Power antenna vs straight mast - options?

Hi,

I'm new to the board and c3 corvettes. I recently purchased a 1973, 350, T-Top. I would like to to change out the straight mast antenna with a power antenna to accomadate my car cover. Any reccomendations? Some brands better than others? Is power the way to go, or should I stay with the straight mast and just take it on and off when doning the car cover? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,

Bret

I have a fixed antenna on both my '69 and '78 and am perfectly content that way..then again my cars are garaged so covers don't enter into it.

If you decide to install an electric antenna, there are several issues to decide. If you have an original radio it probably isn't wired to run the antenna up or down with the power switch, so you may have to either buy a new radio with that function built-in, or install a seperate up/down switch.

If you buy an original GM power antenna system, you will need to install a relay inside the console where the factory would.

No matter what type of power antenna you might buy, you should install a heat jacket around the power motor due to its closeness to the muffler.

My own feeling is, if you already have a power antenna, it's nice. If not, I don't see it as a big deal. Just keep a small wrench in the car to tighten or loosen the antenna as you need.

Gunslinger,

Thanks for the response. My 73 has the factory, non-power antenna with original stereo. Your points are well taken, I will stick with non-power.

Thanks again,

Bret

Most car covers come with directions to cut a hole for the fixed antenna and come with some type of grommet to finish the hole.

When I put my car cover on I just unscrew the mast from the base.
Roger