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OK you guys inspired me to order a reproduction radio for my 1954 truck. Its on the way. Now I really hate to cut a hole in the fender to install an antenna. Anybody got any other ideas of what might not be too obtrusive on an AD> Like one of those sticky windshield wire things.Anybody know if these work?

I have one of those windshield antennas,,works fine. Get the amplified one tho,,much better reception.
Marty

Delux54,
can you give us some more detail on your antenna. I would be interested in knowing more about it.

I mounted my antenna ( Canadian Tire special ) along the frame rail under the running board on passenger side. Might have to install extension on the wiring depending on radio location.

delux54.......I would like to know more also..like price,,, where to buy them..

Truckernix--I sent you a P.M.

OK,,so i dont hafta keep sendin P.M.s,,,Ill rattle the whole story here.
Its made by "harada". Gotta be from overseas,, but its a neat set-up. It sticks to the windshield w/2sided tape.Mines been there for 8 years now. I stuck it to the top of the windshield and ran the wires under the windshield gasket(1pc. windshield,'54),,down the pass side pillar,and crossed over to just under the dash,,tied the 12v into the cig. lighter socket and ran the antenna to the radio.
Slicker than snot on glass.
I think i bought it at Good Guys(electronics) or Circuit City. It was around 30.00
Im sure any good auto stereo place would have them.
If anyone would like pics,,send me your e-mail addy. Gotta go soak my fingers now......

The original antenna was mounted on top of cowl on driver's side just above rear view mirror.

Have a look on google or epay for a HAB Hidden Antenna
$35.00-$50.00 or go to napa or the junk yard
and run it under your truck.
just my 2cents
Maxx

The study of the Antenna is a science in itself. There aren’t many people that truly understand or can predict how an antenna is going to work, me included. But some thoughts crossed my mind when reading these replies. Every book that I have read on antennas cautions you against installing it near a metal structure. I don’t know if caution is the proper word, it implies that there is some danger involved here but there isn’t, perhaps suggests is a better choice. It seems to me that running an antenna around the window opening or under the dash or under the frame, floorboards or for that matter, anywhere near the metal framework would give you pretty poor reception.
The reason most antennas stand up vertically is to grab the signal out away from the metal and because of the polarity of the transmitted signal.
In my opinion, if you want the maximum performance from your antenna, I would install it where you see 99% of them installed, that being on the cowl.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Some old cars did use the running boards as the antenna, I can't remember which ones, but I do remember looking at one set up like that.
Also remember seeing an old ford, 30's with the fiber top. The top has a mesh of chicken wire in it that not only provides strength for the cloth part, but also acts as the radio antenna.

I have never seen one used, but I will look into one of the hidden antennas for my project. I think it can be mounted above the headliner?

Grigg

I believe the early Chevs, that had the fabric tops, had something like chicken wire in there that served as the antenna.

priced one at my local car toy stereo place..

$80 bucks

80.00 sounds quite a touch too much. Ill check around here at the car stereo shops and see what i can find.
If I find some,,,whatever they cost,plus shipping to my 'bolter brothers. I remember payin somewhere close to 30.00
Stay tuned.
Marty

I may be wrong but I think the old AM radio is going to be more sensitive to proper tuning length, placement etc. FM is a bit more forgiving and more likely to get away with a hidden antenna.

Hey guys, what ever ya decide on let us know the out come so we can compare notes. I'd like to hear a performance report on the hidden antennas. It's my personal opinion that poor performance due to being in close proximity to metal structures is the reason that 99% of the autos antennas in the past 60 years have been free standing.
But I would like to hear your results.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

well here's what I did. Went down to local stereo store and they had a powered "hidden" antenna for $60.00 That is a black plastic thingy maybe 4 inches long. half inch wide. Glues to inside top windshield- or anywhere else. Power wire hooks to keyed 12v. Works just fine, it can be seen but its certainly not obvious. Probably not as efficient as a steel traditional antenna- but I like it better,

Well I bought my new antenna for $14.00 (mast type) put it in and it works like a charm. what do you want for an AM radio... I can barely hear the radio anyways... but like a radio guy quoted. the first thing some people ask is "does your radio work" LOL Peter