I'm currently enjoying the engine and exhaust sound of my recently "completed" (just in time for the Roundup) deuce tudor. That's good since it has no insulation, interior, windows of top filler, however, since I may one day remedy some of those shortcomings I may also want to install a radio. The problem is I don't want an antenna that is visible. I've seen ads for "hidden" antenna modules, I've even heard rumors of connecting antenna leads to the "chicken wire" in the roof. Who has used what, and how did it work?
We had a '30 Packard that had an vintage antenna under the running board- never hooked up the radio, but everone I asked about it said they worked great.
I have one mounted under the running board of my '40 and it works great. It's black and you really have to look to see it.
Mine was mounted underneath the roof of my 32', sideways, hidden by the headliner. Worked great, but I only listened to FM and CD's. I've heard it's not so good for AM.
I have tried few different kinds amplified and standard none work inside my model A. The one that work great was called the tune trapper they say thats its hand tuned anyway it works for me. I found it in the back of street scene mag
go with sirius satellite radio...you don't need a regular antenna for it. you will need the satellite antenna which is a small black magnetic box. sirius has so much more to offer than regular fm radio, and you never loose the signal or station. granted, you have to pay for the receiver, sat. antenna and pay for a subscription. i've had it for over 2 years, and i NEVER listen to regular radio anymore. just a thought.
+1 for Sirius. I don't actually have one in my car, but the shop hack at my old job had it, and my satellite TV plan has all the Sirius stations. I don't even watch TV anymore.
Back in the late 50's early 60's my Dad had a '40 Chevy 2 door sedan that was a mild kustom and he had the antenna under the running boards as well and he was happy with it. On my '55 Vicky I ran it between the fender and wheel wells, worked OK but I mostly used tapes at the time.
I just have a stub of an antenna cable, about 3 feet long, routed under my floor mat. I just put it there to pick up a signal from my iTrip, but in certain areas, it actually gets really good radio reception from outside. FM, that is. All AM stations are overpowered by the radio noise from the generator.
I have one, looks like a rubber tape up under the front of the headliner, can't see it at all. Local stereo shop did it for me, less than 50 bucks.
This thread is of considerable interest to me as the guy that started building the Brookville '30/31 roadster I'm working on spent a chunk of change for a stereo that I got with the car. Forget who built it (it's at the shop and I'm at home), but it looks just like the round dial '55 Ford radio with push ****ons. But it's an AM/FM stereo, 12 volt, solid state stereo. I don't have running boards (fenderless hiboy), and don't think too highly of a wire stuck to the windshield. Doubt I'll hear too much anyway with open car and the exhaust I'm planning, but it'd be nice for when you're at a cruise in, etc. Thought about using a magnet mount CB antenna for just those slow or stopped oc***ions like ,mentioned. Hadn't thought about Sirius or XM. Do they work by input to your present stereo or require another unit? I like the idea of the little small disc antenna that I have seen on other's cars, but never looked inside to see if it was on a seperate unit. Dave
I had an XM, and the antenna had a magnetic base with felt on it, I just ran the wire out the door opening and stuck it to the roof, Starsky and Hutch stick on bubblegum-machine style.
Yeah, that's the kind of disc antenna I saw. But does it play on your regular stereo or does it require a seperate unit? Dave
I know my dash is probably considerably larger, but I just mounted it under the dash. My dash had two metal "webs" that were about 24" apart, just drilled a hole in each one, slipped the antenna in and then wrapped a zip tie on the far end so it wouldn't come out. Clear reception for $6.99.
One more vote for Sirrius. My antenna is on the dash, even works in the parking garage. I listen to it at home on dish network, and it's online on my computer right now.
Autoloc makes one for out of sight locations..... http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autoloc/product.l***o?prodinc=antennas
I can't get mine to work without a bunch of scratchy noise and fades in and out. They say to keep it away from metal but most old cars are all metal.
sirius radio has it's drawbacks. been in a cople cars and trucks that had ongoing reception issues. the ipod seems to do fine and no monthly payments.
satellite units put out a small fm radio signal and you set the station you want to use on the little face unit and set your fm radio to the same staion and there you go! Comecial free radio with some of the best music EVER!
I used one similar to Autoloc. Bought it off Ebay, It has plastic tubes extending out from the center. I mounted mine between the rear window and decklid in the trunk area. Works great.