1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

[Michael M.]

I am the 2nd owner of my 22k mile 79 Vette. When I bought it from the original owner, it had an "In Service" replacement power antenna Part #12355706, and the replacement body mount bezel that came with it. I am asking for some knowledge here. I need to know since my block states 'early', I'm assuming that this Vette, having come with, (and still contains), the UP6, Am/Fm/Cb radio, that it also would've come with the original '78-79E' CB compatible power antenna. Assuming that this is the antenna that I need, not the '79L' one, I would like to know the original OEM part numbers of the '78-79E' CB compatible power antenna, and the body mounting bezel's number as well, as I need to have both for the proper install. I have been looking without part #'s and am finding a hodge podge of junk and misinformation. Thank you in advance, for any assistance.

Michael
Gainesville, FL.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

I am the 2nd owner of my 22k mile 79 Vette. When I bought it from the original owner, it had an "In Service" replacement power antenna Part #12355706, and the replacement body mount bezel that came with it. I am asking for some knowledge here. I need to know since my block states 'early', I'm assuming that this Vette, having come with, (and still contains), the UP6, Am/Fm/Cb radio, that it also would've come with the original '78-79E' CB compatible power antenna. Assuming that this is the antenna that I need, not the '79L' one, I would like to know the original OEM part numbers of the '78-79E' CB compatible power antenna, and the body mounting bezel's number as well, as I need to have both for the proper install. I have been looking without part #'s and am finding a hodge podge of junk and misinformation. Thank you in advance, for any assistance.

Michael
Gainesville, FL.

Michael------


The original, PRODUCTION-only part number for the antenna you seek was GM #5044911. As a PRODUCTION-only component, it was never available in SERVICE. So, finding an "NOS" example of this is an impossibility, now or ever.

The original SERVICE part number of the antenna was GM #22010415. I am confident that this part was identical or near identical to the original PRODUCTION piece. The difference in part number was likely due to attaching hardware/instructions included with the SERVICE part.

GM #22010415 was discontinued in September, 1991 and replaced by GM #22048622. The latter was discontinued in August, 1995 and replaced by GM #12355706 which was discontinued several years ago without supersession. I know not how the supersessive part numbers differed from the original but, without a doubt, they differed.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Joe---

Thank you for the information, once again. I know how the bezel/grommet, (not sure what it's called), that the antenna rises up through from the rear deck panel, is for #12355706, for it was the one on my car when I got it. It's ugly, has a black rubber grommet with a chrome top and rises up off the deck lid by about 3/4" more or less. If I were able to find #22010415 or #22048622, I believe the grommet/bezel, (whatever it's called), would be different? If so, do you know what it would look like? Do you know it's part number? Is it also obsolete now? I think its flat and chrome, as this would be my second 79, but when I was young and non-nostalgic, without consideration, I replaced it all with aftermarket and didn't think twice. Thank you for your patience, but this has been rattling my head for some time as most people just want me to throw out the UP6 and put something else in it. I choose the hard option...

Michael

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Joe---

Thank you for the information, once again. I know how the bezel/grommet, (not sure what it's called), that the antenna rises up through from the rear deck panel, is for #12355706, for it was the one on my car when I got it. It's ugly, has a black rubber grommet with a chrome top and rises up off the deck lid by about 3/4" more or less. If I were able to find #22010415 or #22048622, I believe the grommet/bezel, (whatever it's called), would be different? If so, do you know what it would look like? Do you know it's part number? Is it also obsolete now? I think its flat and chrome, as this would be my second 79, but when I was young and non-nostalgic, without consideration, I replaced it all with aftermarket and didn't think twice. Thank you for your patience, but this has been rattling my head for some time as most people just want me to throw out the UP6 and put something else in it. I choose the hard option...

Michael

Michael------


The part you seek is called a GUIDE. It was GM #470353, was once available in SERVICE, and was unique to 1978 and, possibly, early 1979. It was discontinued without supersession in March, 1999. Whether it will work with a later SERVICE antenna, I do not know.

[Larry H.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Michael,
I think the bezel/grommet (GM calls it a nut because it's threaded) that you need is #25512547. This is a chrome bezel with external threads to screw into the top of the antenna tube, and with a black center grommet or guide. If you google the term "25512457 nut" you should find one listed on eBay with two real nice pictures of the part so that you can judge if it's what you need. The ad references other GM models besides Corvette because it had wide usage in that time period.
Larry #24649

[Larry H.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Michael,
The #25512547 shows to fit '79L models. If this is the wrong one try #470353 which is called a guide. This is a black plastic guide with no chrome. There are pictures on the internet of this part also so you can determine if either part is what you need. Wilcox Corvette has a page from the AIM on their web site that shows the #470353 and how it installs.
Larry

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Thanks Joe,
I'll try to find this one too. Thank you.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Larry,

Thank you. You and Joe have been very helpful, and many thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Thanks Joe,
I'll try to find this one too. Thank you.

Michael------


The 25512547 is very easy to find. The 470353 is very difficult to find. If your car actually uses the 25512547 then you have a late 1979, not an early 1979.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Joe,

What would be the sure fire way to find out if the car is an Early, or a Late?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Joe,

What would be the sure fire way to find out if the car is an Early, or a Late?

