Has anyone had to repair the connection from the windshield antenna back to the radio? When I took off the silver plate across the whole length of the windshield (under the wipers), the wire coming out of the rubber at the base of the antenna was rotted and frayed, barely hanging by thread. Any clue how to replace it/repair it? I assume the antenna must connect to a wire at the base of the windshield, but maybe I'm wrong. If anyone knows how to repair this connection I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
If it is the connector from the glass itself I am not sure it can be repaired. Pictures would help. If it is the antenna lead that goes to the radio they can be replaced.
Hey, thanks for writing. Unfortunately, it is the connector from the glass. Totally frayed and rotted. The lead into the radio is fine. What is the solution, replace the whole windshield? Seems extreme (and expensive).
For what it's worth, my antenna lead at the windshield looked pretty poor too. Wrapped it up as best I could in electrical tape and tried the radio - works fine! I understand it may not be the most durable, but if it ain't broke... I would look into a hidden antenna before replacing an otherwise perfectly good windshield.
By fender mount you mean visible external antenna? I'm trying to avoid that. I've seen threads on hidden antennas and I recall there being complaints about them not working great. But I will look into it. I can't believe there isn't a way to reattach a new lead to the windshield antenna--maybe 50 years ago a GM dealership could do it!
The whole design of this built in antenna system makes it almost impossible to service; window replacement being the factory solution. I replaced mine to repair rock damage and hoped for better reception and ended up being disappointed as I live in a marginal signal area to begin with. I've tried the "alternatives" and they certainly helped but no where near the design reception we have in todays cars. My suggestion is to try the alternatives listed above first and see what your radio reception sounds like. BTW, in our area the A body windows are still available and relatively reasonable in cost. I was able to find a local installer with a lot of background in doing our GM vintage units to properly reseal.
If I was in the same situation as the thread author and the glass was good, I would install an antenna (power?) on the rear fender.
No way would I put a hole in my car for an antenna.. You could use one of the fender mount style antennas but hide it in the car wherever it is easy for you...
...fender antennas are a relic of the vertically-oriented-signal AM radio age (can you say 31"). Windshield antennas were automakers try to improve FM reception. Today's "shark fins" include cell and satellite. FM remains the most elusive. I haven't listened to broadcast AM (when it was all about the DJs) since I was a kid, or FM for over 20 years. For me, a car radio is just a device to play what I want from Bluetooth or USB...
