47 Ford antenna

klawockvet

klawockvet

Senior Member
I am unable to find a replacement for a 47 Ford antenna that extends through the roof just behind the center divider. Even the cowl mount antenna wires are discontinued. I looked at a hidden antenna but they all seem to work on 12 volt only. Anybody have a solution for original 6 volt systems?
 
There's also a short cable that goes from the antenna under the dash and plugs into the radio. I ran into this when I had my 47. Don't know if that cable is available but it was not when I went through this same thing.
 
What am I missing here? How does a radio know if an antenna is 6v. or 12v.?
Heck, a coat hanger works. I don't recall seeing a specification of either 6v. or 12v. on any hanger.
I wired my brothers '31 Buick radio to the chicken wire within the roof. Works wonderfully. I don't recall seeing any spec on the chicken wire either.
 
Mike,
I think the "hidden" antenna spoke of uses a signal amplifie, which I believe needs power, hence the 6 or 12 volt mentioned.
Of course, if it don't need power, the voltage reference is nonsense.
Martin.
 
Correct, the "hidden" antenna does need to be connected to a 12V power source. It will not work with 6 volts and the last time I checked the company had no plans to offer a 6 volt unit. I have one in my '46 wagon with a 12 volt system and it works great.
 
woodiewagon46 said:
Correct, the "hidden" antenna does need to be connected to a 12V power source. It will not work with 6 volts and the last time I checked the company had no plans to offer a 6 volt unit. I have one in my '46 wagon with a 12 volt system and it works great.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys.
 
I'm still looking for a good cable. Surely someone must be making or repairing these. Carpenter did not have a cable. There are lots of kits out there for the antennas but none have the cable that connects the antenna to the radio.
 
You may have to go to a fender mount antenna.
A cable can be made up if you can salvage some ends from an old cable. Use RG59 coax for cable. It is not the right impedence but it will work. Been there etc etc.
 
I have a slide up antenna on my 47 Merc and I don't know where you would fit 6 or 12 volt power to it. It is just an antenna that slides and is like any other type and the only connection to it is where the antenna wire hooks on the bottom.
They don't seem to supply the cable anymore at the repo dealers and I don't know why. I would think any car radio shop would have the correct fittings.
 
A closed 47 should have cowl top mounted antenna while the convertibles had a cowl side mount antenna. However, the center mount antenna would fit. I have never heard of the need of an antenna amplifier offered by Ford for these cars. Where can I read about that?
 
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