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 '56-'59 Dual Rear AntennaeJump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
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Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501   Location: So. Cal | I'm in the process of re-creating dual rear antennae setups for '56 Dodge/Plymouth, as well as for the '56-'59 Chrysler & DeSoto. The latter setup will also fit well on the '57-'59 Dodge, though they never received these fin-mounted antennae from the factory. They wouldn't work on the '57-'59 Plymouth due to the trim that they use at the top of the fin. These are made to fit up to the common power antennae that you can get on Ebay and other places. The only modification that is required is to shorten the aluminum spacer on the shaft, shown at the bottom of this picture. Instead of using a separate nut & plastic cover like the originals, these use a custom aluminum nut that is hard anodized (type III) in a black color that screws onto the top of the power antenna shaft. The bezel is machined from stainless steel and (hopefully) comes polished. If you would like it chromed, you can do that yourself. Because they are stainless, they will never pitt or corrode. They look identical to the originals and can be used with an original antenna setup. The only difference to the originals is the material and the underside, which isn't as thin as the original castings were. I'll have the custom nuts that work with the power antennae available within 2 months and the cost is $20 each. I don't have a date yet for the stainless bezels, but they should come 1-2 months after that. Let me know if you would like any of these. Thanks. (New Dual Rear Antennae.jpg) Attachments ----------------  New Dual Rear Antennae.jpg (55KB - 367 downloads) | ||
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| Lancer Mike |
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  Location: The Centennial State | |||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | |||
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| 22mafeja |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 750 Location: Finland | Nicely done Nathan! I am sure you are going to sell a lot of these. I did a version of these for my Firedome 58 a couple of years ago too, but then I hadn`t a model to copy so I accepted they wouldn`t be perfect. Yours seem to get very beautiful. I bought the china antennas first and made the bezel fit using the hardware that came with the antennas. (IMG_3572XX.JPG) Attachments ---------------- IMG_3572XX.JPG (247KB - 370 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | |||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | |||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | The Chrysler/DeSoto bezels are completed, but I'm having issues with the shipping. Very annoying, but I'll get through it and let people know when they finally get here. I also received the 1st article parts for the nuts at the top. Unfortunately, it looks like I have spec'd the wrong thread on them. They need a custom 12 x 1.0 mm thread. I'm not sure how that happened, but it might be that I couldn't spec it in the part so I left it at the wrong setting, and didn't remember to go back and change it. So I have revised my drawing and sent them the revision. Hopefully they haven't already made the rest of them. But overall, I'm really happy with the way they turned out. Once these are hard anodized in black color, they'll look just like the originals. Right now the tip of the antenna is flush with the nut, but that's just because I can't thread it all the way on. Once I have the proper threads on there, the tip should be fully extended above the nut. Edited by Powerflite 2025-05-20 1:08 PM (Power Dual Rear Antenna Nut.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Power Dual Rear Antenna Nut.jpg (65KB - 351 downloads) | ||
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| ToMopar |
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Expert Posts: 1265  Location: D-70199 Heslach | I'm also interested in your bezels. I don't care about the antenna, and especially its function. In my opinion, the antenna should stick out about 4 inches, otherwise people will bend it. (365782428_765698202230443_3677134733017244044_n-x.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 365782428_765698202230443_3677134733017244044_n-x.jpg (31KB - 323 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | With the power antenna, you can extend it as much as you like. You just have to time the activation to get it where you want it. Full extension is pretty long! I went ahead and re-tapped this one to give it a try. Re-tapping worked much better than expected because I had to drill the old threads out first, quite a ways. The really fine thread that I need requires a bigger hole. So the new threads looked and worked really well. Unfortunately, the threads on the power antenna itself are poorly defined and aren't cut deep enough so I had to run a die on it before I could thread my nut onto it. The shaft where the threads are located can turn, so I had to hold it solid while doing this. That was the most painful part of assembly. I also cut the aluminum tube spacer down to 3/4" to give it the right amount of length. Then I was able to thread my nut down and cinch it up tight to the quarter panel. Something I didn't like about this power antenna is that the brass sleeve inside it pushed upward out of the shaft when you fully extend the unit. Then when you go all the way down, it doesn't go back down in. Kind-of annoying. I'm not sure if I should cut that brass tube shorter to prevent that from happening or not. I presume that once you get enough corrosion down inside there, that the brass sleeve will no longer move around, but I'm not impressed with the way it is setup. (57 Rear Antenna Retracted.jpg) (57 Rear Antenna Partial Up.jpg) (57 Rear Antenna Fully Extended.jpg) (57 Rear Antenna Brass Sleeve.