Hidden Antenna - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

7T1BURB · 12-12-2002, 06:31 AM

Have seen various vendors advertising the "hidden antenna" and was wondering if anyone had installed one and was radio reception good? Don't want to install a cowl mounted antenna and thought this might be a good alternative. Appreciate any info. THANKS!

**Tim Christian** · 12-12-2002, 07:03 AM

I put one on my son's truck. It works pretty good but still not as good as a cowl mounted antenna.

Jwill41 · 12-12-2002, 09:16 AM

I just have an old antenna that was laying around in the garage. I wedged it in right underneath the glove box cardboard and tie-wrapped it in place. Works great and can't be seen.

*Randy70C-10* · 12-12-2002, 09:26 AM

I'm going to sink an electric antenna where my gas cap used to be. I'll take pics once I get started.

slam33 · 12-12-2002, 10:53 AM

I have one that I got off E-bay, it's for planes and boats. Fiberglass housing with electronics. I mounted it under the cowl on the pass side and welded up the antana hole. It works great, best $4 I ever spent.

XXL · 12-12-2002, 10:53 AM

Another good spot is behind the grille, horizontally. Just mount it to either the right or left vertical stanchion and use a plastic standoff to hold the other end from bouncing around. I use the Harada universal* black (fiberglass whip) antenna and it works just fine. I've done this on a half-dozen or so cars over the years.

Kenneth

* "universal" means it doesn't actually fit correctly on anything.

**BIG ORANGE** · 12-12-2002, 11:04 AM

This reply is to Randy,what do you use to mount the radio to the cab? I've seen this pockets that the antana comes through and has aliitle drip leg to let water pass through the bottom of the housing,is this what you are using.

Long Knight · 12-12-2002, 11:37 AM

Doesn't somone sell kits to put an antenna in your back window. It's like a thin strip of metal that sticks on the glass around the outline of the window. My wife has this stock on her new maxima, and I can't remember where I saw this conversion kit. Any one else seen it, cuz I would like to get one.

RON WOODGEARD · 12-12-2002, 12:49 PM

LONG KNIGHT,

You used to be able to buy the window kit at just about any major auto parts. ( napa,auto zone,checker,big A) I haven't checked in a while for one though.

Crutchfield also sells a hidden unit. I don't know how well it works.
Remember one thing guys, a lot of the reception will depend on how much your stereo/radio has the ability to receive the signal also. If you go to the Crutchfield book, It gives a VERY in-depth break down of all of the stereos and how well they receive radio signals, what their background noise is, ETC.ETC. and they explain how to understand it. Where I live out in the middle of no-where, I get terrible reception. The closest radio station is in VEGAS, 65 miles away and the signal has to travel over the mountains.

RON

Primered_69 · 12-12-2002, 06:01 PM

Hey XXL for us uneducated (in automobile technical terms) what is a "right or left vertical stanchion." I know a lot but I don't know that.

According to my dictionary it is a "1. An upright pole, post, or support. 2. A framework consisting of two or more vertical bars, used to secure cattle in a stall or at a feed trough."

So would this be the radiator support? Or another upright support.

We little people need smaller words.

XXL · 12-12-2002, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Primered_69
We little people need smaller words.

Hey, the only other word I know to describe them is "thingie" but I figured that woudn't be descriptive enough

If you look on the front of the core support, on either side of the radiator opening, you'll see a vertical 'bump' that is about 1 1/2" wide and as tall as the opening. If you drill a hole in one side, you can mount the universal antenna at its 90 degree setting and the whip will run horizontally, parallel with the ground, across the front of the radiator.

As for the big words... forgive my erudition

Kenneth

guitarman · 12-12-2002, 07:32 PM

I used an amplified hidden unit that was on close out at Pep Boys, might have been a Hirrade the only thing that shows is two very thin strips on either side of the rear view mirror. It works super.

OhioDan · 12-13-2002, 05:17 AM

A friend of mine gave me a "hidden antenna", that he purchased at Junk Shack. He put one in his S-10 and got great reception, even on AM. Don't have mine in as of yet, because I haven't installed the windshield, so I can't tell you first hand. Just my $.02 worth.

7T1BURB · 12-13-2002, 09:50 AM

Thanks for everyone's input ! Armed with the info you provided I think I might try that "vertical stanchion" installation and see how it works...seems like another great idea!! Thanks to all........

