Fender Antenna

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RoryH19

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I've had several squares from the 80's and everyone had a windshield antenna.
My 78 has a fender mounted one. I've also seen 88+ burbs and 3+3's with them too.

What years did they use each style and why?
 

Dave M

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Good question, l will follow this thread, as my C10 has the screen aerial and if the screen needs replacing I'm thinking the new one wont.
what other antenna options are there?
 

WesN

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My 1981 Sierra Classic came with the windshield antenna.
 

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My 85's got the windshield one but it will be gone when the new windshield is installed. I RARELY listen to broadcast radio but would like to keep the option open for weather, etc. Thinking about a fender antenna thats fully retractable.....power, etc.

Would like to see a fender mounted antenna to know where exactly to put it.
 

SquareRoot

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My 85's got the windshield one but it will be gone when the new windshield is installed. I RARELY listen to broadcast radio but would like to keep the option open for weather, etc. Thinking about a fender antenna thats fully retractable.....power, etc.

Would like to see a fender mounted antenna to know where exactly to put it.

My 85 had the window mounted antenna. The new glass didn't have that option so I switched to the fender mount. I happened to have a cowl cover from another 85 that had the fender mount. It done actually mount in the fender, it's in the cowl piece.

There's no possible way, in my opinion to mount a power antenna. There's a ton of metal structure in that are. I went with a standard aerial, although it's black with the spiral wound wire like modern vehicles use.
 

SirRobyn0

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I have replaced three windshields in three squares in the last decade and I choose the windshield antenna in order to remove it from the fender... :shrug:

You guys are weird.
That's just what I was thinking. One of the things I like about the square body is no fender antenna. And if they are working correctly they get pretty darn good reception.
 

Rusty Nail

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My 85's got the windshield one but it will be gone when the new windshield is installed. I RARELY listen to broadcast radio but would like to keep the option open for weather, etc. Thinking about a fender antenna thats fully retractable.....power, etc.

Would like to see a fender mounted antenna to know where exactly to put it.


See the cowl there? It's hangin by the antenna.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

RoryH19

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That's just what I was thinking. One of the things I like about the square body is no fender antenna. And if they are working correctly they get pretty darn good reception.
Yep I like clean look of glass antenna.
They also have a discreet module that looks a brick you can hide anywhere.
 

Turbo4whl

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I've had several squares from the 80's and everyone had a windshield antenna.
My 78 has a fender mounted one. I've also seen 88+ burbs and 3+3's with them too.

What years did they use each style and why?

I believe the answer is this: When the dealer orders a truck with a radio, like my '74 was, windshield antenna. When I ordered my '82, I ordered it with no radio. I wanted to install my own choice. Truck was built without the windshield antenna.

Back in the day many dealers would order vehicles without radios, then sell the customers an aftermarket radio from their selection. Make more money on each sale, just like the dealer installed pinstripe on every unit.

The antenna mount pictured by @DanMcG is the GM accessory type for the square. When I added the antenna to my '82 I chose a GM antenna made for a Caviler. It put the antenna in the top of the fender instead on the side. I'll get a picture if anyone is interested.
 

78C10BigTen

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I never knew that squares that early had fender antennas. My 78 is windshield antenna, always thought they were cool.
 

RoryH19

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I believe the answer is this: When the dealer orders a truck with a radio, like my '74 was, windshield antenna. When I ordered my '82, I ordered it with no radio. I wanted to install my own choice. Truck was built without the windshield antenna.

Back in the day many dealers would order vehicles without radios, then sell the customers an aftermarket radio from their selection. Make more money on each sale, just like the dealer installed pinstripe on every unit.

The antenna mount pictured by @DanMcG is the GM accessory type for the square. When I added the antenna to my '82 I chose a GM antenna made for a Caviler. It put the antenna in the top of the fender instead on the side. I'll get a picture if anyone is interested.

My 78 fender antenna is in the same place as his. I posted a pic of mine.
If this is a dealer added option I will probably just remove when I restore.
 

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