The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop '53 Radio Antenna Hole

Is there a standard/exact location for the radio antenna on the AD trucks? I would like to drill and cap an antenna hole while in the primered stage even tho no radio will be installed until later. My truck did not have a PS mirror but the holes are easy to locate from the inside of the stripped cab. Just haven't been able to locate anything that looks like an antenna location. I remember reading somewhere that the location of the antenna was "critical" on these trucks but don't recall the context of the statement. Thanks for any help.

Antennae mounting needs to be pretty precise in order to be able to fully raise the hood. You can see how tight that it is to the belt-line.

http://s160.photobucket.com/user/st...er_zpsaqsgtogf.jpg.html?sort=3&o=113

You will want to use a template to mark the exact spot to drill your antennae hole. Someone here on "the 'Bolt" will be able to make that template available. Hang tight for a bit before the Calvary arrives!

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...enna_mount_location_-_t.html#Post929154

http://www.1954advance-design.com/Documents/Antenna%20Template.pdf

If you don't already have the tools to cut the 13/16" hole, I highly recommend Blair hole cutters. I got a very precise hole with no "walking" on my finished paint when I installed an antenna. I've loaned them to other Bolters who have also experienced good results.

Here's a link to the company, but you can buy them through Amazon or several of the "usual" vendors. http://shop.blairequipment.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=4&gclid=CMS2pqPF0MkCFYVbfgodVDALnw

Bob

Isn't there a reinforcement plate on the driver's side under where the antenna goes? Or is that for the outside mirror.

No plate (that I remember) - original style antenna.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/radios/51rs/51rs40.htm

There is a mounting bracket near the bottom of the original-style antenna that attaches to lower inside cowl (in some/all A-D years there might already be a hole for the attachment screw).

Non-original design antennas might or might-not have a lower brace/bracket.

I mounted my antenna horizontally along the inside of the frame rail under the bed. I didn't want it showing externally.

Does it pick up okay like that? John

It's works great. I live in a rural area and it picks up just fine.

I have mounted the antenna under the hood. To the hood itself. Works fine. Never thought to go inside the frame rail. Learn something every day.

This is the first in a picture series of an original NOS antenna with the related hardware.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/14162028562/in/album-72157631868452754/