When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Ive always welded up the hole in the pass fender for the antenna hole and then used filler and such to cover it up. I'm not sure I want to do that on some cheap cheap repro fenders I ordered. Looking for something different to do with it to cover it up but not permanently. I don't have a radio and prob never will but I don't know if I want to go through all that trouble again lol.
I will probably get killed for saying this but it will work.
Clean and rough up the bottom of the hole with sand paper then tape over the bottom of the hole leaving a small cup.
Just enough to hold some JB Weld.
Mix it and put enough in the hole to extend beyond the top layer of the fender metal.
Let it cure overnight then sand it flush. Its so strong you will have to drill it out to remove it.
It is paintable.
Those that laugh should read this =
Some replacement fenders don't come with the hole, you have to drill it.My GM fender is like this.
What's that 3M sheet metal with the adhesive backing called? A member used to "flush" his door handles, mount it from the back though & finish it as desired up top.
Some replacement fenders don't come with the hole, you have to drill it.My GM fender is like this.
What's that 3M sheet metal with the adhesive backing called? A member used to "flush" his door handles, mount it from the back though & finish it as desired up top.
Which brings up the next logical question. What do you do if you don't have a hole? Drill it, go with a power unit in the quarter? Glass mount on the hatch? My 87 has a pair of NOS fenders on it with no hole.
Looks so much better without the antenna hole. I've heard about the glass mount type of antennas with some good and bad reviews. Depends on the quality of the part?
Depends on how radio you listen to.Mine stock ant is mounted under the headliner, just above the windshield, works pretty good, but I listed to mp3/cd 99% of the time.
Does look cleaner though, which is why I did mine.
I can see both points here. There 2 completely diffrent approaches. The plastic plug might look more Oem and is easily pulled.
The bondo putty jb weld etc. if done right will look flush smoth not factory but higher class show like. Like a shaved door handle.
Not even the same thing no apples to apples here.
I bought a few plugs for the pipes that are still there left over with the A/C removal and they are surprisingly flat. The JB is going to be more of an eye sore until its painted. As mentioned above I would find a plug in one of those pull out drawers at your local Hard wear store and try that first.
Depends on how radio you listen to.Mine stock ant is mounted under the headliner, just above the windshield, works pretty good, but I listed to mp3/cd 99% of the time.
Does look cleaner though, which is why I did mine.
Good tip - headliner is out for replacement anyways. Did you insulate it from the body in any way or just stick it up there above the the visor area?
The base needs to be grounded but the mast is insulated from the body. If you go that route I would just pony up for a hidden antenna. Do a search, they're all over the web under $30.
It's just tucked up right at the edge of the headliner/windshield.
Those hidden (loaded) antennas don't have as good reception as the stock unit.
I still love the old school antennas that were IN the windshield, (sandwiched between the two layers).
Thanks guys… unfortunately my CR brand tawian made fenders came with the antenna hole punched already. Ive done the whole weld and putty with great results but wasn't sure if I wanted to do that with these… just in case I decide to throw a radio back in. But I would never listen to "radio" more like MP3. I however do not have any of the hardware to mount any antenna to the fender… like the threaded shaft and the top nut.
The cup plug might work… but it won't look that great. Im a firm believer of patching it right, although JB weld is great stuff and Ive used it a lot I wouldn't hear… not esp if something happens like lean on the fender and it cracks/loses the bond and the paint gets alittle weird… that would drive me nuts.
FWIW Ive had the hidden antennas that tape to the perimeter of the windshield and while they work they don't work that well.
Those two parts you showed do not go together. One is for power, one is not.
This goes with the nut for a non power.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Camaro-Firebird-Manual-Antenna-Bezel-New-GM-/291402268610?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1986%7CModel%3ACamaro&hash=item43d8edbfc2&vxp=mtr
How does that mount to the firebird fender? It has a cutout for 2 tabs on the hole and I see the tabs on the mount you posted a link to. So it fits down and then rotates and locks in place?
Do you have the part with the cable and the brace for under the fender with the bolt coming out? The bezel fits over it and is indexed by the notches. The nut tightens it all down, then the antenna screws on top of it all.
It's just tucked up right at the edge of the headliner/windshield.
Those hidden (loaded) antennas don't have as good reception as the stock unit.
I still love the old school antennas that were IN the windshield, (sandwiched between the two layers).
We had to Novas, a 1977 and 1978 and they had that windshield antenna. They worked fine.
Do you have the part with the cable and the brace for under the fender with the bolt coming out? The bezel fits over it and is indexed by the notches. The nut tightens it all down, then the antenna screws on top of it all.
Nope, literally just have the fender with a hole in it. THe OEM power antenna is long gone and still has the small L bracket on the inside of the fender to mount the power antenna. BUt thats about it.
If all you're wanting to do is fill the hole for now and leave the possibility of putting a functional antenna in, you can find a bolt of the same diameter and thread to fit the antenna. One of the metric body bolts fit it, I checked my old one. Make some sort of brace with the same angle as the fender for the underside to keep it vertical. Then use the two pieces manta pictured and a shorty or regular antenna. Otherwise, it cost me about 50 for everything when I got mine. You may want to check with one of our vendors.
Thanks mantaguy for the clips and faster link. I’m happy with the look for now.
My power antenna stopped working around 2003 and I’ve always hated it sticking up. I removed the radio last year and made a delete plate. So removing the antenna just made sense.
Thanks mantaguy for the clips and faster link. I’m happy with the look for now.
My power antenna stopped working around 2003 and I’ve always hated it sticking up. I removed the radio last year and made a delete plate. So removing the antenna just made sense.
03-10-2015, 12:31 AM
