Power antenna solution in 70 Mach 1?

[miketyler 15]

I want to add a power antenna to my 70 Mach 1. It's located in the passenger side front fender. The fender is already drilled for the four screw OEM fixed mast. Is there an electric antenna that is ready to install that looks like the OEM unit?

 

My fixed unit was broken off and I'd like to find one that looks similar to original. Otherwise was looking for a way to use the OEM base and cover with an off-the-shelf power antenna.

[LiLMike 42]

This is the one I bought. Haven't tried to mount it yet but it looks like it will work.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-ANTENNA-Kit-1969-thru-1973-Ford-Mustang-/350563869504?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item519f3c2340

[buening 63]

The biggest hurdle I've found is the limited spacer under the fender due to the cowl vents. The electric ones have a bulky motor that goes under the fender. Maybe I'm missing something though, since apparently that Ebay auction got theirs to fit!

[miketyler 15]

Yup, and it looks like you would nearly have to remove the door to install it.

[Pakrat 1,043]

This is something I had contemplated during my rebuild, I may still do it someday too but at the time I was going to mount it in the drivers rear like the Shelby's to keep it simple. Since I didn't pull the trigger on that prior to paint if I still do this it would have to go in the stock location now.

 

If and when the time came I was going to order mine from John's Mustang. http://johnsmustang.com/Parts/details-10514.html

Not sure how much different it is than the one in that ebay ad but it is quite a bit less expensive and comes with a bunch of different adapters to fit the various stock bases so it should be pretty easy to adjust.

[miketyler 15]

That unit doesnt have the rectangular base doea it? It appears to be nearly identical to the Metra unit I bought off of eBay. They can be had for under $20 if you look hard.

[miketyler 15]

I hung the unit in place awhile ago temporarily just to check clearance. It is close but looks like it will work. The leading edge of the door is closest during open and closing operation.

 

I also need to fit my plastic water shield in there and make sure it doesn't crowd me further. Am now trying to open up hole in the original antenna base so the power antenna tube will slip inside.

 

Truth is, I actually like the mast better on the rear quarter but the holes are already in the fender for this so I feel obligated.

Edited May 11, 2012 by miketyler

[klevor 10]

That looks like it would work. I too am contemplating this because IT makes it easier to place a cover over it. When parking it outside or in a area where birds like to dive bomb you .

[Mike65 476]

Mike let us know what works for you as I am in the same spot as you, my pass side front fender has the hole in the fender for the stock antenna too.

[miketyler 15]

Got it done. I had to remove the broken fixed antenna from the base. Very easy to do sittting it in a vice and a couple of taps with a hammer.

 

Once I had the bare base casting, I bored it a little over a 1/2" dia all the way thru. This allowed the motor assembly barrel to screw into it. I also had to saw off about 3/4" off the lower end of the OEM casting. Finally I counterbored the top 3/8" or so deep to allow the top barrel nut to seat properly.

 

It is close and to service it you will have to remove the fender or the door. The model I used is a Metra AW-PW12. Wish I had taken more pics along the way. If you can find a more compact model this mod would be easier.

 

[buening 63]

Wow I'm impress Mike!!!! This is definitely on my to-do list now. Did you happen to have a picture of the OEM antenna base that you started with?

[miketyler 15]

I don't have one of the underside but here is the top side. I used stainless oval head screws because I didnt want any rust trails after washing. You can see the threaded barrel of the power unit below the surface.

[TexasEd 190]

Nice mod.

 

I'll get to that one someday.

[Mike65 476]

Thanks for the info & the pics Mike. GREAT work.

[Pakrat 1,043]

So what base did you use then? It looks close to the stock one but different.

[miketyler 15]

It's the stock one, or at least it's the one that came with my car. However, the front and rear of the cover dont sit proper and leave a gap so maybe its for another car?

Edited May 15, 2012 by miketyler

[Pakrat 1,043]

Id say most assuredly from another car, the gap on the bottom from the crest should not be there. The stock one is tapered on the bottom and level on the top and has a rubber gasket to fill any gapping.

 

This is actually common on many cars sice the antennas arrived in the trunks and installed by the dealers. Often they all got thrown in pile and installed later on. My car for example while it had the correct base had a tear drop shaped mast on it which I loved. When it broke and I ordered a correct replacement the mast was round.

 

Many a point deduction debate has gone on at shows about original owners balking because they know their antenna was original to their car even though it is incorrect.

Edited May 16, 2012 by Pakrat

[miketyler 15]

The devil is in the details. If I had it to do over I probably would go with a higher quality OEM antenna, one that is smaller. Not crazy about having to nearly remove the fender to access it

[LiLMike 42]

I finally got the power antenna installed. It fit great and works perfect. I had to take the door off to mount it but it fits great.