Antenna removal

[cjmspartans]

Hi there!
So, my 1968 Newport has a non-electric antenna on it that I need to take off so I can put a car cover on it. I've poked around on Google but couldn't find any information on how to do it, and I didn't find much using the search feature on here. I figure it'd be nice to just remove it since it'll be sitting more than it is moving around, so I could just reinstall it whenever I drive it.

Thanks!

 

[Polara_500]

Most from that era are a one piece unit, the mast, base, and lead in cable don't separate so removing/reinstalling the antenna is not a practical thing to do. You may be able to make a later unit with a removable mast work but I've never tried.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Should be a small chrome/ stainless nut / bezel at the base of the antenna. 3/8 or 7/16” wrench. But be careful not to scratch it. It is like a small collar. Once it is totally loose you should be able to pull it straight up and out. If it’s been there a few years it may want to stick. The accessories section in the FSM (Field Service Manual) should also have instructions.

I would take a picture for you, but at the beach for another day.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Most from that era are a one piece unit, the mast, base, and lead in cable don't separate so removing/reinstalling the antenna is not a practical thing to do. You may be able to make a later unit with a removable mast work but I've never tried.

My current mast on my 68 Polara is removable. I do know that the antenna on it was replaced sometime in the mid 80’s but pretty sure it was a Dodge replacement part.

I do remember that the FSM has a good breakdown of the assembly.

 

[cjmspartans]

Should be a small chrome/ stainless nut / bezel at the base of the antenna. 3/8 or 7/16” wrench. But be careful not to scratch it. It is like a small collar. Once it is totally loose you should be able to pull it straight up and out. If it’s been there a few years it may want to stick. The accessories section in the FSM (Field Service Manual) should also have instructions.

I would take a picture for you, but at the beach for another day.

To get to it would I need to remove the inner fender? I can't find any other way to get to it unfortunately. If it winds up being removable, then great! I just want to avoid cutting the car cover since it was expensive and has a 7 year warranty on it, and cutting it will void it.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

My California Car Cover (expensive) came with a grommet for the antenna, doubt it would void the warranty.


Alan

 

[HWYCRZR]

Pics of the antenna base and bezel could help see what you have going on.

 

[cjmspartans]

Pics of the antenna base and bezel could help see what you have going on.

Here you go:

From the looks of it, I have some room to get to it from under the hood. I'll look more closely later.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

If it is the antenna my friend has on his 68 you can put a wrench on the flats of the chrome just above the black bushing.


Alan

 

[cjmspartans]

If it is the antenna my friend has on his 68 you can put a wrench on the flats of the chrome just above the black bushing.


Alan

Aha, you were right. I just gave it a twist and off she came. Thanks! I just wanted to make sure since the last time I removed an antenna that looked like you could put a wrench on it, I wound up snapping something lol

 

[73satwagon]

I had to make a special wrench to grip the nut, I used a piece of pipe and cut/filed the teeth in it to grip the nut, I think if was on a B Body. just use some vice grips on the pipe to turn.it. Keep those antenna bases well oiled to keep them from rusting together

 

[Big_John]

These are $10 everywhere.

 

[LocuMob]

These are $10 everywhere.

View attachment 203651

That could have come in handy a few times for me.

 

[73satwagon]

never seen one

 

[Big_John]

https://smile.amazon.com/AK-Garage-...90&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=antenna+wrench&psc=1

 

[Big_John]

Better yet, this one has the inverted socket for later model Mopar radios too.

https://smile.amazon.com/10pc-Anten...90&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=antenna+wrench&psc=1