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

**smitty62** · 05-07-2004, 02:31 PM

Would like to hear from those of you that are using one of the $35 hidden antennas (antennae?) that are being offered by many aftermarket vendors. Do they work in somewhat remote areas or just close to a town? I understand that they don't work at all for AM--correct? I really don't want to use the original antenna location.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 05-07-2004, 08:31 PM

I have heard of people having good luck mounting antenna's under the dash some how and a few people have mounted them inbetween the bed and cab down low and the back side of the cab..

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-07-2004, 08:40 PM

I tried one that was setup for the "correct" length for a FM signal and the reception was very poor. I was really disappointed!

Jim

junkyardjohn · 05-07-2004, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty62

Would like to hear from those of you that are using one of the $35 hidden antennas (antennae?) that are being offered by many aftermarket vendors. Do they work in somewhat remote areas or just close to a town? I understand that they don't work at all for AM--correct? I really don't want to use the original antenna location.

I'VE USED THE EL-CHEAPO $6 UNIVERSAL ANTENNAS UNDER THE DASH. I JUST COVERED THE MAST WITH DUCT TAPE (TO INSULATE IT) & GROUNDED THE BASE WITH A SMALL PIECE OF WIRE, & HELD IT IN -PLACE WITH WIRE TIES. ( PRETTY LOW TECH.) IT SEEMED TO WORK FINE FOR ME. JOHN

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-07-2004, 09:23 PM

John,

Does your setup pick up AM stations, also? I bought my hidden antenna for my 65 Impala which has a rear antenna which had poor reception.

I tried the hidden antenna on the 65 radio and the reception was nil.

It sounds like you just hid a regular antenna under the dash.

Jim

Longhorn Man · 05-07-2004, 10:59 PM

I have had a regular antenna under the dash too, had no problems with getting in stations. (none of my stations are out of town either though)
No clue on AM...I didn' realize ppl still used it.

**smitty62** · 05-07-2004, 11:10 PM

Yes, people still use AM. The best "Oldies" station in my area is on AM. I can't stand hard rock, rap or C/W which is all that is on FM around here.

Old farts have their music too.

The idea of mounting a regular antenna between the cab and bed sounds interesting.

Longhorn Man · 05-07-2004, 11:24 PM

Sorry, I was bein a smart ass...there is a good oldies station here, and a couple good talk radio stations here also, all on A.M.
I'll take my hard rock and classic rock though....both on FM.

70ChevyLongbed · 05-07-2004, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Sorry, I was bein a smart ass...

Were you being an Asshat???? ... or is that another thread?

glock35ipsc · 05-08-2004, 12:04 AM

I use one under the dash that works awesome! We used these (still do) when I was building conversion vans at Vanworks in Colorado. They sell them for $14. I live out in the boonies and have no problems pulling in distant stations. I'll try to get a pic if anyone wants to see one.

I went this route because my truck was a radio-delete truck, and thus has no hole in the cowl for an antenna. And I want to keep it that way

8door · 05-08-2004, 12:53 AM

I would like to see pics of underdash antenna. My truck has the original hole and a fixed mast which I will keep but have a custom that I want to hid the antenna.Was thinking of wrapping flex wire around windshield rubber ( imbeding it) but your system might be easier.
Ya us old farts like our oldies, with a little country mixed thats good.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-08-2004, 02:32 AM

Glock35,

I would like to see a picture of your setup.

Longhorn,

Some cars only have AM radios!

Jim

**smitty62** · 05-08-2004, 10:44 AM

[QUOTE=glock35ipsc]I use one under the dash that works awesome! We used these (still do) when I was building conversion vans at Vanworks in Colorado.

Glock: when you say "these"--are you referring to a regular antenna or something special?

68C15 · 05-08-2004, 10:57 AM

anyone thought of using a pair of 62 Chevy style antanneas? maybe mounted at the front of box corners or something. just brain storming here.

glock35ipsc · 05-08-2004, 01:36 PM

"These" are what I am refering to:

We used these on the rear stereo's on conversion vans. They stuck to the inside top corner of a rear window. At the plug going into the radio, there is a short power wire that either ties into a power-on wire from the radio (usually for a power antenna), or to an ignition source. Then there is an additional ground wire that grounds the antenna to the body.

The red and black wires leaving the antenna run to the radio antenna plug. Rather than being coax, they are regular copper wire.

These work great! I live out in the sticks, and I get both AM and FM perfectly, even when sitting in the shop.

