Club 80-90 Forums

Hi

I need to refit an aerial for the radio in my van, but I don't want to drill a hole in the newly restored body if I can help it.

Do I need to fit another 'old style' extendable aerial, or would a shorter more modern style work as well?

Does it need to be mounted externally? or could it be fitted behind the front grille or inside the high top?

Radio transmission and reception is a complete dark art as far as I am concerned, so any advice appreciated.

Donald

I have no idea how good these are. But probably worth a punt.  Powerfull Universal Car Hidden Amplified Antenna AM/FM Radio Ariel 12V Electroni | eBay

Radio reception is quite easy to work out if you remember two things
1. Your reception is only as good as your antenna , and bigger is better always , without exception
2. Radio cannot travel trough metal very well , something called the “faraday cage” effect , which basically means the antenna needs to be outside if possible

So a short un amplified antenna will be rubbish , a short amplified antenna will be slightly better , and a long antenna will be best

FM broadcast radio is 87mhz to 108mhz which means the electrical length of the antenna needs to be roughly 75cm long with a grounding to the vehicle body equal or greater than 75cm square( the van body)

I've used one of these. It has been OK.
Radio Aerial

colinthefox wrote: ↑24 Sep 2023, 16:35 I've used one of these. It has been OK.
Radio Aerial

I used one of those to good effect back in the 90s on my mk2 Cavalier.
It always worked well.

I plan to fit one to my van too - If I ever get it finished.
The only bit of hassle is getting the radio controlled 12 volt feed to the aerial from the radio.
Running the coax and the power wire up the A pillar (window frame).
Especially if you plan to fit high up the screen, and you have the head-lining in place.

You can tuck the wire behind the inside flap of the screen seal.

You can get right up the inside of the A pillar on the NS , it’s fiddly , but it’s possible .