car .sorry dont know where they were put originally.

[jezz]

I can also attest to having the aerial in the panel below the front window on 1 FE and 1 FC wagon both on passenger side
the other FC has the aerial filling the hole where the windscreen visor once stood on the roof (not original i thinks).
Jezz

[RET]

The original fitting instructions included a template for the hole location in the passenger's side cowl, which is what most respondents have been referring to.  Even though radios were accessories and not "original" factory fitted equipment, this would be the correct location for "originality".

Second most common location is at the back of the passenger's side guard (like later models), but as someone else mentioned, fitting them here requires an additional hole in the firewall.

Having said all that, different dealers did different things for their own reasons - or perhaps because the customer requested it - and I wouldn't be prepared to go out on a limb and say "oh, that's not original" just because the aerial is mounted on the guard.

cheers
RET

[TorqueFC]

if you are fitting an aftermarket radio/cd player you could always buy a $12 ariel from super cheap and stick it under the dash. works great, and its out of the way. also if you ever wanted to remove it, it would be quick and easy

[mcl1959]

Martin, the big difference between original aerials and current aerials is that the mast does not go down into the body.
The bottom section of the mast (about 400mm) is fixed to the aerial base and the 3 other sections slide down into it.
Also the base is about 50 mm in diameter and made of a hard plastic material like bakelite with a diecast cap and plated brass nut  holding it all in place.
Alex will have photos of these and I'm sure with a little coaxing we can get him to feature one in AOTM.
My preference for originality is as the fitting instructions show, mounted in the LHS of the cowl.


Ken

[RET]

Here are a couple of examples.  Unfortunately I don't have a really good close-up of one, but it wouldn't be hard to arrange if required.

[box width=200]
This is the one on my car.  It is not an original NASCO job, but an original period style aerial.  Like Ken said, the last section is fixed.  This one is pretty big, with the last section probably 7/16" in diameter.  Note also the tall bakelite base.  The tip is a large red ball, possibly made of bakelite.[/box]

[box width=200]
This is Graham's which is a NASCO red-tip job.[/box]

Both these aerials require a CB radio style cable fitting, in fact one of these can be used if you don't have the original by cutting the male pin off (ouch) close to flush with the insulator.

Hope that helps.

cheers
RET

[customFC]

Hey Martin.
Since Ken asked nicely, watch out next week for the aerial to be featured in Accessory of the Week. (Who can turn down a request from Ken)
I have pics of the aerial, template for locating on cowl, fitting instructions and a diagram showing an expanded aerial and all it's parts.
Regards
Alex

[Martin]

Thanks everybody.

Will look forward to AOTW, Alex.  I'd like to put the aerial on the cowl, but need to put it in the right place so it will clear the sun visor when I put it on.

You guys are amazing.

Martin