Installing the New VW Antenna
Well - it happened, and just in time for summer driving.
I found a new antenna for my Type 1 VW Beetle. This had to be one of the easiest things to install on the bug.
It was so easy, I almost felt guilty for waiting so long.
Every time I open the front hood, I cringe at the spaghetti-like mess of wires.
Yes, I have the plans to upgrade the electrical. While I was at the Mid America Motorworks Funfest this summer, I bought the 6 volt to 12 volt upgrade kit. I also have new wires and a new harness sitting on the shelf. That will be the project this winter.
Anyhow, back to the issue at hand - the new antenna.
Getting to the antenna bolt was the main issue - the air hose had to be disconnected in order to have easy access.
After that, it was as simple as unscrewing the nut, pulling off the old broken antenna. Pop the new antenna on the outside, and then screw the nut onto the new bolt. Easy stuff.
Now I can enjoy the full experience of driving to single speaker AM Radio bliss.
And yes, for you VW aficionados, that is an original 1964 AM radio. Not to brag, but how cool is that?
November 29th, 2007 at 2:08 am
i have a ‘69 automatic stickshift beetle i’m attemptimg to restore, a cheated and put it in the shop for the hard stuff. (but i do have the original radio dunno if it works, but only time will tell i guess.) anywho, i’ve heard alot of mean-spirited talk about the practicality of the auto-stick bugs. what’s your take on that? since i’ve only driven it barely and never on the freeway, i don’t have much knowledge of their performance, but what i’ve heard hasn’tbeen pretty… (feel free to e-mail me if you’d like) donjohnvalentino@aol.com
November 29th, 2007 at 10:54 am
John,
I’m not really a fan of the auto-stick bugs. I don’t know about mean-spirited talk. I just prefer the standard-shift cars.
December 1st, 2007 at 1:14 am
=] thank you.
March 5th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I’d like some advice. I have a radio-less ‘62 bug convertible. Where can I get a working original?
March 5th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Oh yes. I guess I’ll need an antenna, too! And, I’m not sure if there is a speaker.