Antenna Mounting '48 Spldlx

[spldlx1948]

Hello All,

   Was wondering if anyone has any photos showing the correct factory location for the radio antenna.  Recently received a totally restored Mopar 802 and would like now to install it.  Also any wiring recommendations would be appreciated, as this unit draws a fair amount of current.  Also, any speaker recommendations would appreciated.  Thank you,  Andy W

[P15-D24]

It goes on the left front cowl. The retractible type goes down just inside the kick panel panel. I think their is a securing strap for the bottom of the antenna.  If you go to the Downloads page and download  Mopar Approved Accessories PDF. In the radio section of the brochure is a  picture of the antenna location. 

[Don Coatney]

I believe there was also an option for a roof mounted antenna on a P-15 although I have never seen one. In the sub structure below the headliner and directly above the windshield center division bar there is a factory recess for such an antenna mount. Late 40's Buicks also had an antenna mounted there.

 

My neighbor had a friend visiting and they came over to look at my car. This friend said his folks had a P-15 with such an antenna. I first thought this friend was full of it until I did some research and found that Plymouth did indeed have such an antenna.

[Oldguy48]

Special Deluxe,

Others may chime in here, but if I remember correctly...the original loudspeaker used an electromagnet to create the magnetic field for the loudspeaker to operate. And the voice coil impedance was 3.2 ohms. Looking at the schematic, I think you can forego the electromagnet arrangement, and just use a 3.2 to 4 ohm loudspeaker. The majority of replacement loudspeakers you'll find are of the 8 ohm variety. That will probably work OK, although you'll get reduced output from the loudspeaker. Find a 3.2 to 4 ohm loudspeaker if you can. And be careful when connecting it. There was a connection for the electromagnet on the radio's connector. If you connect your loudspeaker to that terminal, you will undoubtedly fry your replacement loudspeaker. Just use a voltmeter to check it out. The terminal for the electromagnet will probably show a constant -6V referenced to ground. Modern loudspeakers use a permanent magnet to create the required magnetic field for the loudspeaker to operate.

Wayne

[Don Coatney]

Original speeker connection

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

skyway antennae I think they call it Don..Richie has these on the Hudsons..unique look for sure...I wanted a dual post side mount but the later n=models are too large a base in my opinion for the P15

[Plymouthy Adams]

_{go to yahoo search and type in skyway antennae, go to images...Chrysler antennae mount instruction first 5 pages...}

[spldlx1948]

Thanks all for the good info.  I have a full set of schematics and factory service manual if anyone should ever need them.  I also have the original speaker, but it would have to be reconed, so I'm going with a standard 8 ohm.  The radio puts out 5 watts I believe, so this should be ok.  From what I can figure this unit also draws a fair amount of current.  I'm going to put it on the bench and measure it and then figure the best way to power it (without adding a 2nd battery.......hmmmm) If interested I can post some pictures of the 802.  It's perfect.  Even the paper scroll for the tone control is there.  Thanks to Don for reminding me about the electromagnet powering.  I also recall that there is a recommended procedure for running the antenna cable under the dash over the instrument cluster, have to dig that one out though.  Just going to do a bit more part gathering before punching a hole in the cowl for the antenna.  That's going to be the toughest part....the car is totally original and unrestored.  Wish me luck.  Andy

[Don Coatney]

This antenna was on my car when I bought it. Most likley not original. I dont have a radio in my car.

 

[Young Ed]

My car has an 802 that was in it when I got it and the factory style antenna was in the same spot as Don's. My 802 is restored and running a non-powered speaker also. I bought a replacement glass dial for it. Why would you need to add a second battery for it?

[Plymouthy Adams]

my car was left fender mounted antennae. That base on ours  appears to be so much early 70's Ford Don....I wanted the skyway antennae on my P15 coupe but the base mounts are such a size it looks out of place...nos so like what Ihad on the 41 dodge..will have to go to the book at the big box and see if I can get one like in the past anymore..its makes all the difference in the world in looks..

[Dave72dt]

Second place, Don

 

 

This post has little reference to the topic on hand.  Don's been posting some thinking questions as part of his signature and the above was the answer to that particular question.

Edited June 27, 2013 by Dave72dt

[BobT-47P15]

My car had a radio in it when I got it.............this is where the antenna was mounted......on the curve of the cowl.

There was a tube on the bottom of the antenna with a metal brace to secure it down inside the cowl area.  I have

found one or two original antennas, but none was in good condition.  This is an aftermarket item and looks very

much like the original.  I don't think there is much problem with running the antenna wire over to the radio.....just

up behind the dash with other wires should be fine.  You might need a noise suppressor or resistor spark plugs

if the radio picks up static.  A second battery should not be necessary as these radios ran fine on the original six

volts......unless you want to operate it for prolonged periods of timewithout the motor running..    The new style speaker should work OK from

what others have said.    I have discovered that some radios have inside behind the dial, a color post that changes

the colors of the dial light when a certain thing is changed on the radio.......I don't  know if it relates to volume, tone,

or station selection.  Maybe someone else knows.

 

Edited June 27, 2013 by BobT-47P15

[BobT-47P15]

I think radios were added at the dealership in many cases.............and directions for antenna placement probably

were included.  However, I suspect the dealer would put them elsewhere if the mood struck them.  

 

[LAKOTA169]

I just got my original '37 radio installed/working. Bought it from someone at our 2008 Grand national meet. I think he had about a '50 convert. From what I understand about my radio, the antenna was a kind of mesh under the headliner. Was told the converts were under the running board. I bought a after market 14" black rubber antenna. Antenna works ok with my wife holding it while I'm driving (she just doesn't like standing on the running board). Going to try hiding it inside the trunk. There is a predrilled hole on there for mounting and the antenna angle is adjustable so it won't be in the way of anything.

[spldlx1948]

@ Young Ed  Was just kidding about the 2nd battery.......  but I do want to wire it properly

@ Bob T  Great pics.  That looks like the original in the brochure.  I think I'll start looking for one, as I only want to mount the antenna

               once and I'd rather it be correct

@ Don C  i can see why that mounting would work out well.  If 

 

Thanks again to all for the recommendations and info!  Now if only I can find an original antenna.......

 

Andy

[spldlx1948]

I apologize for the disjointed formatting.......   looked ok when I "post" .but I still thank all for the responses.

Andy