8door · 05-08-2004, 08:43 PM

Now I see what you have.It's powered so can be a short thing. I like it. Where do you get them for $14????
Chris

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-08-2004, 08:48 PM

Thanks for posting the pic! There are Van conversions close by so I will try one of them.

Jim

lewi · 06-09-2004, 12:24 PM

sorry to bring this back, but I finally put a am/fm cd player in my truck. The stock antenna has been removed and smothed. When the stereo shop installed the unit they also installed an under the dash powered antenna and it doesn't work for sh**. No AM reception, and half of the FM stations I have in my car. What can be done that would be better, short of reinstalling an outside antenna? I am willing to pay for a working under dash setup.

piecesparts · 06-09-2004, 01:30 PM

I agree with 8door, Where does one get the antenna that you have pictured? I have come across individuals that have the hidden units that are often advertised in magazines and they ALL have a "sob" story about the reception. I live in a radio defunct area--Where if it ain't country, it is not as strong a station as others. So I would like to find a good unit for my project.

superfly68 · 06-09-2004, 05:24 PM

i'd like to get one of these too....until i can do some frenching. (bodywork not kissing)

lewi · 06-09-2004, 07:13 PM

In the large picture posted by glock35ipsc it looks as if the "whiteish" portion is just for background for the antenna to show up in the photo. What is remaining is what my antenna looks like. It is mounted inside the glove box area under the dash. Is there an antenna available in the windshield for these trucks simular to my old 73? Or do I have to move the existing (pictured) one out of the glove box and attach it to a window? I hope not.

maybizzle · 06-09-2004, 07:16 PM

Sirius Sattelite Radio is the way to go. you wont be disssapointed.

Jason71k10 · 06-09-2004, 07:26 PM

I used to have one of the hidden ones in the truck, but when the back window was smashed, I couldn't it off the glass without braking it, so I just cut the ground wire off and threw it away with the broken glass. It worked pretty well though. I couldn't find one around here either, so I just put the factory antenna behind the seat in the corner...also works well for now.

Jason

piecesparts · 06-09-2004, 09:45 PM

You know we could just mount a factory antenna on the frame under the truck, just make a 90 degree bracket and bolt it to the frame.

lewi · 06-09-2004, 11:07 PM

That is a pretty good idea, I wonder how the reception would be?

05-07-2004, 02:31 PM	#1
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Hidden antenna Would like to hear from those of you that are using one of the $35 hidden antennas (antennae?) that are being offered by many aftermarket vendors. Do they work in somewhat remote areas or just close to a town? I understand that they don't work at all for AM--correct? I really don't want to use the original antenna location. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

05-07-2004, 08:31 PM	#2
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	I have heard of people having good luck mounting antenna's under the dash some how and a few people have mounted them inbetween the bed and cab down low and the back side of the cab.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

05-07-2004, 11:10 PM	#7
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Yes, people still use AM. The best "Oldies" station in my area is on AM. I can't stand hard rock, rap or C/W which is all that is on FM around here. Old farts have their music too. The idea of mounting a regular antenna between the cab and bed sounds interesting. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

05-08-2004, 12:04 AM	#10
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	I use one under the dash that works awesome! We used these (still do) when I was building conversion vans at Vanworks in Colorado. They sell them for $14. I live out in the boonies and have no problems pulling in distant stations. I'll try to get a pic if anyone wants to see one. I went this route because my truck was a radio-delete truck, and thus has no hole in the cowl for an antenna. And I want to keep it that way __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

05-08-2004, 12:53 AM	#11
8door Not too old to learn Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 617	I would like to see pics of underdash antenna. My truck has the original hole and a fixed mast which I will keep but have a custom that I want to hid the antenna.Was thinking of wrapping flex wire around windshield rubber ( imbeding it) but your system might be easier. Ya us old farts like our oldies, with a little country mixed thats good. __________________ 1968 C10 a way to long restoration.

05-07-2004, 08:40 PM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	I tried one that was setup for the "correct" length for a FM signal and the reception was very poor. I was really disappointed! Jim

05-07-2004, 09:23 PM	#5
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	John, Does your setup pick up AM stations, also? I bought my hidden antenna for my 65 Impala which has a rear antenna which had poor reception. I tried the hidden antenna on the 65 radio and the reception was nil. It sounds like you just hid a regular antenna under the dash. Jim

05-07-2004, 10:59 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I have had a regular antenna under the dash too, had no problems with getting in stations. (none of my stations are out of town either though) No clue on AM...I didn' realize ppl still used it.

