C-1 Antenna Cable

[Greg S.]

I replaced my worn original antenna cable with a new reproduction from one of the large parts suppliers. The original wonderbar is restored and was working well with the original cable. The radio does not work with the new cable. My radio restorer said to check continuity of the new cable with an ohmeter. The new wire shows lack of continuity by putting one probe at the cable tip and the other probe inside the opposite ferrule end. Using the same test the old wire has continuity. I ordered a second antenna cable which also shows a lack of continuity. The parts supplier says you cannot check continuity of these antenna cables. They told me to try the new cable before installing it permanently. Logic tells me that a signal will not travel down the cable if there is no continuity. Am I missing something? Should I just use the old cable? Have other C-1 owners had this problem?

[Tom B.]

Re: C-1 Antenna Cable

Hi Greg,

It sounds like your repro parts supplier has a lack of continuity also. How in the world can an antenna work if there is no continuity through the cable? That would be like leaving it disconnected from the mast and expecting it to work. Just for giggles I went out to the garage and tested a couple of old antennas I have in a cabinet. One is probably a '56 Chevy original and the other is a parts store of at least that age. They both have perfect continuity from the radio end plug to the mast tip. I think they have some defective parts they want to get rid of.

Tom

[Ray C.]

Re: C-1 Antenna Cable

Hi!

I just purchased an antenna cable for my 61 and had the same problem. I have not had a chance to check it out, but I may get a chance tomorrow. Please post results of your remedy.

Ray

[John O.]

Re: C-1 Antenna Cable

Hi Greg

I just bought a new antenna cable from C.C. for my 62 vette. I had my wonderbar radio rebuilt. I don't have an antenna yet. When I turned on my radio, I got nothing. No humming or buzzing. Now I know without an antenna, I won't get reception but shouldn't I get some noise. Could I have a bad antenna cable too? I have the ground wires in place. Can someone tell me if it's something else. Please e-mail me at my regular address and let me know. clasvette@aol.com

Thanks.......John

[Rob M.]

Re: C-1 Antenna Cable

You should have continuity between the tips and no continuity between the shielding and the tip (doesn't make a different on which end you measure. The supplier is definitely wrong here...

greetings,
Rob.

[Greg S.]

Re: C-1 Antenna Cable

Seems that there are others who may have the same problem with new C1 antenna cables from Corvette Central. I suggest that new cables should be checked for continuity before permanently installing. I will have to try to fish a new cable that works along the sill without lifting the new carpet.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C-1 Antenna Cable

Tie a string to the old cable at one end. That string will become a traveller. When you pull the old cable out, the string will go where the cable was. Then tie that string to the new cable. Use the string to pull the new cable in. May save you from having to remove the driver's side sill, carpet, and cover. Also help you get it up behind the seat.