Was adjusting the parking of hidden wipers the other day with chrome cowl piece out. Noticed that the wire to my in-windshield radio antennae is fraying and almost broken outside of the glass near the cowl area. Question is regarding the fix: can I splice in and solder (jumper wire) any type of wire to this or do I need a special type to conduct the radio signal for maximum benefit. I have plenty of the copper speaker wire- will that work? I could get some donor wire from a junkyard car if needed. TIA
Would also like to know what we can do when these antenna go bad? I have not seen any discussion on this.
I broke mine on my 71 GS windshield and was told that it couldn't be fixed. Was too afraid to try soldering it myself so I just got a new one installed for $160 bucks. Would really stink if the windshield was in better shape.I would like to know if you pull it off though.Keep us posted. Pat
Pat, I will attempt the fix by soldering myself. My reception on the radio is cutting in and out so I really have nothing to loose in the attempt. Jim: any vendor or companies that sell the hidden under dash antennas if I'm not successful? I'd go that route as I'm sure it would be a cost savings vs the alternative. sailbrd-maybe others will jump in with their experiences and expertise here?? I'd sure like to hear as well.
Try a car audio dealer for metra install kits. they should have the hidden antenna stubbs. you will however, have to experiment with location to get resonable reception. sometimes they work some times they don't.
Evans: If I could get a new one installed for $160 I would do that. Old one is probably pitted more than you think.
Funny thing is that when I ordered the new windshield,I asked for a windshield without an antenna.They told me that it was more expensive($220)for one without it.When I asked why it was because there are so many more produced with them in than without.I figured that with a 118 cam,3 inch exhaust and race bullet muffs I wouldn't be able to hear the radio anyways. :laugh: :laugh: Pat
windshield antennas i believe that from 70-72 all a-body cars had windshield antennas . reception was not the best . probably every windshield for these cars , was manufactured with the antenna in it .
Re: windshield antennas Maybe 70 -72 cars ordered with "radio delete" came with windshields sans antennas???? Korrie
antenna corrie: u may be correct with radio delete .. when i had my 70 malibu (ordered by me) , and living in lambton county (sarnia) area , we had cklw radio , radiant radio 80 , am800 , in windsor @80000 watts of power . the chevelle had the antenna in the glass . reception was not a problem because everyone listened to radio 80 . or u listened to 8 track tapes .
I was just looking at my Bonnivelles and noticed that they have a rear window antenna (I think.) Both get pretty good reception. I think the antenna is a grid in the upper part of the rear window. I know for the lucky guys with real GS's this would not work but does someone make a grid antenna to add on?
Have a 2000 and a 2002. Started looking for the antenna on them the other day and could not find them. So started looking. The only thing we could find is a grid high in the back window seprate from the rear defrost. Unless someone knows some other place GM hid the antenna.
I work in autmotive glass factory, and a lot of the "in" the windshield antenna's are now painted with a conductive paint behind the paint band in the front windshield or elsewhere to hide them. My wifes Villager van has 2 antennas, one in the windshield and an exterior. The grid on your back window is probably a 2 part defrost. Oh yeah, we still do runs of the oldies from time to time, GM a-body, Camero Firebird etc. We're also just starting to ramp up on the new SSR and GT-40 windshields. We also do the Viper and Prowlers. Small markets we took for the prestige factor and future business hopefully.
Checked out the area in question this weekend and discovered that I didn't need to wire solder in. Wires had enough contacting together that I was able to use electrical tape on the exposed areas successfully. Now, the oldies station has maximum reception again and all is well here.
Evans, I was wondering whether or not you can put heat shrink over the wire then and cover all of the wire.I have some heat shrink tubing that will go over the plug and I think it will get small enough to protect the wire then. I don't think I'd like the tape since moisture can get it there.I will send you a piece of this tubing.I have 2 sizes.3/8 and 5/8 by 12 inches long.I don't think the 3/8 will go over the plug though. Let me know if you are interested.PM me your adress if you are. Pat:beer
Hey Pat. Thanks for the offer! Sending you a PM with my mailing address. That would work better I believe. The smaller diameter may work for the wire and shrink to make a nice fit.
rear window antenna my 1998 buick gs has a rear window antenna grid in the glass . the antenna lead plugs into an amplifier to boost the signal . being in the glass , signal strength now depends on direction . it seems to work quite well .
