Power antenna question

Talonz82 · 08-15-2002, 01:10 AM

Hello, add my name to the people that have been duped by hirsman (sp). I wanted to replace the distorted manuel antenna on my 80 sc, picked up a power antenna on e-bay, just to find out it's suppose to be mounted on the right front fender, which I can tell you this....there is no #%^&&%$%^& way i am drilling a hole in my fender for this thing.

What are my options: replace with OEM manuel antenna? resell item on e-bay?

I know I would have to remove the door to install, on the left side, has anyone done this? will it work?

Regards Peter

PFAMCO · PFAMCO's Garage

Peter,

I installed a Hershman power antenna on the left side of my 73. I didn't want to drill a hole. I did have to remove the door to install it and the door will now only open to the first detent position because of the antenna but there is still plenty of room to comfortably enter and exit the front seat.

Paul

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

Peter,

what's the exact issue? Does the antenna not fit into the left side fender because of the filler neck or something else. Why does it need to be the passenger side?

I have a really ugly crappy antenna (aftermarket rubber) that the PO installed and want to get rid of it. It's mounted on the passenger side fender.

Why does one have to remove the door to do the install. Any threads talking to that?

If you don't want to use yours and it's chrome I would consider buying it from you rather than going after one on Ebay. I am located in Santa Barbara, CA, 93109. PM or Email me at ingo@di.com

Ingo

Jamie79SC · 08-15-2002, 11:55 AM

Talon,

Hate to be a vulture but... I you decide it's too much hassel, I need to replace my right hand electric antenna. Let me know if you decide it's too much hassel and want to get rid of the new one you have.

pwd72s · 08-15-2002, 04:11 PM

I've often wondered why people like the power antenna? Adds a bit of weight, and just something else to go bad from time to time. It's really not deprivation to live with the manual model, is it?

Superman · 08-15-2002, 04:17 PM

That's my feeling. My car has a power antenna but it apprently is not hooked up properly because it stays up. The only reason I can see to retract it is for an automatic car wash. My car will NEVER see the inside of an automatic car wash, so I really don't need it, or the extra weight. I also don't need the A/C (gone). the power windows, the power sunroof, the power mirrors, the mirror heaters, the headlight washers, the fog lamps, etc., etc.

I like the primer black turbo in the new Excellence. He washes it with a plastic "tuffy."

pwd72s · 08-15-2002, 04:24 PM

Super? I do believe you may have given yourself another project..
reducing weight by replacing your power antenna with a manual one. Who cares if it's on the right (wrong?) side? Far as I know, the manual antenna receives the waves every bit as well as the power one.

Talonz82 · 08-15-2002, 04:31 PM

Excellent feedback everyone! Thanks...I felt the need to upgrade to the power antenna because mine is worked over, because I left it up and someone thought it would be fun to bend the heck out of it in a parking lot.

There are some threads in the archives, the antenna instructions tell you to mount in the right fender well, I have done the preliminary inspection and there will be no way to install in the left fender with out taking the fender or the door off, go look at your cars guys, there is just no room between the door and inner fender.

To those that wish to buy, I will decide here shortly what my course of action will be and I'll get back to you.

Thanks again for the great feedback!

Regards Peter

Jim Sims · 08-15-2002, 07:06 PM

We too bought the Hirschmann power antenna to upgrade from a manual unit on a '73. A post about it not fitting by John Walker caught my attention and I checked it out. It indeed will not fit in the same location as the manual unit forward of the the driver's door; at least not fit and allow normal operation of the door. We welded up the old hole in the left fender (we're doing a glass out paint job) and drilled a hole in the right fender in order to relocate the antenna to that position. We measured the antenna location on a friend's SC equipped with a/c and an external oil cooler as the power antenna needs to clear both the a/c receiver dryer and the oil lines. Cheers, Jim

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

I see a simple reason for the power antenna:

Protection against vandalism. Whenever the car is parked somewhere and my bodyguards happen to be off duty the extended antenna is easy prey.

Ingo