Michael------

The terms "early" or "late" apply to specific components, designs, etc. of a particular model year. They never apply to the entire car. As far as what defines early or late with respect to 1979 model year power antennas I do not know. However, I can say this: I THINK that the "early" 1979 power antenna had a hole in the quarter panel which was round with a "notch" on one side which is seen as a small rectangular extension of the hole. I THINK the "late" 1979 hole for the antenna was completely round with no "notch". What is the hole configuration on your car?

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Joe,

Ok, On the rear deck lid, where the guide would be fastened, that hole is completely round, (no notch). In the name of clarity, I looked into the space where the power antenna would be, and inspected the space. There are no holes underneath with a small rectangular notch. There is a fiberglass panel that separates the rear wheel well from the space that holds the Power antenna. This panel has the rear electrical harness coming through in a round black rubber grommet on top and there is a fastener below that, and below that, there is another black rubber grommet which the electrical for the power antenna, along with the cb cable that connects to the splitter, passes through. Above all of that, close to the deck lid, there are 4 drilled holes in the shape of a capital "L" laying on it's back, suggesting that there may have been some form of connector bracket attached there at some point in the past. At the bottom of the panel, close to the muffler there is another bracket connected which was used to connect and keep stable, the replacement antenna which I have removed (#12355706). That bracket also has a ground tether connecting it to the rear frame. No sight of any notched holes.
Furthermore, FYI, the mufflers, which are stamped, L-48, and more, also have stamped on both of them W-3-79, my cruise control transducer, is stamped 2/79, and the numbers on the back of the block, (which I cross referenced with Mike Antonick's Black book), stated an early block. My vin is 1Z8789S433339 which is just post of mid production run. So I've always been not sure if 'late' or 'early' applies to my vehicle.

If it is a Late antenna, what would be the part numbers for that? Originally, and subsequent replacements if different?

Thanks for the help, and where do you get this information from? Is it a source of record and obtainable? Or are you a guru with a library of personal documents? Or both?

I really need to get this car judged before I start getting into it too much...not too much C3 love here in North Florida, at least not that I'm aware of.

Thanks again.

[Harris B.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Wait, there is at least some love for C3s in North Florida! I have two, a 1981 with 4,000 miles (and it has a CB) and a 1982 with 25,000 miles. I love them but, candidly, I don't see many driving around, at least not here in Jacksonville. Too bad there are not many posts on this forum relating to the 1978 to 1982 models. I am always eager to read posts here that relate to these years.

Harris
Jacksonville, Florida

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Harris,

I'm an hour away in Gainesville, and I've seen a few tired Vettes over here, but there's no clubs or local NCRS chapters here that seem interested in our cars...lots of haters though. (U of FL indoctrinated), Nice to know there's someone in proximity though.

Best to you.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979E Corvette UP6 Am/Fm/Cb compatible power antenna

Joe,

Ok, On the rear deck lid, where the guide would be fastened, that hole is completely round, (no notch). In the name of clarity, I looked into the space where the power antenna would be, and inspected the space. There are no holes underneath with a small rectangular notch. There is a fiberglass panel that separates the rear wheel well from the space that holds the Power antenna. This panel has the rear electrical harness coming through in a round black rubber grommet on top and there is a fastener below that, and below that, there is another black rubber grommet which the electrical for the power antenna, along with the cb cable that connects to the splitter, passes through. Above all of that, close to the deck lid, there are 4 drilled holes in the shape of a capital "L" laying on it's back, suggesting that there may have been some form of connector bracket attached there at some point in the past. At the bottom of the panel, close to the muffler there is another bracket connected which was used to connect and keep stable, the replacement antenna which I have removed (#12355706). That bracket also has a ground tether connecting it to the rear frame. No sight of any notched holes.
Furthermore, FYI, the mufflers, which are stamped, L-48, and more, also have stamped on both of them W-3-79, my cruise control transducer, is stamped 2/79, and the numbers on the back of the block, (which I cross referenced with Mike Antonick's Black book), stated an early block. My vin is 1Z8789S433339 which is just post of mid production run. So I've always been not sure if 'late' or 'early' applies to my vehicle.

If it is a Late antenna, what would be the part numbers for that? Originally, and subsequent replacements if different?

Thanks for the help, and where do you get this information from? Is it a source of record and obtainable? Or are you a guru with a library of personal documents? Or both?

I really need to get this car judged before I start getting into it too much...not too much C3 love here in North Florida, at least not that I'm aware of.

Thanks again.

Michael------

I had no idea that your car was as late as mid-production. I would not expect a car that late to be "early" as far as the antenna system is concerned. My guess is that the 1978 style antenna only lasted a month or two into 1979 production.

There were actually 3 antenna system designs for 1979. I do not know whether yours is a 2nd or 3rd design. However, given that your car is mid-production, I'd say it's likely that it's 2nd design.

The original PRODUCTION antenna was GM #5044953. Of course, this was never available in SERVICE.

The oldest SERVICE part number I can find for your application is GM #22038605. It's possible there was a predecessor but, if so, I cannot find it. This antenna was discontinued from SERVICE in August, 1988 and replaced by GM #22038605 which was discontinued in March, 1992 and replaced by GM #12350652 which is also now discontinued. The 2 supercessive part numbers do not use the lower bracket.

The only one that has a chance of being the same or close to the original configuration is the GM #22038605 (or, its predecessor if there was one). I would say your chances of finding an NOS GM #22038605 are slim to none. Your best bet might be to try to find a used original from a donor 1979 and have it restored.