antenna

[weldvair]

I am installing a stereo in my 1971 KG. I need to buy a antenna. The antenna sold from
where I have been buying parts(KGRP) does not look good for a front fender side mount.

What are you using?

Thanks Don

[sideshow]

If you are looking for stock fender mount antenna, be very specific about requiring one that doesn't attempt to stab people as they walk by. Last I checked with my normal higher quality parts places that should know better only offer the almost universal crap.

You have to be very specific. One that fits as it should were not that much money wise but after separate in person grilling of both Scott @ Ventura warehouse group and Mike @ House of Ghia I doubt they are in current production.

So that leaves welding up the hole. Aftermarket hidden antenna work poorly but fit under the dash mat, and MP3 players are the ultimate answer.

[Corysvdub]

Have you seen the retractable ones available?.... I've seen electric ones which is what I had on my ghia and squareback at the moment. There are universal ones out there that don't look bad, you just have to search.

[mountainkowboy]

Hirschmann antennas

[crocteau]

Hirschmann antennas

^X2
Hirschmann (HIT AUTA 2040) automatic antenna, '71 Karmann Ghia cabriolet
links to images (too big for here):
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/816436.jpg
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/816435.jpg

[sideshow]

I confess I have never looked at any power version, with MP3 about the only radio I miss is the trackside FM broadcast PA at my local 1/4 mile track...oddly the hidden FM antenna refuses to receive that. All my research was for an OEM type that manually retracted or fixed.

Now looking at the current specs for that powered version it is claiming 30° tilt at the body grommet, is this enough to prevent the stabbing of people walking by?

[crocteau]

Now looking at the current specs for that powered version it is claiming 30° tilt at the body grommet, is this enough to prevent the stabbing of people walking by?

It's all about that base. That linked photo shows the original mounting hardware that came with the car. Minor effort with a rat tail file, a little nylon collar to insulate the antenna mast from "ground", and there's no dangle in the angle. Out of the box this antenna does extend much higher than the original, but that helps pull in the low wattage hillbilly AM stations I still listen to up here in Pennsyltucky.

[sideshow]

Ahhh, despite being a pack rat I doubt I could find the remains of a broken antenna that I welded the hole closed last century.

So let the same warning apply; "universal fit" DO NOT WORK because the angle of the stock ghia hole is too steep.

[crocteau]

Ahhh, despite being a pack rat I doubt I could find the remains of a broken antenna that I welded the hole closed last century.

I hear that! We're all pack rats. FWIW, maybe a picture of what you might be looking for could help you find it (if you're so inclined, see below).

and for weldvair, if the Chinese antenna from KGPR is the same as the one they were selling about ten years ago, the base is (as far as I know) as close to the original as may be found. That KGPR antenna will work, but even when fully lowered the mast on the one I got from them sticks up 20 inches compared to 8 inches for the original antenna that was on my KG (see photo). Back in the day that was an invitation to mischievous peeps to bend it. Now aside from the endless joy of watching the Hirschmann go up and down automatically, the fact that it retracts fully is a welcome advantage IMHO. You have the skills; where there's a will there's a way. No, I don't work for Hirschmann.

Otherwise you might want to check this out: http://www.oldtimerradio.de/shop/produc ... 6ee393f7ac