What is involved to put an antenna on a 69 Camaro? Have new fenders with no holes. Any tips, tricks, or what type of shop can best do this? Also, doesn't the antenna go on the right front fender?

thank you.

It goes on the right front fender if your car came with a factory rear spoiler. If not it went on the right rear. it is rather simple to drill hole in fender and run cable thru door jamb area into under the dash area and over to Radio, there should be a hole or a plug in the passengers door jamb area, (front) just around the corner from the dome light switch. near hinges, I can make a measurement off mine car to give you idea where to drill hole.

JC

Thanks, the measurement would be great.

Yes, your antenna should be mounted on the right front, unless you want a rear mount antenna, that was mounted on the right rear. Cars with a rear spoiler did not have them, because the spoiler hit the rear antenna when you raised the trunk lid.
I measured my right front ant. location for you, if it will help. Here is a "rough" estimate:
The center point of the antenna hole is about 2" from the outside RH edge of the fender. Also, if you draw a "centerline" from front to rear of the fender, the center of the hole is about 7" from the rear of the fender. It looks like the hole is maybe about 1 & 1/16", or 1 & 1/8" in diameter. You might want to double check your antenna size before you actually drill the hole. Hope this helps.

Sorry JC, I didn't see your response, (I had to go look at my car). Is my measurement close to yours?

[This message has been edited by Peace69Z/28 (edited 07-23-2000).]

By the way, is there a special drill you would use for that? And how would you go about anchoring the antenna? Is the inner fender going to have to be removed?

Well like everything from these Camaro's there is a slight variation in the measurment for the ant location. mine is a Norwood car and the ant is 1.5 inches from outside edge and 5.5 inches from rear, this is measured as center of ant. but I am sure there was not really an exact measurment. Look up under the fender from the door jamb near the hinges and see if there is a brace there, I would start out with a small hole and slowly make it bigger until the ant fits, good luck

JC

I had to drill my right fender for the antenna and there is reinforcing on the under side of the fender where the antenna goes. I had my fender off to replace the heater blower so the location was an easy one for me. The Assembly Manual (page 442)has the location documented pretty accurately. "0" lines being the face of the firewall and the centerline of the car. The hole is 1-1/8" but has a key notch that will have to be filed in. Good luck.

By the way... Rear antennas were only available for AM radios. AM-FM radios were all right front mounted antennas.

kurt, could you describe your key notch filled in comment.

There is a notch that is .156" wide and .125" long that has to be cut out of the left side of the 1-1/8" hole in the fender. This notch is to accept a "key" on the antenna to keep it from turning. I used a metal file to notch mine and that seemed to work fine. If you have the antenna, you can use it to check how much you have to file away to make it fit. This notch will be at 9:00 as you look down on the hole (12:00 being towards the front of the car).

This is the first I have heard of the AM antenna going only on the rear. OR the case of the only way the antenna went on the front fender was if the car was equipped with a rear spoiler. My car must be the odd one because it has the antenna (oval not perfectly round) on the front fender and has no rear spoiler and is an AM.

Where did you guys get your info from. Is this correct??

Just wondering cause you got me thinking

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1969 Camaro RS/SS 350/4spd, Azure Turquoise (55-55)
Van Nuys Built 11B
currently on the rotisserie
1972 Chevelle SS Conv LS3
1984 Z28 w/ZZ4 conversion

Sorry for the confusion. I think what we meant to say was the rear mount antenna was an option, but was not available with the spoiler option, because the rear spoiler would hit the antenna when you raised the trunk lid.

If you're going to use a car cover, consider NOT using an external ant.
It's a real bummer to either slit the cover or remover the ant when you cover the car.
I understand there's a "hidden" ant that is used on street rods that functions well.
My '69 Z has repacement fenders and therefore no hole in the fender for the ant.
A real blessing when it comes time to cover.

AJ could you describe the hidden antenna? Simple wires spread? A kit? Are you using one?

Thanks.

One more point that I don't believe was mentioned; it seems obvious but it is very easy to overtighten the antenna base thus warping the sheet metal. I don't know if the repro fenders have added reinforcement. I'm also curious about the hidden antenna if someone could offer some info.

It's called "The Smart Antenna" and Classic Industries in Huntington Beach, CA (800-854-1280)carries them. Last I knew they were $69.95. I don't have one so I can't say how well they work. If your not going for that original look then it might be an easy way to go. Definately easier than drilling your fender.

I found them on the internet but could not find that product. I have inquired about it however and am waiting for a response from them. Sounds better than drilling the metal if I don't have too.

Chased, the product I saw was advertised in a mag.Cost: about $35 delivered.
Don't know anything about the item except I'm going to try it. Looks kinda like a couple of wires spread (like a dipole FM ant) but has a 12 volt hookup so it must be amplified.
Let you know if it works. http://www.southernrods.com/

AJ can you pass on the company and number?

Couldn't find any part # and no manufactor, soooo I'm ordering their catalog.
All the info for the company (southern rods) is at their web site, but can't order from it.
AJ

buy an ant.for a ski boat. they sell for less than $10. the reception is not as good as an external ant.