Location of radio aerial

Anyone know what is the best location for the radio antenna?
What side should it be mounted?
Is the dual mount VW antenna a good choice?

What about the red-tipped Hirschman (sp?) I think it looks a little more in keeping with Porsch-ey...As for location, I'd mount it up on the cowling on the driver's side so I could fuss with it while I'm driving and talking on the cell phone...It'll also depend where you've located your mirror(s) you may not want a chromish cluster- fuck of auxillary equipment going on out front.

I believe some of the Spyder guys hook their radio's up to their windshield frames. I recall reading where it works fine, this is if you don't want too add an ant. to your car. It is a bit fuzzy but seems like Radio Shack sells the radio-to-wire lead adaptor, then you attach it to one of the windshield mounting bolts. But of course if you are being correct to the era you can only listen to music from the '50's, HA!

The windshield Idea is a very good one .If the radio has a asmeth ajuster you will be able to dial it right in. The outer sheath lead of the anteni cable is the ground on one side and also needs a chassey ground there. The center lead goes on the other side of the windshield frame to complete the circut. I have used this trick before on a friends boat it worked sweet. And of course on my car as well.

Stock location was driver's side front fender.

I had pretty good luck on my first speedster mounting a standard antenna horizontally under the dash on the frame cross member. I had to fabricate an "L" bracket to mount the base of the antenna, and then just extended the antenna and zip tied the far end to the wiring harness. I have a powered antenna in my new car- it doesn't work as well.

I did the same thing Stan did on his first car. Mounted the antenna on the cross bar under the dash after making a bracket. It's hidden and works great.

Jim OKC

I love the underdash idea. I'll try that first. Thank you to all that answered. Have a good Holiday, and Happy New Year.

(Message Edited 12/24/2002 12:36:58 PM)

The correct factory location would. indeed right over the driver side door hinge . but on CMC's and VS's you can't do that, the frame and door supports are there.

I just checked out the site secretaudio.com They have a powered amplified antenna as well as a neat hidden radio set-up. Found these sets
on diff. sites after doing web search for "secret audio".
BD

Bill,

Awesome find. Thanks.

I like the hidden idea, that would be the way to tuck it up and out of the way. But I have been looking at the hardware of the windscreen, what about like the other cat said, rig it as a huge antenna? I mean the upright post/brace in the middle of the screen, would that not be an ideal attenna? Just a thought.

Charlie

The problem with a windshield frame for an antenna is the science behind the FM wavelength. I believe the average half-wave length of the FM signal is 31 inches. The windshield frame may add more interference than wanted.

The under dash 31" antenna mast works on a plastic car (and sounds like a great idea). If under the dash of a metal machine, the body will disperse the signal.

I like the idea of the engineered amplified compact antenna on the sercretaudio site. That would work great in the trunk of our plastic Speedsters. I would suggest keeping a distance from any amplifier or battery.

Bought a $5 universal antenna. I placed some hose sections on the mast and cable tied it to the top of the beam (under dash). Works great.

Eric,

What website can I get the same antenna for $5? There's a metal bar underneath the dash on my JPS, is that where you mounted it?

David

David,

I bought a universal solid mast antenna at a local AutoZone store. I cut three 2inch sections of garden hose and slid the antenna through them. I then threaded the antenna above the steel beam and cable tied tightly to the top of beam.

Thanks Eric!

Right on Eric........
I went to my Auto Zone & picked up that antenna (now $5.95). I shitcanned the hoky stick-on, non-performing hidden antenna that came on my VS. Next, I followed your insructions & Wa La, my stereo is working fine!
Thanks

If you can hear the radio in your car your exhaust is too quiet.....

Jim