I have installed a radio in my 48 Super Six where there never was one previously. I was trying to avoid drilling a hole in the car to install the original antenna, but the "hidden antennas" don't work worth a darn. By putting a long cable on the hidden antenna, I can get some reception but it must be in a window to get much of anything. Outside of the car it works GREAT! So I guess I'm going to have to punch a hole in my nice old Hudson.
I think I have all the parts I need except the knob and escutcheon and I'll put it together with new seals. I have the factory installation instructions and the diagram etc, but I don't know what to expect when I drill the hole. From the inside of the car, I can feel a slotted hole about 3/4" wide extending down from the interior light. I am wondering how the fitting will line up from my new hole, to this slot. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations before I start?
One other thing - I also want to install an outside sun visor which has a support at the windshield divider. When I turn the antenna down, is it going to interfere with the visor support?
Thanks people. Your advice on this forum is great!
Mike Patterson
Discussion moved to "Hudson" forum category
Mike, If you have the 51 shop manual it shows exactly how to drill the correct hole in the roof and it's exact location. Follow this and you will have no trouble. Been there done that. Your gut feeling about the antenna rest is correct if you have a visor. Don't even put one on your car if you are considering a visor . You can not turn the antenna down without bumping into the outside visor. It won't work.
Thanks Lance, I guess my concern is determining the angle to drill at, as the hole does not go straight in. If I keep the drill square to the windshield divider - should be OK I think.
My car had neither a radio nor a visor but I have both on hand.
Now I have to make a decision - radio or sun visor (Hmmmmm!)
Mike, use a punch to mark the spot where you want to start your hole saw. Drill on the same plain the windshield divider bar is on. It's actually not hard . Actually you will still have a dimple on the visor where the antenna would have been if you don't cut the hole. Back when these were fairly new used vehicles and someone wanted a radio that had not come with the car, a lot of shops just put a fender mount antenna on. It sure beat having to climb up the car to drill a hole. I did mine when the car was getting prepped for primer. Good luck on your project!
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