Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hello,
I have located and NOS under running board antenna but it has no installation instructions. I was hoping someone has the installation instructions or could give me the low down on how and where to install this on my 1937 115c touring sedan . I would be most humble and thankful for your help with this .
Thanks for your help
Al Case

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Al, that appears to me to be just the antenna lead-in wiring, not the antenna itself. Others here with direct experience with this equipment may have a different view than I.

Are the two brokers in Dublin and Livermore still in business? Loved to visit their showrooms from time to time to look at the offerings. Bought a 1969 El Camino from the one in Dublin. Nice car, but I was never able to bond with it and sold it after about a year. Wish I had it now.

(o{}o)

I don't have prewar Packards, but I have seen information about the antenna somewhere. Maybe in the service coucelors found on this site?

The under-running board antenna kit is available as a reproduction and comes with installation instructions. Beyond that I don't think I've ever seen an actual Packard document detailing the installation.

Some pix for Al. Also on the Duchess Project.

Yesterdays Radio sells the kits. Pages from their catalog below.

Joe

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I can't help but wonder how effective those under running board antennas were. When you think they are low and fairly well shielded by metal it would seem only the strongest stations might be picked up. Almost makes the chicken wire seem like a top notch setup.

I can't help but wonder how effective those under running board antennas were.

My friend had them on his 36 120 convertible coupe, they were remarkably effective.

Also back in the day you had stations like WLW that close by residents could pick up on their mattress :)

FWIW. From the 1939 accessory brochure:
"A RUNNING BOARD ANTENNA fastens under each running board, provides an antenna that is out of sight. However it is not as efficient as the cowl antenna."

Thanks for the info. That is kind of what I was thinking. It just seemed with the lengths Packard went to on the regular types to make them extend that something under the car wouldn't fare as well. Even the rotary roof antennas, while already positioned high, would still extend a fair amount.

They went to extremes during the 50s. The fender antennas would go up 4-5' and the V8 rear antennas took it to the limit. Extend those all the way and tie a cloth between the two would make a sail. If you had a tailwind it would probably boost the mpg 25%.