*Randy70C-10* · 12-13-2002, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BIG ORANGE
This reply is to Randy,what do you use to mount the radio to the cab? I've seen this pockets that the antana comes through and has aliitle drip leg to let water pass through the bottom of the housing,is this what you are using.

I had a frenched antenna in my 47 Chevy (sold) as well. Pretty much like you said, we used a piece of 1.5 inch tube, capped it off at one end, made a hole in the capped end just big enough for the antenna to come through, and also installed a drain tube with a hose attached. The hose would have to exit out of the bottom of the cab through the floor. Brackets will have to be fabbed to support the bottom of the unit. This set-up will be a little different as I will not be sinking the antenna in a pocket on this one. Once I make the piece to fill in the gas filler hole, I'll take some pics. It should be really cool if it turns out the way I'm hoping it to.

*Randy70C-10* · 12-13-2002, 10:50 AM

Man, I regret selling that one

Slammed67 · 12-13-2002, 02:48 PM

I also have a "stock" antenna stuffed up underneath my dash. Works great. You might as well try that first before you go out and buy a "hidden" antenna.

PanelDeland · 12-14-2002, 04:15 PM

Stock antenna tucked under my dash works great.I prolly don't have the range an outside one would but in Hotlanta there are stations everywhere so I can always pick up something.I have broadened my horizons over the years so that I listen to a wider variety of music so I can always find something to listen to.

DeepPurple · 12-14-2002, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy70C-10
This set-up will be a little different as I will not be sinking the antenna in a pocket on this one. Once I make the piece to fill in the gas filler hole, I'll take some pics. It should be really cool if it turns out the way I'm hoping it to.

So you're not wanting it to look like this?

(mind you, this was done on the passenger side as opposed to the drivers side).

XXL · 12-15-2002, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeepPurple

So you're not wanting it to look like this? (mind you, this was done on the passenger side as opposed to the drivers side).

I've got no problem with frenched antennas... just a heads-up... I had a buddy who did this on this truck and he kept breaking off the masts. When he'd get out, he'd shoulder into the antenna and *whack*... time for a new mast. I hooked up a relay to his door pin switch so when he opened the door the antenna would run down. Voila... no more broken masts

Kenneth

KEH · 02-16-2003, 09:02 PM

For you guys that have a stock antenna tucked under the dash, do you have to ground the antenna, or does it get its ground from the cable?

Thanks

Jwill41 · 02-16-2003, 09:05 PM

i did not ground mine but it might should be.

XXL · 02-16-2003, 09:12 PM

I recommend you ground the antenna base. In this case, the issue is not an electrical ground for the radio, but as an FM frequency ground plane.

Kenneth

KEH · 02-16-2003, 09:52 PM

Thanks guys. Sounds like that's the easiest/best way to go...this board and the people on it are the best...

thanks

12-12-2002, 06:31 AM	#1
7T1BURB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 190	Hidden Antenna Have seen various vendors advertising the "hidden antenna" and was wondering if anyone had installed one and was radio reception good? Don't want to install a cowl mounted antenna and thought this might be a good alternative. Appreciate any info. THANKS!

12-12-2002, 09:16 AM	#3
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	I just have an old antenna that was laying around in the garage. I wedged it in right underneath the glove box cardboard and tie-wrapped it in place. Works great and can't be seen. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club

12-12-2002, 10:53 AM	#5
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	I have one that I got off E-bay, it's for planes and boats. Fiberglass housing with electronics. I mounted it under the cowl on the pass side and welded up the antana hole. It works great, best $4 I ever spent. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

12-12-2002, 10:53 AM	#6
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	Another good spot is behind the grille, horizontally. Just mount it to either the right or left vertical stanchion and use a plastic standoff to hold the other end from bouncing around. I use the Harada universal* black (fiberglass whip) antenna and it works just fine. I've done this on a half-dozen or so cars over the years. Kenneth * "universal" means it doesn't actually fit correctly on anything. __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

12-12-2002, 11:04 AM	#7
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,754	This reply is to Randy,what do you use to mount the radio to the cab? I've seen this pockets that the antana comes through and has aliitle drip leg to let water pass through the bottom of the housing,is this what you are using. __________________ Things happen for a reason!

