The Ford Barn

L78CHEVELLE · 03-09-2014, 11:37 AM

I put a Carpenter antenna on my 1940 station wagon. I don't think I have this antenna working as it should. When I turn the antenna down into the holding clip on the windshield it is hard to get it on the clip. The interior knob used to turn the antenna up or down does push in to move the rod of the antenna in toward the clip or out away from the clip, but it does not lock the antenna rod on to the clip. The rod will move to the left or right of the clip easily with a slight wind or while driving it. Shouldn't this antenna have resistance to keep it on the resting clip? There is a screw on the antenna base the instructions say is an adjustment screw, but it does not say what it adjust????? I turned it a few turns and saw little if any improvement in my situation. What am I missing here? Also, the radio comes on, but does not pick up any stations at all. Is this all related? Pictures attached. Tune less in Kentucky!!!!

ford38v8 · 03-09-2014, 11:45 AM

Even the original is a bit touchy to get right on the resting clip. Check the antenna next to the clip for proper positioning, as just the slightest amount of bend in the rod will either be too tight or too loose while on the clip. I find that a tight fit works best for me to prevent ther wind from taking it off the clip, but that also means I have to reach around to lift it on or off. Just the nature of the beast.

Aquaroscoe · 03-10-2014, 01:19 PM

Do you have the interior "C" clip installed? Because the antenna aligns based on the chrome bumps in the antenna, and the plastic holder that goes through the car. The "C" clamps put pressure on everything to keep if from moving easily

L78CHEVELLE · 03-10-2014, 07:38 PM

I installed everything that was in the kit. I don't recall a "C" clip that had to be installed. The antenna does turn up or down when I push the interior knob in and turn it. I can feel it snap into place when it is all the way up, but it still moves around more than I think it should.

mick · 03-10-2014, 07:57 PM

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It's at best a poorly designed system .....

. I took the antenna and just bent it a bit at the base so it held firmly under some tension into the receiver and stays in place while driving . (I don't use the dash knob . )
When I want the antenna up , I go outside the car , pull the antenna out of the receiver and move it to a vertical position , reverse to put it back . Mick

03-09-2014, 11:45 AM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,641	Re: 40 wagon antenna question Even the original is a bit touchy to get right on the resting clip. Check the antenna next to the clip for proper positioning, as just the slightest amount of bend in the rod will either be too tight or too loose while on the clip. I find that a tight fit works best for me to prevent ther wind from taking it off the clip, but that also means I have to reach around to lift it on or off. Just the nature of the beast. __________________ Alan

03-10-2014, 01:19 PM	#3
Aquaroscoe Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 36	Re: 40 wagon antenna question Do you have the interior "C" clip installed? Because the antenna aligns based on the chrome bumps in the antenna, and the plastic holder that goes through the car. The "C" clamps put pressure on everything to keep if from moving easily

03-10-2014, 07:38 PM	#4
L78CHEVELLE Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London Kentucky Posts: 356	Re: 40 wagon antenna question I installed everything that was in the kit. I don't recall a "C" clip that had to be installed. The antenna does turn up or down when I push the interior knob in and turn it. I can feel it snap into place when it is all the way up, but it still moves around more than I think it should.

03-10-2014, 07:57 PM	#5
mick Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 111	Re: 40 wagon antenna question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It's at best a poorly designed system ..... . I took the antenna and just bent it a bit at the base so it held firmly under some tension into the receiver and stays in place while driving . (I don't use the dash knob . ) When I want the antenna up , I go outside the car , pull the antenna out of the receiver and move it to a vertical position , reverse to put it back . Mick