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 57 Rear Antenna Retracted.jpg (177KB - 323 downloads) 57 Rear Antenna Partial Up.jpg (213KB - 331 downloads) 57 Rear Antenna Fully Extended.jpg (246KB - 292 downloads) 57 Rear Antenna Brass Sleeve.jpg (113KB - 339 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | The mounting inside the quarter panel isn't too difficult. The metal tab that they provide is very flexible, so it makes it easy to adjust if you get it slightly off. I was able to mount it to the tail light bolt and used both lower mounts to attach to the antenna. I had to cut a small hole to clear the center tab, but it was pretty easy to do. I attached the ground wire directly to the antenna mount so I didn't have to change the mounting lug on it. I also made up a wiring diagram to apply power to it. The original power antenna switch was just a momentary toggle switch mounted to the lower dash, so that's what I plan to use on these. I still haven't received the anodized batch yet, but in the mean time, I painted the ones I have black to see how it would look. I think I mght prefer the paint to anodizing, but we'll see. (Power Antenna Mount.jpg) (Dual Rear Antenna Wiring.jpg) (Dual Rear Antenna Nut Black Paint.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Power Antenna Mount.jpg (188KB - 332 downloads) Dual Rear Antenna Wiring.jpg (52KB - 312 downloads) Dual Rear Antenna Nut Black Paint.jpg (147KB - 330 downloads) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 11122 Location: Lower Mainland BC | Powerflite - 2025-05-30 9:39 AM The mounting inside the quarter panel isn't too difficult. The metal tab that they provide is very flexible, so it makes it easy to adjust if you get it slightly off. I was able to mount it to the tail light bolt and used both lower mounts to attach to the antenna. I had to cut a small hole to clear the center tab, but it was pretty easy to do. I attached the ground wire directly to the antenna mount so I didn't have to change the mounting lug on it. I also made up a wiring diagram to apply power to it. The original power antenna switch was just a momentary toggle switch mounted to the lower dash, so that's what I plan to use on these. I still haven't received the anodized batch yet, but in the mean time, I painted the ones I have black to see how it would look. I think I might prefer the paint to anodizing, but we'll see. Two (three?) questions: 1. It the aerial this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Audiotek-Waterproof-Universal-Automatic-Stainl... 2. Does the aerial stop on its own when powered UP or DOWN? or is it full manual 3. Do your bezels fit on a 56 Dodge?  | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | 1. Yes, that looks like a very similar one. But you never know with Chinese made parts. They could be slightly different. The only thing that could throw you for a loop is the thread at the end of the mast. But I now have two versions, 12 x 1.25 and 12 x 1.0. Hopefully they are consistent. The one I purchased, I got off Ebay, like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/395244088137 2. It does stop of course, you'll hear the motor change sound when it's finished. It doesn't seem to hurt it by continuing to hold it on after finishing, but I'm sure there will be some point that it would fail if you do it a lot. The way I am planning to wire it, it would be full manual, and I don't plan to fully extend it anyway because of how long it is. You could put a limit switch on it by using a timing method - or maybe by monitoring a change in current draw, but the antenna doesn't come with a built-in switch. Since I won't be moving it very often, full manual should be fine for my needs. 3. Yes, the '56 Plymouth and Dodge use the same bezels. However, I haven't been able to get those manufactured yet. For some reason, they want a lot more $$ to make them, so I will likely make them in lesser quantity and charge more for them. I do have a couple of sets for my cars though. The '56 Dodge/Plymouth antennae sit at a steeper angle than the Chrysler/DeSoto version. Maybe that's why they are complaining about making them. (56 Plymouth-Dodge Dual Rear Antenna.