AM\FM Radio with CB - antenna

[oakley_77]

Hi,

I was planning on installing an Delco AM\FM Radio with CB that came with the Corvette from 1978-1982. I was planning on getting it on ebay. My question is: Do you have to have a special antenna for this type of radio. I do have the original antenna that came on my 1981 vette. But, this was only for AM/FM radio. Do I need something more for the CB?

Thanks

 

[JOE BYRNE]

CB

My 73 has a retractable CB antenna on the opposite side of the rear deck.... I just got it working last week. I found the coax connector up under the dash. Im guessing it was hooked up the origional Am Fm radio/CB....you do need a CB antenna if you want to use the CB. I would imagine they make an aftermarket AM/FM/CB antenna that would go in place of your standard AM/FM antenna. Try Mid America or Ecklers.

 

[GerryLP]

Hi,

I was planning on installing an Delco AM\FM Radio with CB that came with the Corvette from 1978-1982. I was planning on getting it on ebay. My question is: Do you have to have a special antenna for this type of radio. I do have the original antenna that came on my 1981 vette. But, this was only for AM/FM radio. Do I need something more for the CB?

Thanks

Oakley,

Yes! There is a CB option antennae that includes a load coil. The automatic antenna is supposed to retract flush with the antenna bezel.

I ordered the antenna replacement from Corvette Central, but it does not come with a load coil. If you have a CB dealership near you, you might want to stop by and ask them. If you like, I'll look for my load coil an send you a picture.

GerryLP:cool

 

[oakley_77]

CB

Thanks for all the info guys. You've been a Great Help!
GerryLP, if you have a picure of the load coil, could you please send it to me. I would definitly like to have the original CB option that was available in those days. Thanks again !

 

[GerryLP]

Thanks for all the info guys. You've been a Great Help!
GerryLP, if you have a picure of the load coil, could you please send it to me. I would definitly like to have the original CB option that was available in those days. Thanks again !

Oakley,

I will take a picture when I get home tonight.

GerryLP:cool

 

[GerryLP]

....GerryLP, if you have a picure of the load coil, could you please send it to me...

Oakley,

Here is the best picture I was able to take. Once the antenna is extended all the way, the load coil is about half-way up the mast.

I purchased the CB replacement antenna mast, but either they sent me the wrong one (pakaged in the correct part number), or something happened, and this replacement mast is too long. There are two lenghts that they offer in antenna masts. I think I need the short one.

At any rate, the load coil is used to adjust the cb range, I believe.

GerryLP:cool

View attachment 9735

 

[fatboy]

I have the factory option on my 81.I could not find a new replacement when mine quite working.I had a place by me, repair the antenna.If you have no luck finding one, you may find one at a corvette swap meet.

 

[mkapp7879]

Oakley,

I purchased the CB replacement antenna mast, but either they sent me the wrong one (pakaged in the correct part number), or something happened, and this replacement mast is too long. There are two lenghts that they offer in antenna masts. I think I need the short one.
GerryLP:cool

Pretty sure you should need the longer nylon lead as the CB antenna is about 4" longer than the regular antenna. The load coil is on the second mast section. The CB part of the antenna appears to be just a loop of co-ax coiled up on the side of the antenna. Replaced the nylon leader in the original CB antenna that I removed from my white 79 before putting it in a box on the shelf. The CB radio was changed out years ago. I've since returned to an original AM/FM casette in place of the aftermarket that had replaced the CB. I replaced the antenna with a factory non-CB unit. I can post pics of the original(from an 11K mile 79) late79-82 antenna if needed. Mike

 

[GerryLP]

Pretty sure you should need the longer nylon lead as the CB antenna is about 4" longer than the regular antenna. The load coil is on the second mast section. The CB part of the antenna appears to be just a loop of co-ax coiled up on the side of the antenna. Replaced the nylon leader in the original CB antenna that I removed from my white 79 before putting it in a box on the shelf. The CB radio was changed out years ago. I've since returned to an original AM/FM casette in place of the aftermarket that had replaced the CB. I replaced the antenna with a factory non-CB unit. I can post pics of the original(from an 11K mile 79) late79-82 antenna if needed. Mike

So Mike...are you thinking of offering it for sale?

I have had the antenna all apart about 4 times. I still can't figure what is preventing the mast from retracting all the way, so my simplistic conclusion was that it was too long. About a 1/4" section of the load coil is missing due to breaking off, but I don't think that would do it. When I get ready to paint the Vette, I'll remove the antenna once again, so I am leaving it until then to tear-it-down.

GerryLP:cool

 

[mkapp7879]

So Mike...are you thinking of offering it for sale?GerryLP:cool

Not really, I hate to part with any original parts from any of my Vettes. Now if someone made me a ridiculous offer!!! The load coil doesn't retract into the fender, stays topside. That's partly why I replaced it with a regular power antenna(also because I happened to have one). Are there 4 mast sections on yours? Mike

 

[GerryLP]

Not really, I hate to part with any original parts from any of my Vettes. Now if someone made me a ridiculous offer!!! The load coil doesn't retract into the fender, stays topside. That's partly why I replaced it with a regular power antenna(also because I happened to have one). Are there 4 mast sections on yours? Mike

You see Mike, that's where the plot thickens! My antenna always retracted flush -NOT LIKE ON THE PICTURE I ATTACHED ABOVE.

I have had Gail since she was only 16k miles old. And the antenna always retracted flush. Did you use a replacement mast from a vendor? I did, and now the antenna does not hide flush with the bezel. ad :cry

GerryLP:cool

 

[mkapp7879]

Gerry, you are correct! It does retract into the fender. Dug out the antenna to see for myself. I guess never really seeing the antenna actually retracted on my 79 threw me off. When I was looking at the car to buy it the antenna broke! Went up and stayed up, motor running. The seller freaked, like it was a hugh deal, wondering how he would get it fixed if I didn't buy it. Helped me big time on the negotiations. I just crawled underneath and clipped a wire. Got the replacement leader from Corvette Central, their part no. 163072"power antenna mast repair w/CB". Mike

 

[Nut]

Mine broke too while it was extended. One of these days I'll get energetic and buy the replacement nylon cord and resolder the wire I snipped too. Even though my original radio with the CB option was removed long ago I just tucked up the CB connector in the tranny housing. The antenna is still good for reception as my high dollar Pioneer aftermarket stereo works fine with the old antenna (with the load).

...... nut