multifast1

OK, I've search past posts and not positive I found the answer to my specific concern so I'll ask here...

I putting in a new radio (with it's own antenna turn on/off lead) and also planning on replaing the aftermarket power antenna as well. The current setup was pretty badly Bubba'ed and the antenna isn't working anyway. And this is for a '79 in case that matters.

Question is, can I totally bypass the factory antenna relay and wiring that is in the car if I'm going with new radio and aftermarket pwr antenna? Also, any recommendations on a power antenna?

Thank you in advance!

Vette-4-Life

Thats exactly what i did. I put in an aftermarket stereo and i used an aftermarket power antenna, the gm correct one was twice the price. I did not use the factory relay, i simply wired to the antenna lead off the head unit, no problems going up or down. i ordered it from Wilcox and it cost $123 at the time (3/2003). Wilcox called it a "universal replacement antenna 78-82 not original" P/N is 88891020.
I did have to create a bottom mounting bracket to fit correctly. If i remember right i used plumbers strap and painted with POR15.

multifast1

Thank you. That's what I thought, ut wanted to make sure. Is it fairly easy to "test" a used power antenna before installing it? I took out the old power antenna that wasn't working but now that I ripped out the console and tunnel covers, I don't think the antenna relay was properly wired. It's a Harada unit. Can I just connect the wires to a 12V car battery to see if the mast will go up and down before re-installing it?? Thanks again.


[Modified by multifast1, 6:09 PM 5/3/2004]

Pete76Shark

I replaced my stock antenna (which is not powered) with a power antenna. I got the power antenna from Ecklers or Corvette Central not sure which one but they have a generic one for the mid year cars.

Then I did some searching and I found the exact same antenna model 44-PW20 for half the price at Metra Electronics out of Holly Hill, FL

multifast1

I just ordered a Hirschmann power antenna as a replacement for the old Harada.. for under $50 including s&h. Decent deal I thought.

Thanks for the responses. I know it was a pretty basic question, but it's nice to be sure before going too far down a path. I really didn't wanna have to mess with the stock relay.. which the wiring had already been butchered from the previous owner!