[BN]

Have a 70 AM/FM Stereo that was refurbed a few years ago by a forum member. Finally got car put together and reception is terrible. Windshield with antenna in glass is new, extension that goes from cowl to radio is new also. Is there some way I can try some temporary antenna to make sure that's the problem w/o removing the radio? Car also has 8 Track and that sounds perfect. 70 GTO

[Stuart]

Those antennas built into the windshield were terrible for FM reception, my old '71 Catalina had one. I ended up putting a generic auto parts store fender mount antenna on the car.

For testing purposes, if you can reach the back side of the radio you should be able to temporarily plug in another antenna. Just hold it up out through the window, or even lay it on top of the dashboard to see if reception improves.

Also, the radio may have a trimmer screw on the back side that you can adjust to optimize reception.

[HWYSTR455]

My windshield antenna works great, pics up stations as far away as my GF's 2023 Toyota. But, I do have an aftermarket stereo....

I think the trim pots on the backs of early OE radios was for AM, but could be mistaken.



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[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

I think the trim pots on the backs of early OE radios was for AM, but could be mistaken..

Your thinker is right.

[tstroud]

I also have a windshield antenna and an aftermarket radio. I’m in a fringe area and It works great.
I think the new radios have much better radio sensitivity than the old ones.


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[Formulabruce]

The windshield plugs into adapter on the cowl, then the inside has its own short antenna cord to the radio, IS the window to cowl part attached?

[BN]

Yes window to cowl is new and attached at both ends.


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[Trevor78]

Have you tried unplugging the cable and using a cheap replacement aerial for testing reception?

[BN]

Originally Posted by Trevor78

Have you tried unplugging the cable and using a cheap replacement aerial for testing reception?

That’s the next move.


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[HWYSTR455]

I think the radio side of cable actually has the cowl plug built into it, and the windshield wire plugs into it, but guess it depends on the car.

It's possible to get a bad out-of-box one of those, just to say. I had one in a plain white box, can't remember where I got it, but it was a DOA.

Radio ground is important too, depending on car, it's radio to dash steel core, steel core to body, it's possible that ground could be 'weak'.

Sadly, I'm still leaning towards the radio itself, sounds like you've tried everything else.



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[BN]

I think you’re right. Still have to get and try a cheapie antenna. Most likely gonna have to remove radio and send in. A/c car, so not sure how much trouble removal will be. Ton of stuff crammed in those dashes…


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[HWYSTR455]

It's not too bad, the lower duct section removed, there's an 'L' piece that goes up to the center vent that's a little tricky, but once you see it, you're good.

You might not have to even remove the center vent ducting, might be able to snake the radio out with it still there.

That stuff gets brittle over time, don't force anything.


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[tjs72lemans]

If your testing this in your garage, that may also be an issue with reception. You may need to get the radio outdoors.

[DavesGTO]

Jim repaired my radio and it works great. Highly recommend him . Forget what he goes by here. Saw this posted on a Buick forum.



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[BN]

Yeah, that’s who fixed mine also. Gonna call him tomorrow.


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[BN]

To update this. Talked to Jim and he said to try a coat hanger as a temp antenna. Did so, no luck-radio needs to go back….
Here’s what it took to remove.

* Removed glove box.
* Removed radio knobs, bezels and nuts.
* Removed side radio support bolt.
* Removed air conditioner lap duct piece
* had to remove 8 Track player so above piece would come out.
* Unplug wiring harness.
* Also removed ash tray and the support bracket, so I could get fingers in there to finagle radio.

All in all not too bad. AC cars are definitely a pain compared to non AC though.


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