For AM radio, the longer the antenna, the better the reception (assuming the
trimmer has been adjusted per the instructions in the owner's manual). Some
of my older cars (unmentionable on this list) have extremely long antennae,
and astonishing sensitivity to far away stations, so long as I'm driving
away from any noise pollution (cities etc.).
For FM antenna length, there is a critical dimension, and that is 31 inches,
as is also stated in your owner's manual.
These lengths are determined by the wavelength of the transmitted signal.
Every electric power antenna of which I am aware will retract fully into the
fender when it is in good condition. Vacuum operated power antennae leave
about 4 inches sticking out of the fender when fully retracted, but I don't
think these are used on Chrysler products, at least not after 1952 or so.
Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: <ImperialMCMLXII@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2002 5:32 PM
Subject: Re: IML: '62 Crown Power Antenna Question
> Hi Bob, Max & gang,
>
> Every original '62 Imperial ad that I have shows the car with the antenna
in the retracted position. The position is identical in every ad, about 4"
of the mast remains above the fender. The appenage is still visible even
though it may not be in use (i.e. it's "relaxed" state) =8^)
>
> What truly astonishes me is the extended length of the antenna. I'm 6'1"
tall and when that '62 Imperial AM antenna is fully extended, I can barely
reach the tip of the antenna with my index finger, and only when I stand on
tip-toed. (that's about 9' above the ground!)
>
> I'm fearful that one of the sections would snap or the entire antenna
would at least bend severely if it were fully extended and run through the
air at 90 mph.
>
> Be especially careful if your flying old glory!
>
> Imperial Regards to all,
>
> Jay Mc Kee
> 1962 Crown Southampton 4-door (no "antenna-envy")
>
>
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