Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

[James S.]

I did a quick check of the Archives and did not find an answer to the question: Is there a difference between the 67 radio antenna and some 68 radio antennas?

Mike Murray (in the Archives) gave the following detailed description of a 67 antenna:
....................... Briefly, the original cone is smaller in diameter and the wall is thinner at the top and wider diameter at the bottom. The lock nut is separate. Threads are diferent orientation, shape and position. The bottom end has a recessed ring with unique orientation and end. The mast is evenly tapered from end-to-end with a smoother, darker finish. Other than that the repops still are not very close. H. a. N. D.

I have an antenna which meets the above description except that the length is 1/8 inch longer than a 67 and has the lock nut integrated into the cone at the bottom - nut is not separate.

The antenna has the correct size ball, correct taper of the mast and cone and the correct threads with the circle at the end. I am comparing it to one of my 67 originals.

The antenna does not appear to be a repro and I am wondering it it could be original to a 68 Corvette. Any thoughts appreciated.

[Mike M.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

Hi James
The quote you listed was in comparison to a repop.
Original masts should measure 31" from the bottom of the locknut when tight to the cone, to the outer tip of the ball.
We all know the General's penchant for perfection in those days, could they have varied by 1/8", very possibly.
As you know we evaluate the five points when judging, if it looks good, we give the owner the benefit and typically won't measure the length.
'68's had a slightly smaller ball. I have however, seen these removed and replaced with the '67 size ball.
See you in Chattanooga?
H.a.G.D.

[Mike M.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

Hi James
I seem to remember that there may have been some length variance within the four or five originals that mysteriously ended up in my stash after I sold the cars.
When the storage people clear the snow drifts, or they melt, I will double check for you and post the results.
H. a. N. D.

[Jack H.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

If memory serves, the same GM PN is called out for the '67 and '68 antenna mast and the part WAS used on other Chevy passenger cars from the era.

I've stood 5-6 next to each other and there IS a modest, unit-to-unit difference in mast length. I'd say that relates to the GM purchased part drawing and its allowable tolerance on mast length. A 1/8" difference is probably within the original tolerance range....

[James S.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

Mike and Jack, thanks for the insight on the length of 67/68 radio antennas.

The other concern I had about the antenna, I came across, was the integrated nut and cone on the threaded end. A restorer I have worked with for years indicated to me today that the antennas with the integrated nut are for '68 Corvettes.

When I asked if there was a transition date in 68 from the separate special antenna nut to the integrated nut, he did not know. If this antenna was used on other Chevrolet nameplates was something he was not aware of either.

Perhaps you can enlighten me on either of the above questions.

[Mike M.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

Good Morning, James.
Not sure about your '68 integrated nut or dating question.
However, all original '67's that I have seen have separate locknuts.
Have a great day.

[Mike M.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

On second thought, the only masts I have seen with the integrated nut on '67's were obvious service replacements.
H. a. N. D.

[James S.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

Thanks Mike.

I have a PM to an owner of two '68's one of which is a Bowtie car. Hopefully, I will get an informative reply which I will share.

I mentioned in a PM to another Tech Board Member that I was told by a restorer, who I have worked with for many years and who has restored 100's of Corvettes, that the antenna, which I have shown to him, is a '68.

If this is a service replacement, it is the very best I have ever seen - it is dead-on except for the integrated nut. I would defy anyone from telling it from what we think of as typical "67 when the antenna is installed.

[Paul B.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

Thanks Mike.

I have a PM to an owner of two '68's one of which is a Bowtie car. Hopefully, I will get an informative reply which I will share.

Jim, my one "driver, Not Correctly Restored Stingray" '68 Corvette and Bowtie '68 Corvette both have the "integrated nut" that is probably 7/16" in size, a black plastic ferrule piece that is about a 1/2" in length that is between the intergated nut and the same base six sided rounded top nut found on both cars. I do not know what an original '67 antenna looks like, so I can only describe what I have on my two '68s. The Bowtie car, however, as mentioned does have that thin wall cone vs the thicker wall cone of the replacement antenna on the other '68.

[James S.]

Re: Radio antenna - 67 verses 68

Paul, thanks for the input confirming that what I have is a '68 Corvette radio antenna.

The information is enlightening and useful.