Car Antenna Cable

[TX63CONV]

Recently while replacing my 1960’s car stereo with a new version, I went to pull the antenna plug out of the back of the stereo and it separated. It appears this was a two part version with a metal shank compressed on the cable which then snaps or is compressed into the pointed tip (RCA style jack). The pointed tip base has split and it will no longer hold the antenna cable. I had plenty of cable so I cut this piece off in order to take somewhere. Upon inspecting the cable, I see a hollow plastic tube wrapped with copper braiding wrapped with plastic. I expected a center core wire like you would see with COAX.

I have done a google search and I think I need the Radioshack item below but not sure if the cable is still good. The original stereo had ok reception but it has not been used in probably two years.

http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=car antenna plug&origkw=car+antenna+plug&sr=1

I really DON’T want to replace the cable….

Thoughts?

 

[nehog]

The inner wire (yes there is an inner wire) is a very, very fine gauge. It is spiral wrapped with plastic thread to reduce capacitance, and the inner wire (center conductor) is not really attached to anything.

What's happened is that the inner conductor has slipped back into the cable a ways. OK, now that you know the wire should be there, I can offer no good advice to fishing it out! Perhaps carefully looking you may see it in there and if so a small wire (like a straightened paper clip) with some glue may allow you to grab it. I'm not sure. I do know they are a PITA to do.

 

[TX63CONV]

Great...maybe I should just get a new antenna cable....

I cut about a foot off so I am surprised that I didnt see it when I made the new cut. Could it have broken somewhere else along the line and fallen back into the plastic sleeve?

 

[magova1104]

Is the antenna built inside the windshield? Option 1: Find the inner conductor wire (core) its either solid or stranded, strip the outer copper shield (GND) and use a solder less or solder type new plug. Option 2: Find or buy an antenna plug with coax cable attached (could be an antenna adapter, like $5) cut the cable and splice it and solder it to the existing OEM cable. Option 3: Replace the whole antena (only in case that the cable its damaged or bad AM reception)

 

[Toolman12]

you might just want to replace the entire antenna fixing the signal core wire is going to reduce reception and may not solder in any case if it has green disease look at it carefully if it does it will not hold solder. you said you had a lot of cable if you can get an end and find the core wire that might work (never had to much success with solder less ones though) Do not coil up left over cable string under dash and dog bone it up. Coils will cause RF interference. maybe easier to replace the whole antenna or take it to a stereo shop and have them do it. A antenna is not very expensive about $15.00 to 25.00 and labor should about $ 30.00
hopes this helps

 

[magova1104]

There is an amplified antenna from Metra ($15-20), in case you have trouble with the original antenna or the cable, this one its a great option, you just stick it in top of the windshield, hook up an accessory/remote turn on wire, connect it to your radio and that's it. http://www.metraonline.com/part/Aftermarket_Antenna_44-UA200

 

[TX63CONV]

I found a car audio shop locally that has antenna cables, and yep they are about $15.

I cut an end off and found the single strand copper wire...I think I can get to it. What pulled out of the original connector has what looks like a transistor(?).

The problem with replacing is that the antenna cable runs from the front of the car to the antenna on the back. I can just barely get my hand on the cable at the antenna mast but not sure I can unscrew it. Bigger problem is that it runs under carpet that will definitely rip as I pull it up.

 

[Toolman12]

What knid of car are you working on?

 

[TX63CONV]

Its a 63 corvette. I dont believe the cable is original as the asym manual shows a thumb type screw on at the mast and this does not.

I may have figured a way to run the cable without pulling up the carpet and still keep it hidden.