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 56 Plymouth-Dodge Dual Rear Antenna.jpg (172KB - 345 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | I received the switches for the antennae. These are momentary in both directions so you can lower or raise the antennae and just release it to stop. They must have dual circuits because of how these power antennae need to be wired - the green & red lines need to be connected together to go up, and separated in the downward direction. I had a 300D with an original power antenna that was still installed in the front fender, but looking at the dash for it, I see 2 additional holes on the far left side. I'm not sure which one had the antenna switch now. The '57 New Yorker I parted out also had a switch for a power antenna (I think), but I don't know if it was original or not. That dash has the hole closer to the radio, which is where I would have expected it. Looking online, I see that they are all over the place. Does anyone know where the proper location for it should be? (Dual Rear Antennae Momentary Switches.jpg) (300D Dash Holes.jpg) (57 New Yorker Dash Hole.jpg) (1958-chrysler-300D Dash.jpg) (Blue 300D Power Antenna Switch-s.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Dual Rear Antennae Momentary Switches.jpg (189KB - 329 downloads) 300D Dash Holes.jpg (128KB - 298 downloads) 57 New Yorker Dash Hole.jpg (135KB - 298 downloads) 1958-chrysler-300D Dash.jpg (156KB - 336 downloads) Blue 300D Power Antenna Switch-s.jpg (97KB - 304 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | The black anodizing has been finished. I really like how these came out. Much better than I expected them to be. A very deep & glossy black color to them that looks perfect. Let me know if anyone would like some. I am asking $20 each and $10 for the switch. I'm going to use about 50 of them myself, once I get the bezels in.  (Antenna Nuts - Black Anodized.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Antenna Nuts - Black Anodized.jpg (61KB - 359 downloads) | ||
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| 22mafeja |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 750 Location: Finland | |||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | |||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | I looked under the dash in my '58 Fireflite. There are three empty holes under there, to the left of the steering column. Nothing like this is present on the Chrysler because they mount the main switches under there and those cover the entire dash under there. I assume that the hole next to the steering column is used for the top switch on a convertible or a rear window switch on a wagon. Does anyone know which hole they used for the power antenna? I looked in the manual and they don't mention it. I also looked in the '58 Chrysler manual and found that described a location more like what is present on the DeSoto, but on the right side. When I looked under there on the right, I did find a possible switch location, by the heater controller, but that location with the divot is used for an internal mount. It seems that the location was next to it just like where the non-original switch is located on my Parade Green New Yorker and another on my copper '57 New Yorker. I checked this location on my 300D, which for sure did come with a power antenna, and it has a wallowed out hole in that location. So at least it's very possible it could have been located there originally. The '57 Chrysler manual doesn't mention the power antenna. So why are these switches located in random places all over the dash? My guess is that in 1957, the Chrysler switch location was more random because it wasn't a common accessory. Either that or else, most of these were added at the dealer, or many years later, and they had no idea where they belonged. But it seems they finalized it by 1958 with the statement in the manual. But I am going to assume that the lower location next to the heater controller is the proper place for it on a Chrysler unless someone can offer better evidence for it anywhere else. Edited by Powerflite 2025-06-21 4:38 PM (58Fireflite Empty Holes Under Dash.jpg) (58Chrysler Manual Power Antenna.jpg) (Parade Green 57NY Under Dash.jpg) (58-300D Lower Right Dash.jpg) (57NY Copper Lower Right Dash.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 58Fireflite Empty Holes Under Dash.jpg (134KB - 316 downloads) 58Chrysler Manual Power Antenna.jpg (140KB - 308 downloads) Parade Green 57NY Under Dash.jpg (119KB - 312 downloads) 58-300D Lower Right Dash.jpg (124KB - 305 downloads) 57NY Copper Lower Right Dash.jpg (123KB - 297 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | The '56-'59 DeSoto/Chrysler reproduction bezels have finally arrived after a major shipping nightmare. They are machined from stainless and are electropolished to make them shine. The shine isn't as good as needed to pass for chrome plating. They require actual polishing to create more depth to the polish. But it wouldn't take much to make that happen. I will be setting up a polisher in the coming weeks, so let me know if you would like me to polish them or not. Alternatively, you could get them plated if you like. These won't pit or corrode being machined from stainless. I am asking $50 each for them. Let me know if you would like any. I prefer a direct email that is located in my profile. The bezels for '56 Dodge/Plymouth are about 1.5 months away. They will cost more due to major increase in manufacturing cost. I expect around $80 each for those. (56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels 2.jpg) (56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels Close.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels 2.jpg (189KB - 342 downloads) 56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels Close.jpg (149KB - 296 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | I checked out the single antenna on the front of my '58 Firedome and found that it has this rubberish boot at the top of it. I assume that the rear antennas also had this. Is that correct? Should I make another part that mimics this, and screws into the top of my black antenna nut? I am seriously considering it. Does anyone have a good picture of an original power antenna for these cars? Edited by Powerflite 2025-07-14 3:50 PM (Fender Antenna Rubber.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Fender Antenna Rubber.jpg (139KB - 327 downloads) | ||
