Stock Antenna Mounting Location

[mtrdud]

I'm about at the point that I'm ready to buy a new antenna. In looking at most early Broncos with the stock antenna, I see that they are on the driver's side fender. My antenna hole is just the opposite on the passenger fender. I like the OEM style antennas that are around $90 but I don't want to buy one if it will not work on the passenger side. My question is: has anybody mounted an OEM style antenna on the passenger side? Is there any reason this will not work? I'd really like to know before I spend $90 on a new one. BTW my bronco is a 73.

Thanks

 

[thegreatjustino]

The stock antennas have a round mounting base, so as long as the hole is in the approximate location on the passenger fender as it usually is on the driver fender, you should have no problem mounting a stock antenna on the passenger fender. The only issues I could see you running into are needing to drill a hole in the kick panel to run the antenna wire through, and possibly needing an antenna cable extender, but since the radio is dead center in the dash, I doubt that will be an issue.

Shameless plug for me: I have a used stock antenna for sale if you are interested.

 

[capt-crunch]

The air box on the passenger side might pose a problem, but if you got the clearance go for it.

 

[reamer]

I'm about to mount my new antenna too, but it's going on the drivers side. About how far down the fender from the door seam is the center of the hole for the antenna mount?
thanks
Reamer

 

[mtrdud]

Antenna Location

The airbox is what I am afraid of. Since I don't currently have and have not been able to see one firsthand, can someone tell me what the "u" shaped part is that is on the bottom of the stock antenna? Is it flexible? I had a cheap aftermarket antenna on it when I got it, so the only way to decide if it would fit is to buy one first and hope for the best.

 

[mtrdud]

Antenna

Reamer,
The center of the hole is 4 1/2" from the door seam. Also, what is the diameter of the stock hole in the fender? Also, I looked when I just measured the hole and it looks to be behind the airbox.

 

[DirtDonk]

The airbox is what I am afraid of.

My '71 had the antenna on the passenger side too. Looked stock except for the fact that all the Broncos I'd ever seen up to that point had them on the driver's side. Air box did not seem to be an issue. I'll go out tomorrow and see just where the holes are, but it wasn't too convoluted.
Only thing I'd worry about, like was brought up before, would be if the wire is "just long enough" and having to go an extra curve or too to get around something like the air box, heater box, or glove box, might bring you up short.
Then again, that's why they make extensions. Go for it!

...can someone tell me what the "u" shaped part is that is on the bottom of the stock antenna?

Not sure, but if it's what I'm thinking it is, it's just the lower mount support bar. Mounts to the inner fender/body tub somewhere. Not sure if it's an exact match if reversed, but it should be "adaptable". At least that's what I always figured before I finally just said screw it and bought a recessed antenna from a Taurus wagon.

Paul

 

[jdcone]

Mine's on the passenger side. You should have plenty of room for the cable, behind the airbox. Be sure the antenna you choose has an adjustable base.

 

[72Sport]

If you plan on buying a new antenna you might consider a universal electric. Shut the radio or ignition off and it goes down automatically. You can shut the radio off before you hit it on the garage door or trees. It keeps the vandals from breaking them off when parked also.

I bought one a Pep Boys about 10 years ago. I think it was about $50. Works great.

 

[mtrdud]

Antenna

Thanks for the feedback. I figured that there were some of you that had mounted on the passenger side. I may look at some universal ones, but I'm wanting to use my Tom's discount certificate on some stuff and I'm trying to decide if I want to include the antenna in the deal.

 

[Buldozer]

If you plan on buying a new antenna you might consider a universal electric. Shut the radio or ignition off and it goes down automatically. You can shut the radio off before you hit it on the garage door or trees. It keeps the vandals from breaking them off when parked also.

I bought one a Pep Boys about 10 years ago. I think it was about $50. Works great.

Which side did you mount the electric antenna?