Re: Series 23 Antenna Ideas
Posted by HH56 On 2018/8/14 22:45:29
The options for 22-23 series models were the roof mount and two front fender mount antennas -- a manual lift and vacuum lift. The running board was gone by the time the postwar cars arrived but I suppose it would be possible to mount that style antenna on the body brackets in the wide space between the frame rail and lower body edge but it would not be correct for the car. Since the thick body covers that space more effectively than a running board I don't know if it would receive a decent signal. It would probably be possible to mount an ordinary inexpensive modern universal straight antenna sideways by making a mount for the base end to ground and support the antenna properly and an insulating mount or two for the rod end to keep it horizontal and stationary. That might be an inexpensive way to see if a proper running board antenna would work. The running board antennas are reproduced but are somewhat expensive. You could probably make one similar to the authentic item without too much difficulty. If you are concerned about how it looks compared to an original unit that might be the hard part
Good condition or rebuilt roof and vacuum antennas are hard to find but do come up from time to time on ebay and maybe at Tucson Packardhttp://www.tucsonpackard.com but as you said, they are expensive too. The Packard roof unit is kind of unique in length to get the knob inside the car so if you are thinking of that antenna don't be tempted with those listed for other brand cars. If you find another brand vacuum antenna those are less of an issue to make work although their valve and knob might not look the same as Packards. Finding an original valve can also be an issue but I believe a more modern power door lock valve from certain 70-90s cars with the vacuum lock system could be made to work.
It would be possible to mount a 51-54 electric antenna which are probably more easily found at a reasonably decent price but placing the switch in the same appropriate position as the vacuum valve would be in a 23rd series would require a mount and some fabrication. Later manual antennas also would fit and should be available off parts cars although I believe the chrome fender nut for all the later units is different than what was on the 22-23 series.
Attach file:
(53.38 KB)
Good condition or rebuilt roof and vacuum antennas are hard to find but do come up from time to time on ebay and maybe at Tucson Packardhttp://www.tucsonpackard.com but as you said, they are expensive too. The Packard roof unit is kind of unique in length to get the knob inside the car so if you are thinking of that antenna don't be tempted with those listed for other brand cars. If you find another brand vacuum antenna those are less of an issue to make work although their valve and knob might not look the same as Packards. Finding an original valve can also be an issue but I believe a more modern power door lock valve from certain 70-90s cars with the vacuum lock system could be made to work.
It would be possible to mount a 51-54 electric antenna which are probably more easily found at a reasonably decent price but placing the switch in the same appropriate position as the vacuum valve would be in a 23rd series would require a mount and some fabrication. Later manual antennas also would fit and should be available off parts cars although I believe the chrome fender nut for all the later units is different than what was on the 22-23 series.
Attach file:
(53.38 KB)
This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=205168