65 power antenna vendors

[john pickens]

I would appreciate any experienced opinions on best vendor to supply replacement
power antenna assembly for my 65 roadster. Will need cable also. Any preferences or do they all come from one manufacturer? Thanks.

[Joe C.]

Re: 65 power antenna vendors

www.oemglass.net

[Joe C.]

Additional Info.

John:

The above link is your contact for a refurbished original antenna assembly.......very pricey at about $550.00 without a core.
I don't know how the REPLACEMENT units stack up, but I do know that there are different "grades" corresponding to variations from original. Replacements are less than 1/2 the price of a rebuilt........a nice alternative for a "driver" quality restoration.

Joe

[William C.]

Re: Additional Info.

True some are better than others, but I have yet to find a "reproduction" that cannot be told from a true original at a distance of 10 feet. Go with the OEM rebuild service if contemplating a judged application.

[Joe C.]

Re: Additional Info.

Bill:

I agree fully. Even the "best" reproductions, which claim to have the correct style tip, do not have the annular grooves as on the originals. The motor housings bear absolutely no resemblance to originals.
I would not use a reproduction except on a "driver", or low budget fix for a missing antenna. It sounds like John Pickens is looking to find a decent power antenna for his driver. This particular item carries probably the least ROI (return on investment) to achieve authenticity for a radio equipped '65-'66 Corvette, and I would never recommend buying one unless I knew the individual had very deep pockets, or was looking for a Top Flight class restoration. I paid the extra bucks for an original, and am very, very pleased with it.

Joe

[William C.]

Re: Additional Info.

You have exactly the right approach Joe, if it is a driver it doesn't need the original antenna, but for a show car it is a great touch. I also don't know how well the repro antennas will do on a PV or an ops check. The extended height on an original is something to behold.