68442Convertible

I have a power antenna on the right rear, 68 442 convertible. The original is long gone. A universal Antennaworks automatic power antenna was installed in the 90s. and it has died. There are relays that made it go up when the stereo was turned on (even though the radio was rarely used) so i think that wore it out. Wondering what my options are.

1. Can anyone recommend a new power antenna that is not automatic - that I can raise and lower using the antenna up down switch on the dash? Would need to have two power wires - one for up and one for down. Would also like to get something that fits the sloped opening on my rear quarter better than the Antennaworks.

I am tempted to eliminate the power antenna mechanism because it takes up room in the trunk.

2. Is there a short/stubby antenna that will fit the sloped opening on my rear quarter? I see some stubby antennas for sale, but not sure which ones will fit.

3. Any hidden antenna options that work - other than a new windshield with built in antenna.

Yellowstatue

The original factory antenna is not automatic. So your mission is, find an original power antenna, '68 or '69 convert or sedan. The original wires are one black, one white as a pair.

rcorrigan5

Actually, I believe you can look for power antennas in the '65-'69 model year range. They are all the same for A-body Oldsmobiles (don't know about other GM brands) through those years. But they are all probably going to be expensive!

Randy C.

allyolds68

rcorrigan5

The A-body antenna stops about 2 3/4" above the bezel that holds the assembly in place on top of the quarter.

Randy C.

allyolds68

68442Convertible

Is there any source for the OEM hardware that goes on top of the rear quarter?

rcorrigan5

I believe you are correct. If you can find an original antenna, it usually comes with the top piece. I guess the trick is to find the correct piece for convertibles as it differs from the hardtops. They used to be out there 10-20 years ago but they just don't seem to come up that often anymore.

Randy C.

allyolds68

Ames Performance has a base trim piece that looks correct for the convertible (M122 or M125) and Fusick carries the nut , PAN619 (the Olds nut is different than the Pontiac nut). Ames also carries an entire aftermarket power assembly (M189A) that may or may not work with that hardware. I would call them to find out.

68442Convertible

The Parts Place may have something.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-69-Cut...haDcHS&vxp=mtr

Thanks for the leads. I will investigate.

allyolds68

That looks correct.

I used the trim piece from the big car. It was a different part number but was so close in appearance that no one will ever know.

FWIW the hardtop trim piece is completely different. It has a "V" in the top.

68442Convertible

I ordered the RD1001T from the Parts Place and will see if it fits. I emailed them with questions first and they think it is has the correct 3 parts.

I am leaning toward installing the parts so it looks correct from above, but eliminating the actual antenna mast and motor so I can use the space for something else. I stripped everything out of my trunk - CD changer, amp, subwoofer, spare, antenna - and am reorganizing to get some luggage space.

I did find an antenna on ebay Canada. $1200 US and looks very rough.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/1968-69-CUTL...xYqGxr&vxp=mtr

allyolds68

68442Convertible

The RD1001T I ordered from the Parts Place appears to be a repop of the correct 3 parts for the outside of the power antenna. My old Antennaworks antenna fit in the hole - it is a little smaller, so I wrapped some tape around it to keep it centered in the hole. I removed the motorized mechanism from the old antenna, glued a plug in the bottom of the remaining antenna section and sealed everything with sealant. I found a gasket that I put on the underside in a box of old plumbing parts - I think it was from a toilet rebuild kit. What remains is just for looks and is not connected to the radio. I mounted a power amp in the space where the motorized antenna mechanism use to be.

For my actual antenna, I cut a piece of insulated wire 62.4" long, put it between the layers in my convertible top, and attached it to the coax from the radio. The wire is a little longer than normal because I listen to stations at the lower section of the dial.