Radio Antenna

[Gerry P.]

The radio on my '57 has developed considerable static at low speeds which sounds like the signal is breaking up. I believe I've traced the source to the antenna as I can replicate the broken signal by just wiggling it. I've checked the cable fitting and it appears clean and tight. So, I'm thinking the antenna itself is either shorting out (is this possible?) or there is corrosion on the mast itself preventing a good connection. Does anyone have experience disassembling and cleaning these antennas who perhaps could share his or her advice and experience. Is this something that can be easily accomplished and are there pitfalls to avoid?
Thanks
Gerry

[Jack H.]

Re: Radio Antenna

It's generally NOT the fault of the antenna. The common malady is the integrity of the radio to antenna interconnect cable.

This is a shielded wire with a single conductor inside. The inner wire rivals a human hair in terms of thickness and is prone to fatigue fracture (at either end OR somewhere along the center path).

When that happens, you develop intermittent continuity and the radio 'drops' its received signal when the conductive path opens up.

[Gerry P.]

Re: Radio Antenna

Jack - since the intermittent connectivity seems to be isolated to the antenna end (wiggling antenna brings it on), is there a method of diagnosing the cable as the problem and/or fixing it, short of installing another cable?
Gerry

[Jack H.]

Re: Radio Antenna

You diagnose by temporarily REPLACING the existing antenna and lead-in cable with an el cheapo replacement antenna (antenna + captive lead-in available at WalMart for $8-10).

To go further with analysis (can the existing lead-in be repaired?) is a form of 'explorative' surgery performed on a 'best efforts' basis... Most, simply R&R the antenna lead-in cable.

Damage often results when a given car has experienced an interior restoration. There, carpet and jute are pulled and discarded which can result in inadvertent touching, flexing, and applying 'side loading' forces to the aged original antenna lead-in cable...

[Gerry P.]

Re: Radio Antenna

Thanks Jack- Since I'm pretty sure the intermittency problem is at the antenna end, I may try to find an old cable at a salvage yard and connect it between the antenna and the radio to isolate the problem. I haven't been to Walmart yet, but I'm assuming their antennas will not have the cable separate from the antenna, therefore making it difficult to diagnose whether it is the cable or antenna that is the culprit.
Another, idea that I had, is to fashion a temporary cable or wire from the antenna to the radio to see if this solves the problem. Does anyone know if this is doable? If so, will a single wire work since the antenna is grounded to the frame and the radio is also grounded?
Thanks
Gerry

[Mike M.]

Re: Radio Antenna

did you check with corvette central for the coax cable? i think they sell repos. i know i got one for my 55 couple years ago(although the 55 routes differently than your 56).it could have been CC, grossmuller or Vette gal i got the 55 coax from. can't remember that one. mike

[Gerry P.]

Re: Radio Antenna

Thanks Mike. Both Corvette Central & Paragon carry the cables for just under $30. But before buying the cable, I was looking for some cheap way to confirm or disprove that it is the problem and not the antenna (also I'm not excited about installing the cable if I don't have to).

Right now, I'm just looking for any ideas on jury rigging a diagnostic check to confirm my needs before buying parts.
Gerry