Dumb Question about Manual Antenna

jeffrey2 · jeffrey2's Garage

I have been a Pcar owner long enough to know the reason why the power antenna is on the right and the manual is on the left.

My question is...with technology getting greater, and the products getting smaller, does anyone know of a small power antenna that can be put on the left side?

Judy is pristine and I'm not sure if an antenna sticking up all of the time goes with the look.

Thanks

RoninLB · 10-17-2008, 07:30 AM

I couldn't find one when I replaced my manual a few years ago.

jeffrey2 · jeffrey2's Garage

Me neither, but just got it back and am just...bugged at looking at it; it is a NOS one, but not as nice as a collapsed one.

midnight911 · midnight911's Garage

how were the RHD cars set up?

jeffrey2 · jeffrey2's Garage

My guesstimation is they were set up as the LHD cars, the AC lines are most likely on the Left Hand side of the car.

Hugh R · 10-17-2008, 10:15 AM

I'm guessing the automatic is on the right cause there is way more room for a motor. Why the put the manual on the left? My guess is that on LHD cars it's within reach of the driver's door. Just a guess though.

jeffrey2 · jeffrey2's Garage

It was for LHD cars, when parked at a curb, there is less chance someone will snap your antenna.

I know Mazda had a retrofit for their Miatas which had a similar issue, was hoping there was some cross reference-able retrofit. Bummer - I sold a windshield with antenna a few years ago figuring i could find a slender power antenna...

the · 10-17-2008, 10:34 AM

Put a plug or cap over the manual antenna hole (or just leave the antenna in, but down), and try this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=Y&g=232750&i=12044UA200&search=antenna&tp=3449

cmcfaul · cmcfaul's Garage

Car wash ate my antenna. That’s what I get for being lazy I guess. My car does not have AC. Any reason I could not put a retractable one in the stock location? Would some consider this a bastardization?

Thanks,

Chris

73 911 E

RoninLB · 10-18-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcfaul

Any reason I could not put a retractable one in the stock location? Would some consider this a bastardization?

does retractable mean electric?

I keep my manual one down.

jeffrey2 · jeffrey2's Garage

I think he has the opposite problem?

I'm testing a few ideas, taking some measures and will advise if i come up with anything.

Bench-Racing · 10-19-2008, 12:01 PM

We specialize in antenna sales with lots of 356 and 911/912 experience. It's a gas filler issue not necessarily an AC issue. Just no room for the motor. Contrary to technological advances, power antennas are not getting smaller except if you compare a unit from the 50's with a current unit. If anything they are getting harder to access as antenna manufacturers are cutting out model specific units and making universal units with multiple mounting head kits. Heck, they work and look the same as the original and probably are much less expensive then the OEM unit. Just slightly different in overall specs. I was even informed from Hirschmann that I will not be able to order any more black antennas in the future. Something about the process or element used to make the black finish being outlawed in Europe or the sloughing off of this black coating is harming the environment, whatever? We do sell a cool power antenna unit with a flexible shaft which gives you all kinds of options when mounting but the simple solution is to just go manual retractable on the drivers side and if you need a power unit, use the passenger side for a very straight forward install. All sorts of replacements in stock from $19 to $85 power and manual, both fully retractable. Even Hirschmann antenna delete caps. Good luck with your project.