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Antenna Placement

Discussion in '206/246' started by 2GT, Sep 25, 2008.

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  1. 2GT

    2GT Formula 3

    Aug 25, 2008
    1,842
    Western NY
    Full Name:
    Fred
    #1 2GT, Sep 25, 2008
    In observations over the years and in pictures here on Ferrari Chat, I have counted a total of five different placements for Dino radio antennas. I don't know whether all are factory-provided. Early Dinos (206 and perhaps some 246 "L" models) had a windshield-header mounting, just behind the center of the top of the chromed windshield moulding, at about a 45-degree angle. Most later-model Dinos that I have seen (U.S. models, at least) have an electric antenna that retracts into the left rear quarter panel, near the outside of the trailing edge of the roof buttress. Some 246 models (like my red #03964) have an electric antenna just ahead of the bottom right corner of the windshield, with a bulge for the antenna motor in the right-front wheel well. John Corbani's lovely blue Dino has the antenna in that same location, but at an angle parallel to the angle of the vent window/windshield moulding, suggesting non-retraction, but in sync with the windshield's flowing lines. Another car that I have seen here has the antenna attached to the left A-pillar, between the windshield and the vent window. Has anyone seen any other postions or setups? When repainting #03964, because I didn't care for the vertical extension of the antenna near the sloping windshield, which reminded me of a sailboat mast, I had the antenna relocated to the left rear quarter panel. Fred
     
  2. Julio Batista

    Julio Batista Formula 3

    Dec 22, 2005
    2,397
    #2 Julio Batista, Sep 25, 2008
    Very interesting question. My Dino has the antenna in the "sailboat" mast position, and I hate it there. I wonder what the best/more aesthetic/more correct/less destructive position is. Opinions from the experts are welcome!

    Julio
     
  3. John Corbani

    John Corbani Formula 3
    Honorary Owner

    May 5, 2005
    1,153
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Full Name:
    John Corbani
    #3 John Corbani, Sep 25, 2008
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2008
    Fred and Julio,
    My car had a retractable antenna in the RIGHT rear fender with the antenna cable running forward along side of the coil and alternator wires. Bad idea! Lots of engine noise. Had to move it. Left rear would have worked but I don't like long antenna runs for AM radio. That left both sides of windshield or roof. I cover my car sometimes so roof was out. Didn't want anything else in my view so left side was out. In those days Radio Shack sold auto radios and accessories. I found an antenna with the right base but a flimsy pull-up antenna. Found another antenna with a long fixed stainless whip. Whip had a nice ball on the tip. Bought both. Put the good base in the free area in front of the door and cut the whip to a nice length running parallel to the windshield edge. A little grinding with the moto tool got the whip into the base. You want the base as far forward as possible so the passenger does not lose an eye when boarding. Has worked well in my area. Longer would be better but am happy with an antenna with no moving parts and nothing to go wrong.

    Left rear is only good place for a retractable antenna. Wires can go forward under the left door then up behind front splash panel. Go through the tub to back of dash and you are done. Sounds like that was what Fred's guys did.
    John
     
  4. 2GT

    2GT Formula 3

    Aug 25, 2008
    1,842
    Western NY
    Full Name:
    Fred
    #4 2GT, Sep 25, 2008
    Julio, When I had my antenna repositioned, my body man made a paper template from my other car, and duplicated the hole for the antenna on the rear fender. He then welded in a circular piece of metal to cover the hole on the front fender where the antenna had been. Obviously, you would not want to go to all this trouble if you were not planning on repainting your car. Leave the antenna down when possible, instead! Fred
     

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