Has anyone here used a street rod style hidden antenna? I just had the body work done on my car and never had the courage to drill that huge hole for an antenna. How is the reception? AM? FM?

Thanks, Scott

Hey Scott.

I believe you can get a windshield with the antenna in it, which seems to be popular. You'll proabaly need to call your local glass supplier to see if they can get one for your 68. I have a big antenna hole in my 68 fender, I thought about filling and getting the windshield antenna too, but didn't.

I'm not sure about the street rod style reception. You could probably do a GOOGLE search for complaints on them to see what the downside might be.

I can't remember the car I read about a long time ago - guessing at a Dodge Dart - which turned the whole trunk lid into an entenna. I'm not sure if that was a hoax, or not.

Dale

OK,

So maybe I was misunderstood, but I already have a windshield WITHOUT an antenna. I was inquiring about a hidden antenna that you can hide under the dash or under the rear package tray.

I know what you mean and have installed 3 or 4 of them in street rods the past several years. They worked okay. Not great,just okay. However,they are meant to be mounted at the top of the windshield for best reception and I did'nt do this. They also needed 12V supplied to them.

Hi Scott,

A simpler solution appears to be to put a windshield from a '70-'72 into your '68. They were available with an antenna built in (just a couple of thin wires laminated in, barely visible). I had a '72 el camino that had a factory AM/FM stereo with the antenna in the windshield and never had problems with reception. Bonuses are there's no power supply to hook up, a new pit-free windshield is a pleasure to look through, and though I don't know what a "street rod style" antenna costs it's likely comparable to a new windshield with the antenna built-in. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Skip

I installed a hidden antenna windshield on my '68 and the reception is horrible... I will also install a hidden antenna behind the top of the windshield. I got one of a local autoparts store. Anything will be better than what I have now...

Theo.
'68 Chevelle Convertible.

I'm surprised to hear that. Has anyone else had that problem? You guys with '70-'72s, how's your reception? Is there some sort of shielding at the base of the windshield or special shielded antenna cable? I'd like to know because I am getting ready to replace my '69's windshield and am very much considering the later style b/i antenna windshield. But I'll save myself the hassle if it's not gonna work. :confused:

SKIP

I have a 70 Chevelle and a 71 Concours, both with the window antenna, and I always get clear reception, I guess it depends on your location and your local radio stations, I love mine though

That's reassuring. Any others? Good or bad? I suppose if your engine sounds right, that's the only "music" you need to hear and an antenna would be unnecessary...period. Personally, I like the tunes while I drive. ;)

SKIP

I think that a couple years ago, soomeone posted that they had put a conventional "stick" antenna ( the kind usually fastened to the front fender) under the dash pad and it worked pretty well. That would be cheap and easy to try. If it worked well for you, then hurray.

the :mad: hidden antena is not a very good piece.
we live 28 miles from NYC amd get almost no reception at all.
i would be better off with rabbit ears sticking out of my --------.!!!

Originally posted by RedSS454:
the :mad: hidden antena is not a very good piece.
we live 28 miles from NYC amd get almost no reception at all.
i would be better off with rabbit ears sticking out of my --------.!!! That's very surprising. I live about 35 miles from NYC and have never had a problem with FM or AM reception. Some aftermarket radios DO NOT have the sensitivity of the original Delco units, especially on the orphan AM band. The antenna, being a dipole, is directional, but FM reception is fine. Now, another little tid bit. On cars which came with the windshield antenna, the points under the distributor cap are covered with a 2 piece shield to prevent RFI (RF Interference). If you are using HEI or other type of ignition, be prepared for some ignition noise on the AM band on weaker signals.

With the windshield antenna, make sure you have the wiring that connects the windshield antenna to your radio/deck or whatever. Engine to firewall groundstrapped helped me too.

OK guys,

AS I said. I just got my car back from the body shop with a brand new windshield without an antenna. So putting a new windshield in is NOT an option. Thanks for the other responses though.!

Scott