So I need advice in a few areas so I will list them.
The radio doesn’t work, it doesn’t get any reception.You can here the static sound but no actual audio. I am thinking about modernizing the sound system but
I want to maintain the original aspects of the car, especially for resale purposes next year.
I will decide after your suggestions.
Based on the decision I am contemplating filling the vacant hole left by the removal of the antenna.
How is this done? I don’t weld and have never done anybody work. I am however patient and a quick learner.
Thx for your patience, things are moving along with my 68 due to the great advice and assistance of fellow Cougarites
If you are going to modernize the sound system, you are going to need an antenna of some type so why not use the the hole you already have and use a power or hidden antenna.
Unless you are planning to fill the antennae hole through welding and bodywork, then painting the area, or the entire car, I would just leave the antennae (regular stock style, or flush mount) in the hole. There are hidden antennas available for sale if you decide to go that way.
As far as modernizing the radio, but keeping the original exterior there are a few companies around the continent that specialize in doing just that. The mod usually can get you modernized innards with better AM/FM (or the addition of FM on an original AM only radio), plus the ability to plug in an external music source (iPod, cell phone, sat radio, etc.).
Depending on where you are in Canada, there may be a place that can do it near you. There is a guy near Vancouver that does the modification.
I recently pulled mine out as I had to remove the fenders. I don’t even know if it works.
I have to imagine that there would be a new pet antenna that would work and maybe require a slight mod on installing it. What do all the Mustang guys use?
How can I text my old one and is there someone out there that rebuilds or refurbished them?
Thanks,
I think somebody (Don or Royce or both) had a discussion about this recently regarding an XR7-G that was for sale. I think they said the power antenna was a dealer installed option for 68 and was mounted in the trunk if so equipped.
Hello Bill. I have a 68 antenna that I replaced thinking it was the cause of some bad reception. That wasn’t the case so I still have a good antenna that I’d be willing to send you for the shipping cost. Let me know if you’re interested and it will help me clear my garage. ;>)
Also FYI, I kept the original AM radio but upgraded the inner workings to include FM and an MP3 player. The AM/FM has worked well but the MP3 has spotty performance although it may be due to the conversion of the music files to a different format.
There was information from several very knowledgable people there about the power antenna and rear-mounting. I think that my memory of the conversation above was lacking detail and over broad. Here’s the link to the thread:
Again, power antennas are not documented as being dealer or factory optional on any Cougar. The only known documented XR7-G rear antenna installation is NOT a power antenna.
I take it that there is a dealer invoice for a rear mounted antenna with the charge for the extension coax cable?
The power antenna was definitely a factory option on the full size Mercury Monterrey, Marquis, Montclair, Park Lane and Brougham. Dealers did install these antennas on lots of other models. Having been in the retail car audio business from about 1973 to 1989 I saw plenty of them. But I guess that there are no original dealer invoices that show the antenna? I guess this is not too surprising as so few dealer invoices have survived.
The 1968 Mercury full line brochure has the listing for option availability. (The brochure that says Thirty-Three models with the fine car touch …by the makers of the Lincoln Continental)
Dual rear speakers were also not available on the Cougar, and I have seen many of those. I do not recall seeing the power antenna in the '68 accessory catalog, but I can’t locate my copy right now.
In the case of the G that I used to own the front fenders appeared to be the originals and the antenna hole was never cut. The power antenna was trunk mounted on the left hand side exactly as would have been expected. I did not get the original purchase invoice so I cannot say when the antenna was installed but the radio would not have functioned at all with no antenna so it seems unlikely that they would have not installed something at the time of purchase. Still, unlikely doesn’t equal documented.
Yes indeed, there is, along with a tremendous amount of other correspondence between the dealer, the original owner, AO Smith, and Shelby. The owner kept receipts for every event in the car’s life, from the time he filled out the order sheet until the day he sold it.
Hey ya’ll great discussion! PacificaXR7GT (are you in Cali? I lived in Pacifica during High School) thanks for the thread link. Looks like my 68 XR7 is standard antenna from this discussion. I have a passenger front fender cut out. Trying to maintain original look, don’t want to mislead or be incorrect. thanks!
on subject of the original post Im interested in some cleaner options for the huge stocker. I would imagine there has to be a nice clean aftermarket option for the mustang guys?
I have a 68 XR7 I am returning and had to take out the factory power antenna on mine to get the right fender off. I do not know if it even works but know I want to put one back in that does when I get to that point. It was not mounted in the trunk. I can show photos of someone needs to see it.
I am curious as to why you believe that it is a factory power antenna? Does it have any Ford markings or part numbers on it? Is that option listed on a Marti report? Or any other official Ford paperwork? I am not saying that it is not factory but if it is then it will be the first one that I have seen, once you post your photos.
