Help I need antenna ideas!!

[ewoody625]

Hey everyone, so I'm at a crossroads right now. My truck has a frenched antenna on the passenger side(I'll post a pic). I can't decide if I want to keep it or not. Can you post pics of what you did with your antenna to give me some ideas. And feel free to give me your thoughts on the frenched antenna. Keep it or get rid of it????? Thanks in advance for your help.

[ewoody625]

Here this is kinda the look I'm going for.

[jf781]

I'd vote get rid of it - I either like the factory location or no antenna at all (maybe hide it under the hood somewhere.

[Ackattack]

I just ordered this hidden antenna based on recommendations of another board member.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TT2C-...fAudioQ5fVideo

I haven't recieved it yet, so I can't comment on it's performance.

To me, the frenched antenna seems dated.

[6772owner]

I say ditch it too, I have an anntenna mounted to side of my frame and its done just fine for me so far.

[ewoody625]

Ackattack, I'd like to know how that antenna works out for you can you keep me posted?

6772owner do you have any pics?

[russj67]

Sorry I don't have a closer picture, but mine is in the stock location. Instead of the terribly long stock antenna, I decided to put a small, turned, stainless steel "nub" in its place. It has a step down in it so it kind of looks like it extends, but it doesn't. I was surprised that I get pretty good reception with it...even though I don't listen to the radio much.

I had thought about the 6-8" antennas, but they started seeming a bit 80's or 90's.

[ewoody625]

Wow thats a nice truck. thanks for your help

[ewoody625]

ttt anyone else want to chime in? I would like as much feedback as possible.
Thanks

[big_al_71]

I shaved the antenna hole off the cowl panel my antenna is under the dash and work pretty good. Keep in mind that I live in a metro area so receptions is super, I dont know how good it would work in the country or where mountains are present.

[ewoody625]

Originally Posted by big_al_71

I shaved the antenna hole off the cowl panel my antenna is under the dash and work pretty good. Keep in mind that I live in a metro area so receptions is super, I dont know how good it would work in the country or where mountains are present.

hmm... I'm not sure how that would work for me. I'm not really out in the country, but I'm not in the major city where all the radio stations are located.

[Leviticus]

I say ditch it as well, do a hidden one.

[OARNGESI]

Hey is your truck from phx?

[ewoody625]

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

Hey is your truck from phx?

yes it is. i actuually picked it up in mesa. have you seen it before?

[6772owner]

Ewoody, I will get some pics for you when I get home and post them up tomorrow, I dont have the truck with me right now.

[gkesseru]

As an electrical engineer, I can say for certain that the antenna needs to have no metal on top of it and should be located over a reflecting ground plane. Have you considered hiding a dipole in the dashpad?

[ewoody625]

dipole being the mast? I'm thinking the easiest thing for me to do right now is patch the hole and go to the stock location.

[gkesseru]

Sorry for the technology term. The Ebay link made above by Ackatack is a dipole. So is the simple flat wire in a Tee shape that used to come for free with home stereos. You can also see a dipole embedded in the windshield on many cars. Look close and you will see a Tee shaped wire usually coming up the center of the windshield branching into one wire going to each side on the windshield. You can duplicate this inside your dashpad. Matter of fact, because of this post, I'm now thinking of trying this.

[oldblue1968chevy]

I cut my radio antenna cord (long story). Should i replace with junkyard original or what? I live in country with mtns. Im on a HS budget. What should I do. thanks

[cparman]

I installed one of these in a 37 ford slantback. I put it in the trunk of the car, and my customer has had no complaints. Great reception, and not seen!

Originally Posted by Ackattack

I just ordered this hidden antenna based on recommendations of another board member.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TT2C-...fAudioQ5fVideo

I haven't recieved it yet, so I can't comment on it's performance.

To me, the frenched antenna seems dated.

[Jim 383]

I put a Nissan style windsheild post antenna on mine,it looks aerodynamic.If I had a frenched antenna I'd keep it.

[69halfton]

ditched the frenched antenna.

I live out in the country, somewhat hilly but no mountains... the PO of my truck just put one of those temp CB radio type magnet antennas and stuck it horizontal on the seat frame near the floor of the truck. seems to work good for me, its huge though, runs the width of the cab. had to put a small peice of foam right on the end because bumps would make it bounch and ting on things = annoying.

oldblue1968chevy, this would probably be a pretty cheap fix to get you going again... the antenna that you would buy I THINK comes with a cord and jack that you can just plug into the back of your deck...

[pat 70/71]

I run the stock location with both my trucks (it looks correct to me) run them @ 28" or less plus stocks not that ugly is it ? best of luck, ..Pat

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I like the Frenched antenna but it is very dated... I have satellite radio so I cannot comment..

[ewoody625]

Thanks for all the comments. Still not sure which direction I want to take... I like the dipole idea but not sure if thats the route I want to go. Decisions, decisions lol.