The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay The Radio Bench Airplane-style antenna, what year Chevs?

I know this might be a little off topic, as we mostly talk about trucks around these parts, but I've got a question.

I seem to recall seeing pictures of some Chevs, perhaps late 30s or early 40s that had a sort of airplane antenna for the radio. I think I've seen two styles, one where the antenna runs up the centre of the windshield and back along the centre of the roof. The other style, looks like an upside down check mark. The antenna comes out of the centre of the roof, right above the windshield, and then bends back.

Am I crazy? Did I see these on Chevs? or was it something else?

Oh goodie. This is what I was thinking about....

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/accessories/1939ab/39acc13.htm

Isn't that a wild looking invention? The alternative in 38 was a set of dual antennas that mounted under the running boards!

I really like the way these look. I see that Buicks from around 1940 used a swept back roof antenna, not as wild as these chev ones.

I'm thinking of (when I get around to it) not using a factory antenna on my panel, as I have to stop and lower it before I drive into the carport every day. On the other hand though, I wonder if the radio performance would suffer with one of these antennas, as they are much, much shorter. I'm already on the fringe of my favourite station anyway. The styling is so beautiful!

My 50 Buick has a basic one top center of the windshield. It has a control knob inside to turn it. The radio doesn't work so I can't say how well it works.

So where does your antenna lead-in come into the car? The inventions they had back then!

I haven't traced it, but I assume it is between the headliner and outer skin and probably comes down one of the pillars. I'll go out and take some pictures later today, after the Broncos blow it or it's all over.

Inside control knob. Note the arrow tells you where the antenna is pointing.

Antenna. Note it is a telescoping unit, so it should perform pretty well with a modern radio. I am missing the last section end but maybe I can replace it with one out of an old transistor radio.

Here is one in the up position.

That's great. You can buy parts for those antennas from the buick suppliers. I believe you can buy just the mast, for about $35 dollars.

Wow, thanks for the photos. That is really fascinating. You will find the Buick radio to be a very nice set. I can imagine having all the great tunes booming out from the opulent chrome dash!

In 1939 Chevrolet had 3 styles of antenna:
1. Running Board: Part #985238 $5.00
2. Turret Top: Part #985462 $3.50
3. Telescopic Cowl: Part #985446 $3.50

Wish you could find NOS ones for that price today.
Found a Turret Top antenna back in the mid '70s in Angelica, New York at a one time Chevrolet Dealership. The old guy pulled out a parts book from back when and charged me $3.50 for it. I've never been that lucky since.

Heres one like FTG's

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-AUT...ries&vxp=mtr&hash=item19cbab5160

I still think those antennas are cool. I also still have to finish my radio!

Back when I was a kid, my dad had a buick with one of those antennas like friedgreentmaters. In the 50's around where we lived there weren't a lot of stations close by. Pointing the antenna in the direction of the station boosed the signal.

You can try this out by taking an antenna and hooking it to the radio (AM) then point it around and when you point to the direction he station is in, it will get louder.