05-07-2004, 11:24 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Sorry, I was bein a smart ass...there is a good oldies station here, and a couple good talk radio stations here also, all on A.M. I'll take my hard rock and classic rock though....both on FM.

05-08-2004, 02:32 AM	#12
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Glock35, I would like to see a picture of your setup. Longhorn, Some cars only have AM radios! Jim

05-08-2004, 10:44 AM	#13
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	[QUOTE=glock35ipsc]I use one under the dash that works awesome! We used these (still do) when I was building conversion vans at Vanworks in Colorado. Glock: when you say "these"--are you referring to a regular antenna or something special? __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

05-08-2004, 10:57 AM	#14
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	anyone thought of using a pair of 62 Chevy style antanneas? maybe mounted at the front of box corners or something. just brain storming here.

05-08-2004, 01:36 PM	#15
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	"These" are what I am refering to: We used these on the rear stereo's on conversion vans. They stuck to the inside top corner of a rear window. At the plug going into the radio, there is a short power wire that either ties into a power-on wire from the radio (usually for a power antenna), or to an ignition source. Then there is an additional ground wire that grounds the antenna to the body. The red and black wires leaving the antenna run to the radio antenna plug. Rather than being coax, they are regular copper wire. These work great! I live out in the sticks, and I get both AM and FM perfectly, even when sitting in the shop. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE Last edited by glock35ipsc; 05-08-2004 at 01:38 PM.

05-08-2004, 08:43 PM	#16
8door Not too old to learn Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 617	Now I see what you have.It's powered so can be a short thing. I like it. Where do you get them for $14???? Chris __________________ 1968 C10 a way to long restoration.

05-08-2004, 08:48 PM	#17
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Thanks for posting the pic! There are Van conversions close by so I will try one of them. Jim



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06-09-2004, 12:24 PM	#18
lewi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Redding California Posts: 223	sorry to bring this back, but I finally put a am/fm cd player in my truck. The stock antenna has been removed and smothed. When the stereo shop installed the unit they also installed an under the dash powered antenna and it doesn't work for sh**. No AM reception, and half of the FM stations I have in my car. What can be done that would be better, short of reinstalling an outside antenna? I am willing to pay for a working under dash setup. __________________ 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 383/350 LWB 2wd Built to use, and look good.

06-09-2004, 01:30 PM	#19
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	I agree with 8door, Where does one get the antenna that you have pictured? I have come across individuals that have the hidden units that are often advertised in magazines and they ALL have a "sob" story about the reception. I live in a radio defunct area--Where if it ain't country, it is not as strong a station as others. So I would like to find a good unit for my project.

06-09-2004, 05:24 PM	#20
superfly68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Encinitas,CA Posts: 316	i'd like to get one of these too....until i can do some frenching. (bodywork not kissing) __________________ no longer have a ride, but still a fan!

06-09-2004, 07:13 PM	#21
lewi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Redding California Posts: 223	In the large picture posted by glock35ipsc it looks as if the "whiteish" portion is just for background for the antenna to show up in the photo. What is remaining is what my antenna looks like. It is mounted inside the glove box area under the dash. Is there an antenna available in the windshield for these trucks simular to my old 73? Or do I have to move the existing (pictured) one out of the glove box and attach it to a window? I hope not. __________________ 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 383/350 LWB 2wd Built to use, and look good.

06-09-2004, 07:16 PM	#22
maybizzle Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 3	Sirius Sattelite Radio is the way to go. you wont be disssapointed.

06-09-2004, 07:26 PM	#23
Jason71k10 ready for reassembly Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Barrie ONT, Canada Posts: 413	I used to have one of the hidden ones in the truck, but when the back window was smashed, I couldn't it off the glass without braking it, so I just cut the ground wire off and threw it away with the broken glass. It worked pretty well though. I couldn't find one around here either, so I just put the factory antenna behind the seat in the corner...also works well for now. Jason __________________ stock 71 4x4 2003 Jeep Liberty, rocky mountain edition I'm obsessed, and wouldn't have it any other way!

06-09-2004, 09:45 PM	#24
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	You know we could just mount a factory antenna on the frame under the truck, just make a 90 degree bracket and bolt it to the frame.

06-09-2004, 11:07 PM	#25
lewi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Redding California Posts: 223	That is a pretty good idea, I wonder how the reception would be? __________________ 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 383/350 LWB 2wd Built to use, and look good.

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