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| sermey |
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Expert Posts: 1238 Location: SWITZERLAND | Your reproduction bezel looks nice Nathan (01). In plain stainless steel it will last over 100 years! By optimizing the dimensions to fit exactly the body, as shown (02), there will be no visible gap. Futhermore no rubber is needed. The job and the costs remaining the same. - SERGE - Edited by sermey 2025-07-15 3:26 PM (01 56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels 2.jpg) (02 56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels 2 Fitted.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 01 56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels 2.jpg (189KB - 296 downloads) 02 56-59 DeS-Chry Dual Rear Antenna Bezels 2 Fitted.jpg (209KB - 280 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | Yes, it's possible to do that. It's surprising how much the fit varies with the different panels. I just copied the originals, and these fit similar to them. But you can modify these to fit your particular panel to high perfection if you wish. It wouldn't be difficult with a little grinder and a careful hand. I was surprised to find out that these fit very well on the '57-'59 Dodge fins. What do you think of using these on a Dodge? (58 Dodge w-Chrysler Antennae.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 58 Dodge w-Chrysler Antennae.jpg (198KB - 295 downloads) | ||
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| sermey |
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Expert Posts: 1238 Location: SWITZERLAND | |||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | I decided to make the top part of the dual rear antenna mount that will mate up with my black hard anodized adapter. This will also be hard anodized black and will screw into the top of the adapter to complete the look and to also provide a stop for the power antenna to stop against. I should have them available in a couple of weeks. (Dual Rear Antenna Top.jpg) (56 Antenna Assembly.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Dual Rear Antenna Top.jpg (26KB - 103 downloads) 56 Antenna Assembly.jpg (24KB - 127 downloads) | ||
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| sermey |
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Expert Posts: 1238 Location: SWITZERLAND | This part looks nice and high precision! But I feel, the shown antennna is too straight, more slanted looks more "sporty". Check on leaflets how is original. The reference is not the body, but the ground. Or set inline with the rear end. To check take a picture from distance of the car. The dual antenna masts should be parallel viewed from any side. - SERGE - Edited by sermey 2025-12-22 11:09 AM | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | |||
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| 22mafeja |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 750 Location: Finland | |||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | The top pieces came in yesterday. They work really well with a close tolerance to the largest part of the mast, and provide a solid stop for the antenna to stop against. I am going to include these with every purchase. For those that I have already sold to, you will get them free and I will be contacting you. I have to add 0.15" to the spacer at the bottom now to account for this extra depth. (Antenna Stop.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Antenna Stop.jpg (137KB - 68 downloads) | ||
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| Powerflite |
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Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 10501 Location: So. Cal | For those interested, these use power antenna that you can purchase from Ebay and other places. But not all of them will work. You have to purchase antennae that have a long aluminum spacer between the antenna wire connection and the nut. You will need to shorten that spacer to get this bezel & nut to fit on there. There are versions that are shorter in this region and they don't have the same thread and also won't work because of how short they are. Hopefully this will be clear for people to know what will work and what won't work. The threads on the end of the shaft should be M12x 1.0 mm. All of the power antennae with the long aluminum spacer that I have purchased have had this same thread. Edited by Powerflite 2025-12-30 5:18 PM (Dual Rear Power Antennae Varieties.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Dual Rear Power Antennae Varieties.jpg (127KB - 116 downloads) | ||
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