Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

[Mark F.]

Hello all. Replacing gas tank and re-chroming rear bumpers so decided to fix a broken left rear wheel well splash shield. Removed Antenna and of course down came grounding plate and riveted reinforcement plate.

Was wondering what the best way to clean the antenna grounding plate would be? Could I just take a wire brush on a angle grinder to it or would that tear it up? (Being careful not to disturb the riveted reinforcement.)

Also besides the large hole for the Antenna, there are two smaller holes about 1/4" diameter through the grounding plate. Was wondering what they were for? Are rubber bumpers supposed to be in them, or for rain to come through or somebody just randomly drilled two holes?

Thanks for your help

[Alan D.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Here is a nice power setup, non power basically the same stuff. Should be something in the "sticky" on grounds which include the antenna stuff. So no holes! It's such a nice picture however stolen.

[Mike T.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Mark - I have the same aftermarket/repro aluminum antenna plate as in Alans Pic so best guess, those two additional holes in your plate were
owner-supplied. One pic shows the plate from my 65 Roadster - now manual antenna, the second, another new plate...just waiting for my next 'project'.
IMG_4187.jpgIMG_4188.jpg

[Mark F.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Thanks Alan. That is a nice picture. I may just take a scotch pad and some light oil and see what I can get mine to look like. Cheers. Mark

[Mark F.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Thanks Mike. I just looked at a vendor and I can get a nice new one for around $30 bucks. If mine does not clean up nice I will just spring for a new one. Cheers. Mark

[Bill B.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Consensus on related threads suggest the holes are for rubber bumpers used for quell vibration of the plate against the body. I recall replacing mine during restoration 5 yrs ago.

[John F.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Mark, soak it in EvapoRust from O'Reilly's.

[Mark F.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Mark, soak it in EvapoRust from O'Reilly's.

John,

Looks like the plate is aluminum and although the link below says it won't harm the part it also says it won't work to remove the corrosion.

https://www.evapo-rust.com/evapo-rust-faqs/

No, it will not clean or damage any of these metals. It will not harm rubber, plastic, clothing or glass either."

[Mark F.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Thanks John. I will look into it. Looks like I can buy a new one for the price of the evaporust. But I am sure I could use it for other things. Appreciate the thought. Mark

[Jim D.]

Re: Questions about a 1966 Antenna ground plate

Mark - I have the same aftermarket/repro aluminum antenna plate as in Alans Pic

The pic. Alan posted is of my 65 L78 and it is an original plate, not a repro. I haven't examined the aftermarket version but I doubt there's much, if any, difference.