Cowl vs Windshield Antenna

38convsedan

38convsedan

Senior Member
Debating correct windshield mount versus cowl mount for my 38.

I have the correct Dennis Carpenter open car windshield mount kit, but have read some horror stories regarding installation-especially trying to feed antenna wire through windshield cavity….

Step one calls for using a plastic plug with a pre drilled hole as a template to create a 1/8” pilot hole. Directions state to push template (plug with hole) in as far as it will go into header center bracket. If I do that, it will drop into the cavity behind. I did put some tape around it to make it snug— but I’ve lost some confidence in this kit…

My car will never be a 100 pointer—just very nice driver with a 49 8BA. The purist in me likes the thought of keeping it stock while the practical side of me likes the simple install of cowl mount….
 
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38convsedan said:
Debating correct windshield mount versus cowl mount for my 38.

I have the correct Dennis Carpenter open car windshield mount kit, but have read some horror stories regarding installation-especially trying to feed antenna wire through windshield cavity….

Step one calls for using a plastic plug with a pre drilled hole as a template to create a 1/8” pilot hole. Directions state to push template (plug with hole) in as far as it will go into header center bracket. If I do that, it will drop into the cavity behind. I did put some tape around it to make it snug— but I’ve lost some confidence in this kit…

My car will never be a 100 pointer—just very nice driver with a 49 8BA. The purist in me likes the thought of keeping it stock while the practical side of me likes the simple install of cowl mount….
Click to expand...


I've never installed a windshield antenna so I can't offer advice. But if you're looking for opinions, I vote for the purist stock. In the 30s, aviation was still new enough and developing fast enough to fascinate the public. So naturally it influenced auto styling. The split windshield with antenna above it are parts of the design that echo planes of the period. Most people have seen a cowl/fender antenna but a windshield one (notwithstanding the current in-glass version) is unusual. I understand the practical side but to me, a cowl antenna looks like what it is...an easy-to-install aftermarket hang-on.
 
Nothing but opinion, but nothing on AM anymore other than talk or 5 day old weather forecasts. No need to do antennas or radios, original would be cool but not many around here could afford purchase price. Personally, don't cut the original metal, it is what is was. Only once.
 
You must be working on a convertible or wagon.
I installed a correct antenna mounted above the windshield on my 40 wagon without drama. Due to the metal structure inside the top of the cowl where it goes across the top of the windshield opening, the location of the hole IS pretty critical. The antenna kit I installed didn't come with any plastic plug for a drill guide. I did however make my own due to fear of making a big problem. If your drill guide fits snug and is square with the outside sheet metal, it will be fine.
To me the correct antenna looks good, the ones that put holes in the cowl side I am not fond of. I have patched too many of those holes and I don't like how they look.
Good luck with however you proceed.
 
I agree with the opinions to use the above the windshield antenna. The cowl antennas just look cheap to me. The above the windshield units look art deco and fit the style of the car.

For example, the attached car just wouldn't look the same with a cowl antenna.
 

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Thanks for your opinions!
I’m going to use the windshield antenna.

Deuce Roadster (or anyone who has installed the windshield antenna), what size is the opening for the set screw in the chrome center header bracket? Mine is untapped—I need to tap to correct size to accept the brass retaining plug and set screw… I’m guessing about 5/16”??
Thanks!
 
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I would request that owners with windshield antennas report on how good they are. I put one in my 37 cabriolet and it is not very sensitive compared to the one on the cowl of my 39 sedan delivery. You need to turn it up for better reception and turn it down before entering your garage. The running board antenna is even worse. Their polarization is wrong and they are shielded from the direct signal.



Ford went to cowl after the war, one of their better ideas.
 
I have good reception with the antenna up, poor reception with the antenna down. That is a bit irrelevant since there isn't much I'm interested in listening to on the AM side in the San Antonio to Houston region. My preferred loud-and-angry 90s rock music isn't well represented on the AM dial.
 
As far as looks go, the windshield antenna is far better.
As far as functioning, the cowl antenna is far superior.
 
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