New Antenna - No AM Reception

[Dave K.]

I just installed a completely rebuilt 65/66 original style power antenna into my 66 convertible. Antenna raises and lowers fine and I have FM reception but no AM reception -- just static. All of this in the fully raised position. I'm testing inside my garage. Checked connections and ground. I had a repro previously installed and I had both AM and FM reception with the existing radio. Unfortunately, I sold the repro antenna before I installed this antenna so I do not have one to test with. Any ideas as why no FM?

Regards,
Dave Kitch

[Robert S.]

Re: New Antenna - No AM Reception

Could be you only have weak AM stations in your area. Did you addjust the antenna trim on the radio?

[Gerard F.]

Re: New Antenna - No AM Reception

Dave,

There is a antenna trim screw for AM, next to the tuning knob on the right hand side (or is it next to the Volume-Tone switch on the left side, I forget). You have to remove the knob and bezel to get to it. Extend the antenna to 30", put it in the AM mode and tune to an AM station near 1400 KC. Then adjust the screw to maximum output. You might want to try it outside.

If that doesn't work then you may have some problems with the tuner or volume-tone switch.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Dave K.]

Re: New Antenna - No AM Reception

Gerard,

It is kind of strange that the tuner/volume tone switch is bad since I had both AM and FM on the previously installed repro antenna that I did not have to adjust to get reception. I'm gonna try the adjustment with the car outside.

Thanks,
Dave K.

[William C.]

Re: New Antenna - No AM Reception

More likely, the new antenna has a problem with the connection from the antenna to the lead-in wire to the radio. FM reception in most areas is not nearly as finicy with respect to antenna as AM is...

[Dave K.]

Re: New Antenna - No AM Reception

Clupp,

The lead wire is brand new. Are you suggesting that it could be in the antenna itself? I had decent recpetion with the repro antenna that you saw when the car was judged. The repro antenna used the same lead wire.

Regards,
Dave K.

[William C.]

YES *NM*

[Dave K.]

Re: YES

Probably need to try another known good antenna before I start suspecting the radio.

Dave K.

[Frank C.]

Re: New Antenna - No AM Reception

Dave...do I understand correctly that you also changed the antenna wire? FWIW I got a repro wire from Corvette Central and it has an open circuit somewhere in the center conductor. Regards Frank

[Gary Schisler]

Re: YES

Dave, go to Advance Auto, or any other FLAP, and spend $10-15 on one of those universal "one-size-fits-none" antennas. That way you have readily available and cheap antenna with a handy plug on the end of the wire.

Gary

[Dave K.]

Re: YES

Gary,

Fixed the problem. See post of last night. Are you coming to the Chapter picnic on Sun.? Haven't seen you in ions -- hope all is well.

Dave K.