12-12-2002, 07:03 AM	#2
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	I put one on my son's truck. It works pretty good but still not as good as a cowl mounted antenna.

12-12-2002, 09:26 AM	#4
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I'm going to sink an electric antenna where my gas cap used to be. I'll take pics once I get started.

12-12-2002, 11:37 AM	#8
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Doesn't somone sell kits to put an antenna in your back window. It's like a thin strip of metal that sticks on the glass around the outline of the window. My wife has this stock on her new maxima, and I can't remember where I saw this conversion kit. Any one else seen it, cuz I would like to get one. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

12-12-2002, 12:49 PM	#9
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	LONG KNIGHT, You used to be able to buy the window kit at just about any major auto parts. ( napa,auto zone,checker,big A) I haven't checked in a while for one though. Crutchfield also sells a hidden unit. I don't know how well it works. Remember one thing guys, a lot of the reception will depend on how much your stereo/radio has the ability to receive the signal also. If you go to the Crutchfield book, It gives a VERY in-depth break down of all of the stereos and how well they receive radio signals, what their background noise is, ETC.ETC. and they explain how to understand it. Where I live out in the middle of no-where, I get terrible reception. The closest radio station is in VEGAS, 65 miles away and the signal has to travel over the mountains. RON

12-12-2002, 06:01 PM	#10
Primered_69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 1,409	Hey XXL for us uneducated (in automobile technical terms) what is a "right or left vertical stanchion." I know a lot but I don't know that. According to my dictionary it is a "1. An upright pole, post, or support. 2. A framework consisting of two or more vertical bars, used to secure cattle in a stall or at a feed trough." So would this be the radiator support? Or another upright support. We little people need smaller words. __________________ 1969 Chevy LWB - with shaved handles; 3 1/2 front/ 5 1/2 rear drop; (waiting to be put back together)

12-12-2002, 07:32 PM	#12
guitarman Do it well or don't do it Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 457	I used an amplified hidden unit that was on close out at Pep Boys, might have been a Hirrade the only thing that shows is two very thin strips on either side of the rear view mirror. It works super. __________________ Try to be the person your dog thinks you are. Excellent paint and body site: http://www.autobody101.com/ Visit my Web Site http://home.attbi.com/~agfosteriii

12-13-2002, 05:17 AM	#13
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	A friend of mine gave me a "hidden antenna", that he purchased at Junk Shack. He put one in his S-10 and got great reception, even on AM. Don't have mine in as of yet, because I haven't installed the windshield, so I can't tell you first hand. Just my $.02 worth. __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

12-13-2002, 09:50 AM	#14
7T1BURB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 190	Thanks for everyone's input ! Armed with the info you provided I think I might try that "vertical stanchion" installation and see how it works...seems like another great idea!! Thanks to all........

12-13-2002, 10:50 AM	#16
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Man, I regret selling that one

12-13-2002, 02:48 PM	#17
Slammed67 Progress = 0% Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 2,108	I also have a "stock" antenna stuffed up underneath my dash. Works great. You might as well try that first before you go out and buy a "hidden" antenna. __________________ Jason - '67 GMC swb \| '57 Bel-Air 4dr hardtop \| '56 210 4dr Wagon \| 2000 GMC Sierra



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12-14-2002, 04:15 PM	#18
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Stock antenna tucked under my dash works great.I prolly don't have the range an outside one would but in Hotlanta there are stations everywhere so I can always pick up something.I have broadened my horizons over the years so that I listen to a wider variety of music so I can always find something to listen to. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

02-16-2003, 09:02 PM	#21
KEH Better late than never Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 324	For you guys that have a stock antenna tucked under the dash, do you have to ground the antenna, or does it get its ground from the cable? Thanks __________________ 1970 C/10 SWB Stepside

02-16-2003, 09:05 PM	#22
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	i did not ground mine but it might should be. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club

02-16-2003, 09:12 PM	#23
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	I recommend you ground the antenna base. In this case, the issue is not an electrical ground for the radio, but as an FM frequency ground plane. Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

02-16-2003, 09:52 PM	#24
KEH Better late than never Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 324	Thanks guys. Sounds like that's the easiest/best way to go...this board and the people on it are the best... thanks __________________ 1970 C/10 SWB Stepside

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