Pardon my ignorance on the matter, but I just realized that the body on the new car has no holes for an antenna, so it must have had a windshield antenna. How exactly does this work with my radio? Does the radio have to have any special function internally, or will it simply pick up the frequency off the windshield antenna?

Additionally, I need a new windshield, so I was wondering if I need to know anything specific for a '68.

 

I don't think the 1968 had the antenna in the glass. There were options to put it on the front fender or the rear quarter panel. Could the fenders have been replaced on your car from one that had it on the rear quarter panel? John

 

Based on the paint I stripped off and the sanding I did, it doesn't seem so. Plus it was a southwest car, so unless the front end was destroyed in an accident (possible I guess), it really seems unlikely that both front fenders would need to have been replaced. As it was, I needed to put small patches in the likely areas that normally rust on these cars.

I'll have to look further into this.

 

The windshield antenna wasn't used on the A-body cars until 1970 (although I did install one on my first 1968 442). More likely the fender came from a car with a power antenna, which would have been mounted in the rear quarter on the passenger side.

 

Rats.

What a pain. Now I have to locate a new antenna, as the one on my 442 was toast.

Plus, what's the proper location? Does anyone have proper dimensions? Additionally, other than having a power antenna, when did it go on the rear 1/4?

Or would you recommend I go with one in the windshield? It kind of gives it a sleeper look--radio delete and all....

 

Well, I didn't even think about a radio delete car. Back in my younger days I bought several 68 radio delete panels and custom cut them to fit aftermarket radios. I don't want to think about what those might be worth today.

It is possible that this is a replacement fender, since those did not come with the hole drilled. Also, look to see how many hood hinge nut plates are in place. The factory replacement fenders came with a total of five nutplates to allow use on both 1968 and 1969 cars (I have one of these on my H/O).

The power antenna was the only use of a rear-mounted antenna for the 64-72 cars.

Many people claim that the windshield antenna causes reception problems. I must admit that I've never had a problem. You also need the 70-72 lead-in wire in addition to the windshield.

Finally, this may be the time where an assembly manual is needed. The drawings in the manual should show you where to drill the fender for the antenna and it will also answer your question about the vacuum reservoir location. I'll try to dig out my 68 manual when I get home.

 

I've got a 1968 project car and here's where the antenna is on it. If you decide to put one on the front fender I could take some measurements for you. John

P1010776-1.jpg

 

Thanks for the replies.

I actually have an assembly manual, Joe, but I was a nice guy and gave it to my bodyman to use before I left AZ.

I really think I might go with the no antenna look. Would definitely be different and leave people thinking it's a radio delete car (which it might have been--need to check the bolt plates). This way, I also don't have to pay a ridiculous sum for an OEM antenna. Although I'm not sure how hard it'll be to find the 70-72 lead-in wire.

Thanks for the pic John, and I'll let you know if I decide to go the fender antenna route and need the dimensions.

 

Actually, it's real easy to find the lead in wire. Parts Place has it for $19.