1966 Bronco radio antenna location

[Maine Bronco]

Looking to confirm which side to mount a stock radio antenna to be factory correct. Thanks, Dave

 

[bamabaja]

Good luck. I’ve researched and looked at old Ford promo ad pics with no consensus that I found. Radios were added by dealers and owners, so both sides utilized. It appears to me drivers side most popular, but not necessarily accurate. Okie-Wan, all knowing 66 detail expert, hopefully will chime in with the answer. But 66 rigs, by their nature of build, have many mysteries as to “original” build or part. Like visors, mirrors, etc. Great info on several CB 66 threads. Have fun !

 

[T-Bird]

Both my 66's have factory antennas on the top of drivers fender.
I will take measurements tomorrow

 

[mrdrnac]

Both my 66's have factory antennas on the top of drivers fender.
I will take measurements tomorrow

Mine has the same location as well!

 

[DirtDonk]

At our Roundup today I saw two original-owner Broncos with the antenna on the passenger side. And one wasn't even in the "normal" location front-to-back. Too close to the door.

But yes, what they said about the "normally accepted correct side" as being the driver's side. That's what 90% of radio-equipped Broncos (remember when "radio, heater and white wall tires" was an advertising slogan?) came with.
But the instance of passenger side antennas (my '71 is that way) is common enough that it's "a thing" anyway.
But if I was going to be correct, I'd put it on the driver's side and nobody could ever argue it didn't come that way from the factory.

Paul

 

[charlie6976]

I have a hidden antenna, but doesn't the 'under fender mount' help locate the 'mounting spot'?

 

[69_Sport]

Most people don't realize that Ford radio antennas were all dealer-installed. They were left off at the factory because of their likelihood of being damaged during transit to the dealer. Yep, some guy in every dealership was drilling holes in brand new vehicles! That easily explains why there was some variation in where the antennas are located.

I have a copy of the template used on '69-'70 Mustangs. Haven't seen the Bronco version yet, but one is out there somewhere...

 

[DirtDonk]

Well ain't that interestin'! Would explain a lot too.
But what a pain, when it's not just a simple hole in the fender, but also a big hole in the inner fender skirt/kick panel too.
Hard to believe Ford would make dealers either figure out how to drill a half-blind hole, or remove the fender to get the job done.

Paul

 

[okie4570]

Most people don't realize that Ford radio antennas were all dealer-installed. They were left off at the factory because of their likelihood of being damaged during transit to the dealer. Yep, some guy in every dealership was drilling holes in brand new vehicles! That easily explains why there was some variation in where the antennas are located.

I have a copy of the template used on '69-'70 Mustangs. Haven't seen the Bronco version yet, but one is out there somewhere...

I don't doubt that a bit. As far as whether they were mounted on the driver side vs the passenger side I've seen no rhyme or reason as to why. I have wondered if the passenger side mount might be on heater delete broncos? Other than that I've got no clue.

 

[taipeichris]

My 66 was on the side of the passenger fender and I was told most likely dealer installed. Just one more thing to have welded up if I ever paint it one day. Personally I really like the stock drivers side mount.
Good luck!