Antenna placement on a '57 Oval?

BaxterGG · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:51 pm Post subject: Antenna placement on a '57 Oval?

I scored an OG antenna for my '57 USspec Oval from a '57 Euro parts car. It was placed on the drivers side, pointed straight up. On my oval, I can't find any evidence where holes have been filled, smoothed over, etc... in that spot or on the other side. I just wanted to make sure when I put the antenna on, it's in the right place...

Looking at other beetles, I've seen the antenna placed on both driver's and passenger's side, sometimes straight up, sometimes at an angle...?

What would the proper 'spot' and angle be for my US spec '57???
l
_________________
Greg

'57 Beetle
'75 Bay Window Westfalia
‘81 Vanagon Westfalia

djkeev · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

There is no "proper" spot.

Bentley covers antenna installation but they give no exact dimensions.

They say you can put it on the left or on the right. They also cover a telescoping one that goes into the body.

I could scan the pages and email them if you want but they won't tell you where to put it.

The factory never installed a radio or an antenna, that was all dealer installed and each mechanic did as they saw fit.

I'm sure some will chime in with exact dimensions on their car and there may be service bulletins issued for this at some point, I'm sure others will chime in

My 57 is on the right in front of the passenger door.

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

GB2S · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject:

Radios were quite often dealer installed. I would suggest since you're not use to one on your car you make a fake antenna an attach ( maybe use a magnet) it to both sides of your car to see which side and where you want it.

Snort · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:46 pm Post subject:

I picked the right front quarter panel. My reasoning was that the panel was previously damaged, so further mutilation seemed less of an impact. I don't think I could have done it otherwise. At the time, I also bought a setup for windshield squirter, but could never bring myself to drill the hole in the cowling. I still have the one year only NOS mechanical switch/pump unit for it in a proverbial box somewhere.

Kjell Roar · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:33 am Post subject:

I think left panel is the best, because mine is there ( of course).
And it should be placed so you dont see it so much when you drive. If it was placed on the right side, it will be in sight all the time.
_________________
I got a historic car, every scratch got a history...

My car, Aug. 4th, 1955 / an early 56: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=610438

djfordmanjack · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:51 am Post subject:

Here's the antenna placement on my oct 54. It originally used a 2 point antenna, second hole can be seen underneath / at an angle similar to the window a post)

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
Hotrods, Fords, Veedubs and Triumph Twins !
52 Barndoor DLX Coachbuild project
54 Oval project
55 Wolfsburg panel project, og paint Taubenblau L31
62 Dickholmer, Seeblau L360
63 1500 Notch, og paint Rubin Rot L456
67 1500 Käfer, og paint Lotus weiß L282 w/red interior

BaxterGG · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks everybody for the replies, so I guess my '57 never had an antenna installed so I can actually choose the spot for it... Bittersweet as knowing it never had the holes drilled for the last 53 years is it wrong to drill them now... Rolling Eyes

The car is far from OG so I guess it won't be that big of a butchery..... Question

_________________
Greg

'57 Beetle
'75 Bay Window Westfalia
‘81 Vanagon Westfalia

djkeev · Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 5:35 am Post subject:

djfordmanjack · Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:44 am Post subject:

On my car the first thing to go on was the extended length antenna long before there was a radio installed or bodywork done..., you gotta have some serious custom features... Laughing

...as a matter of fact the antenna still isn't wired up... Rolling Eyes

_________________
Hotrods, Fords, Veedubs and Triumph Twins !
52 Barndoor DLX Coachbuild project
54 Oval project
55 Wolfsburg panel project, og paint Taubenblau L31
62 Dickholmer, Seeblau L360
63 1500 Notch, og paint Rubin Rot L456
67 1500 Käfer, og paint Lotus weiß L282 w/red interior

BaxterGG · Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:26 pm Post subject:

So I decided to go with the passenger side, straight up no angle..... No reason other than my radio is mounted in my glove box so no having to run the antenna wire across the trunk.

Thanks again for your guys help...

And a before pic just for fun...

_________________
Greg

'57 Beetle
'75 Bay Window Westfalia
‘81 Vanagon Westfalia

Snort · Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject:

I am more of a minimalist than not, but for some reason the double mount antennas make the early Bugs look a lot better IMHO. Nice addition!

Pharquarx · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:13 pm Post subject:

As placed on my restored 56.

_________________
Charlie

Stock 67 Vert Under Restoration
1958 Lambretta TV175 Series 1
1957 Vespa Messerschmitt 150 GS
1951 Douglas Vespa Rod Type (First month of production!!!)
1970 Triumph T120R (Bonneville)
1950 Vincent Comet
1952 Moto Rumi Sport 125
1973 Ducati 750 Sport

sonicjagstang · Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:56 pm Post subject:

This is the location of my antenna with the Motorola Big M radio.

Snap · Samba Member Joined: May 10, 2009 Posts: 92 Location: NL

I see alot of different antennas

I see the "two post antenna"
listed as a us style antenna at the shops here in europe.

And single post antenna is discussed as later here on thesamba,
but listed as a european model here in europe.

What antenna's would be period correct for 1957 swedish beetles?

And are there any rare two post antenna's?

experiences for old fm radio with hidden antenna under the front bonnet?

Wink

_________________
-1957 Swedish deluxe oval

RareAir · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:37 pm Post subject:

3foldfolly · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:41 pm Post subject:

I like the drivers side because you can reach out the window and adjust the height while driving if needed.

RareAir · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 8:34 pm Post subject:

0nebadbug · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 8:56 pm Post subject:

I think where ever they are from the 'oval' era... it was dealer supplied & the buyer's decision for placement...

Mine is passenger side and the original mast, 2 post, slanted to the drip line. And an almost at the point of re-installing it. will put up a pic once she's back on.
_________________
::: Slowoval ::: LaDawri Sebring ::: '61 Creampuff ::: Dust Storm '66 :::

3foldfolly · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 8:12 am Post subject:

2003nbc · Samba Member Joined: February 04, 2008 Posts: 98

Below are Blaupunkt antenna installation location(s) instructions for 1958 and later - these instructions are dated May 1959. Maybe the oval window instructions were similar.


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Premium Membership \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

Forum Index -> Beetle - Oval-Window - 1953-57		Share:
		Print View

	Forum Index -> Beetle - Oval-Window - 1953-57	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Page: 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2