[Player]

I need to put a cover on my car but the antenna is in the way. How have you guys/girls dealt this this problem? I don't want any moisture seeping in.

My antenna seems to have two sections. The top section can manually extend. The bottom section has a screw near the base that I assume will release the mast, but it doesn't want to budge. Any success stories?

[rocky289]

You have a few choices.
Remove it when you put the cover on.
Get a fancy little hat sewn into the cover.
Get a flush mount antemna.

[Player]

Hey, Rocky289! You are always here to answer my many many questions. Thanks!

I was trying to remove the antenna, but I'm not having much luck there. Even if I remove it, there will still be a one or two inch stub sticking up.

Do those sewn in hats really keep the moisture out?

[rocky289]

Unless it's a genuine original mustang ariel, I would be replacing it with a flush mount one. Save a lot of trouble.

[Player]

I'm not familiar with the ariel antenna. I know my antenna is original, but as I understand it, most of them were put on by the dealership. So there's a lot of variation in antennas. What exactly is the ariel antenna and how do I identify it?

[rocky289]

Ariel/antenna same thing, different terminology.
Not hard to change.
Hardest part is changing the lead to the radio.
If it's going to be too difficult I normally cut the lead & join it to the new one.

[Player]

It is definitely the original antenna. From the dealership probably (don't think the manufacturer put the antennas on). With that being the case, you think I should leave it?

Not sure how to get the screw loose to remove the mast though. Probably end up stripping it.

[rocky289]

If the vehicle is stock standard original, it would be a shame to replace any parts with after market ones.
At the end of the day the choice is yours.

[Player]

Ok, thanks!

Do those sewn in hats really keep the moisture out?

[rocky289]

I guess if it is done correctly it will.

[Jay H 237]

If that is the original antennea and it's in good shape keep it! The repros are thinner and have a "rattle" to them although they look the same as an original.

I was lucky to find 2 NOS ones back in 2005 and put one on my car to replace the repro I had put on in 1998 when I bought the car (there was no antennea when I bought it, just the hole in the fender). The NOS, original one is definitely better.

The ones I have are round base but they switched over to a rectangular base in late 68 and later. The dealer did in fact install the antenneas (if the car had a radio) when the car reached the lot, the same as the hubcaps (if eqiupped). They were left off in transit to prevent damage and theft in case of the hubcaps.

[Player]

Jay H 237, Mine's a '69 with a rectangular base. How'd you get the mast off? Was it stuck like mine?

[MIL1ION]

Just install a grommet in the spot where the antenna will fit through.

You can also place a rubber sleeve on the base of the antenna that will fit the grommet hole perfectly sealing it from moisture.

[Jay H 237]

Originally Posted by Player

Jay H 237, Mine's a '69 with a rectangular base. How'd you get the mast off? Was it stuck like mine?

The mast on the round base one doesn't come off the base. I had to remove the splash shield from inside the wheel well and get to the nut on the backside of the fender to remove my antennea and to install the new one. The front wheel was taken off for more room.

I have no experience with the rectangular base antenneas so I don't know if the mast can be separated from the base.

I have a thin car cover I keep on mine in the garage to keep the dust off, I just cut a slit for the antennea, but you're keeping yours outside so I don't think that's what you want. You may want to put an aftermarket antennea on that can be unscrewed. Just save and store the original one for possible future use.

[Player]

Not a bad idea, thanks!