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jim larson


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Fixing antenna lead so it plugs in better to the radio?
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I have an old 66 Chevelle AM/FM radio in my car. The part of the antenna cable that plugs into the bottom of the radio is kind of loose and sloppy.  I think that is the cause of some reception issues.  Any tips on how to make it fit more solid?  Thanks



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Jim L

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Call John D.
Is the radio in the car?


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Kevin

Northwestern Ohio
jim larson


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Yes radio is in the car and a pain to take out. I was hoping John would respond.  I think I heard or read something about inserting some tin foil or something similar.



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Jim L

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There are usually 2 or 3 tangs on the plug that can be bent out slightly to help it stay snug in the socket. Is the antenna an aftermarket ?

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Mitch D.   River Falls, WI

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1966 Chevelle SS 396 M20

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jim larson


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antenna is a NOS wards unit I bought from a guy if FL

 



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Jim L

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John D


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Just saw the post...

Ditto on what Mitch said, just CAREFULLY tweak the tangs out a bit for more "grip".

Another tip:
If you've got a gun cleaning kit, and a can of "air", use maybe a .38cal brass brush, scrub out the hole and blow it out. (Get some clean metal showing)

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John D. - St. Louis Park, MN.

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jim larson


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Thanks everyone. I think my antenna is a NOS unit, it had the chevy bow tie, etc on it and was made by the wards company as that was also stamped on the unit.  the end of the antenna cord that plugs into the radio is solid around, no tags.

 

I have multiple gun cleaning kits and different size brass brushes,  I will try to rough us the inside of the socket some.  Should I also spray in a little gun cleaning solution?  Add anything else for a better connection?



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Jim L

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Don't spray any liquid in there, you could short something out...hyper

Solid round end is definitely aftermarket. I would use a pliers and VERY CAREFULLY squeeze the metal slightly oblong, so it is snug on the 2 wider sides.



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Mitch D.   River Falls, WI

Lifetime member of the "Cars apart Club"

1966 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1970 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1967 Camaro SS/RS 350 M20
jim larson


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I thought Wards made the antennas for gm in the 60's.  I also thought the 66 chevelle had a 4 piece mast which was 54" and a small round ball at the top.  I was told by the seller that this was a NOS unit and not an aftermarket.  It also looks exactly like some original antennas I have seen in old salvage yards.

Made by Ward, Bow Tie, Part # stamped on Bezel, 4 piece mast, 54", small ball.  Maybe this is a NOS unit and the original units had a different type of pin that plugged into the radio.



-- Edited by jim larson on Tuesday 20th of September 2016 06:18:04 PM



-- Edited by jim larson on Tuesday 20th of September 2016 06:18:25 PM

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Jim L

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jim larson


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After a little searching on the internet, it appears there was a Ward Antenna Co that went out of business a few years ago.  Not sure when they started up but they were making antennas.  Not clear weather they supplied antennas for various radios like deco or were just an aftermarket company.



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Jim L

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This web site makes the claim tha Ward Antenna Co made all the antennas for GM as well as other manufactures in the 60's      

 

http://www.classiccarantennas.com/

 

 



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Jim L

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