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

[Larry H.]

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

Mr. Lucia,
The part number before #22038605 was #22020559.
Larry

[Joe L.]

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

Mr. Lucia,
The part number before #22038605 was #22020559.
Larry

Larry----


Yes, I have that number. However, I was not able to confirm if it was a complete antenna assembly or just a component of an antenna. I found conflicting descriptive information.

[Joe L.]

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

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.

Correction------

The second part number shown in the 4th paragraph should be 22048609. I inadvertently repeated the 1st part number.

[Joe L.]

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

Mr. Lucia,
The part number before #22038605 was #22020559.
Larry

Larry------


You are correct. I did confirm now that the 22020559 was the predecessor part number to the 22038605 and both are complete antenna assemblies. The 22020559 was, thus, the original SERVICE part number for the 2nd design 1979 antenna. It was also used for 1980.

[Michael M.]

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

Thank you Joe,

I think if I can find any of those antennas in working condition...I'm putting it in. The whole Early or Late thing is confusing. My block has 'Early' numeration, but like you said, it's a mid production car, hinting more towards late than early. And yes the motor's correct to the car. So that's why I'm thinking Early parts and late parts could be on this car. But, '79 was a messed up year anyway...not as messed up as 2020, messed up just the same.

Best to you, and thanks again.

[Michael M.]

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

Acknowledged...thank you.

[Joe L.]

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

Thank you Joe,

I think if I can find any of those antennas in working condition...I'm putting it in. The whole Early or Late thing is confusing. My block has 'Early' numeration, but like you said, it's a mid production car, hinting more towards late than early. And yes the motor's correct to the car. So that's why I'm thinking Early parts and late parts could be on this car. But, '79 was a messed up year anyway...not as messed up as 2020, messed up just the same.

Best to you, and thanks again.

Michael------


You would not be able to use the 1978-E1979 antenna unless you were also willing to modify the antenna hole in the body. I would not recommend doing that.

[Michael M.]

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

Joe----

I hear you loud and clear. The truth is that I've seen the replacement #12355706 in the past few days in the marketplace. Which is what was on the car when I got it. I think I'll get that, (to be functional), and look for the late in service productions, as life goes on to possibly purchase for judging events, if I ever find time to do that as well. Thank you.

[Tom R.]

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

Yeah...I know this post a few years old but yet remains relevant today! It is poring rain and just having my 78 8-track restored have been looking at how it was equipped, including the power antenna, and so decided to do a forum search, coming across this discussion.

I suspect Mike worked this out and while I'm curious how he resolved the dilemma, I wanted to clarify some of the content above that could be misleading to others, confronted with a similar dilemma. So Mike writes

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.

According the 2nd edition of the 78-79 TIMJG, it states that the 1979 body remained flush (like 1978) until approximately 23472 and sometime after 25638, "a semi-circular recessed area in the deck to permit the antenna base to be essentially horizontal." This is what the AIM schematic shows and it sounds like Mike has an early rear deck configuration? But then, it shifts that VIN sequence reference in the TIMJG?

Note that CB radios came with a different power antenna (U83) than the U75 and those are the numbers reiterated in the above posts. It's interesting looking at the AIM, because it shows the 79 bezel that differs from the black-plastic guide used with either 78-79E 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.

Would like to hear from Mike how he resolved his search as well as learning the rear deck configuration along with the bezel or the 22020003 Escutcheon.

[Michael M.]

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

In response to Tom Russo's inquiry: I never got part numbers that I had hoped for, nor was I able to locate an original bezel or proper antenna; as they are clearly not out there together anymore. I did find another "in service" replacement antenna which I installed on the car and works fine with the UP6 head unit, and relay. In reference to your comments, the information I was originally researching and using was flawed. My car would've came with a '79Late' antenna and bezel. It does have the recessed area in the rear deck lid, and it came off the assembly line May 1, 1979. My purpose of asking for part numbers was because I have seen many part numbers for the '79L' option, (as well as the 78Early option), and they cross over the different GM lines for the same part. Yet, I haven't been able to truly identify which one is specific to Corvette production. None the less, I put my search to rest some time ago after installing a replacement antenna. I have just found peace in function over complete originality; while keeping it 'as original' as it came, that is humanly possible within my and the market's limitations. Thanks for following up.

[Tom R.]

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

Hey Mike
Thanks for the update. I got curious so went to Zip and looked up the bezel for 78 and 79. They show both parts and they are consistent with the AIMs for both years. Looks like the later 79 screws in but has an insulator inside the bezel...interesting! Anyway here's the link

https://www.zip-corvette.com/79l-82-power-antenna-nut-w-insulator.html

[Michael M.]

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

Tom,

Thank you for the link. This bezel works with the original antenna, but not with the 'IN SERVICE' antenna that I had before and found an operational twin to replace it. The 'IN SERVICE' antenna comes with a different bezel/mount and is completely different. So without the original or an OEM antenna to use, which has the gray aerial mount that goes with the CB option; this bezel won't work. The 'IN SERVICE' antenna is Part # 12355706, and if you can find one, or a picture diagram of one, you will see what I mean. It has a thick black rubber grommet that looks completely different from the original sitting up high on the deck lid. But the CB works now...

-Michael

[Tom R.]

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

Thanks for that info. When time permits, take a picture of that SERVICE replacement bezel. I'm curious how it compares to the factory unit. you can send to hunt4cleanair@earthlink.net

On the other hand...does it look like this?

Bezel_service replacement.jpg

[Michael M.]

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

Sent you an email, as this photo here doesn't resemble what I have.