[Purs]

I've got a 68 that had a fender mounted antenna. I'm going to have to replace the windshield and thought about getting one with the antenna built into it and was wondering what problems I was going to run into? How does the radio hook up to the windshield antenna? Do I need something special? What are everyone's opinions on these windshields with the antennas in them. Thank you.

 

[Jim Elliott]

Hi Purs
In my Elky the reception is just so-so. A good ground is a must but all in all the fender mount is just flat out better. Good luck

Jim

 

[BB_Mike]

The antena will have a little plug to hook into. I think it was just a female-spade. Been a while though.

The reception for my 71 is the same as my 97 Tahoe. I do have an aftermarket (Pioneer) radio though.

 

[Shawn]

Windshield antenna in my '70 is better than the one on my Caprice.

 

[will02]

Had a windshield antenna in a company pickup in the early 80's. Worked great till the windshield was broken and replaced. Had the windshield replaced at the Chevy dealer and they would do nothing about the reception(was well within GM standards according to them). It attached with a snap like on a jacket to a standard type antenna cable. We did switch the adapter and it worked better, but never the same.

 

[mr409]

Here is a pic of one that I just sold.

These aren't correct for a '68 but you probably knew that.

 

[John R]

Yeah, I like the windshield antenna and have always gotten good reception with them(rivaled/bettered most of the "standard" units I've had); I wished GM never got rid of those! Although, they did have it (optional) on the rear window of the GTP we used to have...not to mention, they look alot nicer than this thing sticking outta the car, imo...The worst is a black antenna..forgot the reasoning, but that is the worst type for reception...

They're correct..it plugs into the radio like a standard antenna, with the male/female connector...

 

[Fred Ont canada]

The one on my 72 works better than the fender mount on my STS, but it has a booster,and a SONY radio,but so does the one on my PU and the windshield one out performs it...FRED

 

[Wilbur]

I just replaced the windshield in my 69 with one that has the antenna built in ($125 from Safelite). It's a '70 windshield, which will fit 68 thru 72. There is a small (about 6") pigtail on the lower edge in the center that is the antenna connection. The connection is made to the cable shown by mr409. If the 68 is the same as 69, you should have square cutout in the sheetmetal just below the center of the windshield, mine had two dimples in it that I drilled out to install the antenna cable. After the windshield is installed, the pigtail is plugged into the cable and then covered up by the stainless steel lower windshield trim piece. Very clean install, looks factory. Personally, I hate the fender antenna, breaks up the clean lines and (stupid) people are tempted to break it off. Here in the Denver area, the windshield antenna performance is adequate; They are less efficient than a standard fender mounted antenna, so if you are in an area with weak signal strength you may not get all stations.
Good luck with it!

 

[Purs]

Thanks for all the responses, you have all helped me make a more informed decision.

 

[RedSS454]

To, mr 409,
now that you sold me the wire . is it copyrite infrigment to publish the photo???

thanks for the quick shipment.
i will let you know how hard it is to install.
we have a USA2 radio with the hidden antenna.
this doesn't work very well. you have to hold it in your hand to get good reception. this makes for some fancy shifting.jim

 

[mr409]

No but I could sell you the rights to it. LOL

Hope all works well...