There is a discussion about radio antennas in another section of the Chat.

The first antennas were installed at the factory and were a screen mounted in the top of the car. This system was used from 1933 to 1935.

Starting in 1935 and continuing to 1940 the antenna was the dual antenna under the running boards.

1939 was the first year of a two post cowl antenna.

The turret top antenna was available from 1937 to 1940.

In 1941 a real type antenna was available. It was a top of the cowl mount and was operated from inside the car by a control knob and cable.

I have some additional questions:

How many versions were there of the under running board antenna? Was the same one used all years and car models? Or did different years use a slightly different type? I assume they were too weak for trucks. Could trucks even have radios in 35-38?

The 1939 accessory brochure shows a four section telescopic whip antenna. The whip antenna in the 1941 brochure appears to be three section, as well as the antenna shown in documents sent to my by Chevgene. What year was this change from 4 to 3 sections made? The length of the whip was listed as 96 inches in the 1941 brochure. How long was the 4 section whip? In both the 1939 and 1941 manuals, the exterior side of the mounts for the whip consist of a eye bolt and a piece of bakelite (no chrome cone, unlike all other side mount antennas I've seen). However, Chevs of the 40s sells a different upper mount for 1941 only that looks kinda like an extended version of the lower mount, but it has a boss on each side to allow two sheet metal screws to attach it to the body in addition to the eye bolt. This is not pictured in the 1941 accessory brochure nor in the diagrams or installation instructions Chevgene sent me. Anybody seen any data to back up the existence of such a upper mount? What was the last year for the sidemount whip antenna? Where all the sidemount whips from 1941 to the last one the same?

I assume the same turret top antenna was used all three years? Somewhere I though I heard about an extension used to lengthen this antenna when used on a sedan. Is this accurate?

How many years was the reel antenna available? Any reason it could not be installed on a truck?

Any questions answered would be much appreciated.

Well I thought I had covered all the bases, but we will elaborate.

All under the running board antennas were the same design. Lengths and other considerations were dictated by the year of the car.

Could you visualize a truck with an antenna underneath headed out across the watermelon patch. Probably have it drug off by the time he hit the cantaloupe row. 1st truck radio was 1937.

Two post cowl mount antennas were different lengths as demanded by the model radio installed. The side post you saw with a chrome base was either a Philco or Motorola.

The 1941 side post antenna used an uneven post with an eye bolt. Unlike earlier models the cowl of the 1941 had more curve to it and required a longer stand for the top post to make the antenna vertical.



No, see answer above.

The single cowl mount antenna was the choice after 1941.

The "over the top antennas" were not very popular as they were prone to being ripped off by low hanging branches and other obstacles. Check the Owners Manual for the radio for specifications.

The reel antenna was only available for the 1941 car. All radios for 1941 included the antenna and installation in the price.

When you purchase a radio, are you already have one in your car, it would be very beneficial to purchase an owners manual. If you have access to the G&Ds from about 1980-85 you will find an article about each model Chevrolet radio written by the chevradioman.

Hey Ray, do you think you can link us to that "other discussion" about antennas that you mentioned in January? I've done a search and don't seem to be able to turn up any good leads.
And were those articles you wrote in the '80-'85 G&D ever posted in the members only archives??? I did see the .pdf’s that you posted from 1985, 86 and 87 in the Radio Hour but they a all about radios only. It’s kind of hard for us newer members to find any of those early issues especially when we’re living kind of in isolation. If it weren’t for the internet, I wouldn’t have any contact with people working on old cars or trucks.
Denny G

Danny, Did you a search in the VCCA members only section of the club site of old articles from the G&D although they are not all entered yet

Go to the 1937-42 forum and scroll down to 166891

Sorry Ray, thought we were discussing antennas, 166891 is only a thread about volume control and which heads he has on the radio, nothing there about antennas.
DG

I have a chev radio but am not clear about the antenna arrangement for a 33 cabiolet or rodster. Guidance would be appreciated.

Jim

The antenna would be woven into the top material. Other suggested solutions are to isolate the spare tire, a bumper, other parts of the car.

Your profile does not indicate you are a member of the VCCA.

I,m new to the site and I was wondering if any one knew the location and style of a radio antenna for a 46 COE. I would sure apprecate any input, Thanks Chris

The number you have listed in your profile is actually your number used to identify you on this forum. The number is an accumulative number of the members.

Your member number for the VCCA club would be a 5 digit number and would be assigned by the club membership secretary.

OK: Sorry I'm not that good with these comp.Chris