Looking for a radio antenna for my '74 Sovereign?

[texasbound]

Mine was gone when I got my trailer. Where can I purchase a direct replacement?
Mines mounted front drivers side with two screws.

Thanks

[overlander63]

I bought one at my local Napa to mount on the trailer. It moints on the side, near where the radio is in the credenza. I got one for a Japanese car, so it had two separate places to hold it to the side of the trailer.

[AWCHIEF]

Is this what you are looking for?

Airstream Radio Antenna

[DKB_SATX]

The antenna on my '75 Argosy has a base like this one, but uses a telescoping mast rather than the 102" whip described as fitting the base in the VTS entry. It's mounted on the street side just aft of the panorama window (my radio is a portable that's in the end-cap locker, that's where the antenna wire and speaker wires come in.) I *think* it has 3 screws to mount, though. My trailer is away in the shop waiting for me to pick it up this weekend, so I can't verify. You can see the antenna in this picture.



As far as I know it's original, the radio came to the PO with the trailer but was perhaps installed by the first owner rather than Airstream.

[Ganglin]

This should be direct bolt on for the one you had. It lined up perfectly on the 71 and others have used it on later models. I used the base on this one and the half of the ball that stays attached.
AN519 - JENSEN Rooftop/Side Mount Antenna

Then added the mast and it's half ball from this one to get a higher gain antenna with the AM coil on it.

Buy Metra Antenna CF-US23 at Advance Auto Parts

[texasbound]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

This should be direct bolt on for the one you had. It lined up perfectly on the 71 and others have used it on later models. I used the base on this one and the half of the ball that stays attached.
AN519 - JENSEN Rooftop/Side Mount Antenna

Then added the mast and it's half ball from this one to get a higher gain antenna with the AM coil on it.

Buy Metra Antenna CF-US23 at Advance Auto Parts

Thanks for these! One or two of the reviews says it doesn't work well side mounted.... the side mount works okay for you though? Hopefully it hits the holes in the same spot.

Thanks

[Ganglin]

I never used the antenna as it came with the one piece mast. I like AM late night so the mast was changed when it was installed. As it is now we have great reception. If yours has never been replaced you'll have to use a 3" hole saw on the interior skin opposite the antenna base to get to the bolts for removal. That's how Airstream does it in the service manual.

Mine had been done at one time so the hole is already there behind the drapes. You can salvage a piece of skin from somewhere like an access area under a bed or behind the sofa if leaving the open hole bothers you. We were lucky enough that Zep, another forum member, was kind enough to cut and ship me a spare section of skin he had. I still owe him a favor for that.

Good luck with your project....

[texasbound]

Late posting photos! Here is what I'm currently working with:













Which side mount replacement would work best?

Thanks! !

[ronsgto]

I have something similar and did not think this had any thing to do with the antena. This indicates if your turn signals and parking lights work. Maybe yours is different but anyway I would like to come up with something as well. There is a wire connected to the back of the radio but have not been able to determine where it goes yet. I was wondering if they ever used the TV antena to also give radio reception.

[texasbound]

ronsgto... I see... I was wondering why it had two wires!! Maybe our setup goes straight up to the TV antenna?

Anyone know??

[Ganglin]

A couple threads that may help you:
Radio Antenna install on a vintage Airstream

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f450...nna-88744.html

Apparently there was a period around 73 to 76 where the radio antenna was linked to the TV antenna. Looking at the Airstream photo archive the separate radio antenna seems to reappear in 77.

Vintage Airstream Photo Archives - Vintage Airstream

[texasbound]

Thanks Ganglin... so I think mine falls into the category... the antenna for tv/radio combo. Now what are my options THERE???? I'm frustrated with this little dilemma!

Thanks Everyone for the replies.

[Tom Nugler]

As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words".
The photos show the fiber optic taillight function indicator.
The two "wires" are the '70s era fiber optic tubes running into the taillight housings behind the stop/running light bulbs. If you remove the tail light lens you should see a rubber grommet with the collector end of the tubing.
Next time you're connected to the tow vehicle turn on the flashers and you'll be able to check if they're still working.
Inland RV has a replacement cover.
http://www.inlandrv.com/catalog/images/56808.jpg
FYI the antenna on the TW is mounted on the front streetside and is the factory 3 hole telescoping antenna described by Ganglin.

Tom.

[ronsgto]

Texasbound what did you ever do with your antena? I think we both have the T.V. antena combination but mine does not work well. I have the old radio mounted in the side cabinet so I was thinking of putting a external antena close to that just not sure what to get yet.

[texasbound]

Nothing as of yet! I'm thinking of going winegard/batwing ... But as far as I can tell that does not solve my radio antenna problem. Might be all podcasts via cellphone :P