'65 Skylark GS Antenna Install?

[SJR]

I am finally getting around to the resto of my radio and antenna.  I had two original radios restored with stealth FM added by Mike Hagan.  (I seem to get multiple parts for every project.) The original antenna lead-in has fallen into the fender and the coax cable was not pulled through the firewall.  The entire assembly is inside the fender.  It appears the only way to install a new lead-in (yes, I located an NOS lead-in and an excellent used lead-in too, yet  another example of my collecting multiple parts) is by removing the left front fender.  The '65 factory assembly manual states that the antenna is installed before the fender is installed but there is no service information.

Anyone have a simple, fast installation  technique for the '65 GS antenna lead-in replacement?

Thanx,
SJR

[197064buickspec]

The antenna goes through and mounts to the cowl panel. That goes on first then then the fender. No reason to pull the fender off .

Your old antenna base is in the cowl  or dropped into the right rocker panel. If I can get out to the garage later I can take some pics of the car I have apart so you can get some perspective. 

[Loren At 65GS]

Assuming the antenna base has fallen down and your car is non- AC , the antenna base can be reached by removing the right kick panel and fresh air vent.

  Loren

[SJR]

Thank you both for the suggestions and ideas to retrieve, repair and replace the antenna lead in assembly.  I had already removed the shroud vent grille.  You can see how the lead in is mounted to the cowl, but you cannot get to it or replace the lead in with a new one.  Going through the front kick panel might work as my GS is non-AC which is a complication that I understand.  The lead in is held in place by a nut that is 5/8" x 24 (not a particularly common size but I found some from a gunsmith).  I intend to use two SS lock nuts on the new lead in and likely some Locktite.

My radio did not have the support and was held in place only by the two tuner knob nuts.  Does not seem like a secure install.  Does anyone have one of these supports, PN 1359774?  I have attached the diagram from the assembly manual.

Thanx for the advice, stay in touch.  I'll keep  you posted.

[option B9]

  Hi SJR Yes, I recently tested 6 65 Special/Skylark radios that I had collected thru the years 4 of them were not working and were scrapped the others were in good working condition and one had the bracket, so it is yours..

                    Tony 

[SJR]

Option B9,

Thank your for your message and offer of a support.  I accept your support, or the support, or the bracket.  Do I call you "OPT" or "B9"?

Please send an email to rogerssj@erols.com.  I will send you my contact information.  Of course, I will pay for the support and shipping.

Stay safe &n well,

SJR

[option B9]

  Yes that's great, glad to help. I will Email a message to you.
       Tony

[GS66]

Adding radio features is a great upgrade. I just had Bluetooth added to mine for music and hands free calling. Jim Sheperd in  AZ has done a few of these for me. Nice GS!

[option B9]

  Hey Jim, Did he do that modification to the stock AM radio ? I have the stock AM radio in my GS convertible. Two years ago I hooked up a FM converter to it but the converter is in the glove compartment and when I'm driving my arms are to short to adjust the FM stations.    So I did all of that for nothing. I want to keep this GS stock but a little Rock N Roll would be nice,      specially when I'm driving by myself in 'famous' NYC traffic...

               Tony 

[GS66]

Mine were 66 AMFM radios but give him a call Tony. Jim Sheperd. 480-235-1964

[option B9]

 Thanks Jim, I will give him a call next week and see what he can do with a AM radio.

                                     Tony 

[SJR]

My question about antenna lead in install has morphed into a discussion of radio upgrades.  Is this chat-creep?

Here is what I know:

I have had all my radio work done by Mike Hagan (www.mikehaganantiqueautoradio.com).  My preference is the addition of FM only.  It is a "stealth" install -- nothing id visible on the original radio.  You turn on the radio - AM.  Turn off-and-on - FM.  That's enough for me.  However, Mike does more if you want it.  He can add stereo, bluetooth and so forth.  Check his price sheet for the options and upgrades.  There are many other good radio conversion-vendors out there who do these conversions.  I know Mike's work and his charges are reasonable.

Best wishes to all chatters.  Stay safe and well.

[GS66]

Sorry, you mentioned stealth upgrades in your first post so it seemed related.

[SJR]

Chat-creep is good!

[option B9]

 Yes it is very good, now I have several choices of how to upgrade my stock Buick AM radio.        I have owned my convertible for almost 31 and it's about time I get to hear more than just the Nailhead motor. Thanks to Jim & SJR. 

       Tony