82 Merc power antenna

[marquis_82_withneons]

i got my car with no radio and it was missing an antenna.. debating on putting a power one in for shits and giggles.

thought bout one from a 90s town car, but i need a square trim plate that goes around the antenna.

good, bad idea?

[79lincolnlover]

Sounds like a good idea. How's the 255 running? Most box owners have the 302 in their cars.

[marquis_82_withneons]

runs good.. solid. i drive conservative, so shes good to me. im getting round 18+ mpg. bought her with 134k she now has 148k.. so i gotta keep the oil changed every 2000-2500 cause she gets a slight tick in the engine. had the CFI on it. but prev owner swapped for a rebuilt bronco carb.. takes about 20 pumps on a cold day to get to stay running. no probs after shes warm though. no probs during summer either.

i was the rare lucky individual to get the worst engine Ford made. i was gonna rebuild it around 200k but did some diggin only to find that parts are hard to find and all but impossible to get any power output.

[79lincolnlover]

The 255 was also an option in the early 80's T-bird and Cougar.

[marquis_82_withneons]

im good with it.. i have no complaints.. its just when i go to rebuild im gonna have to swap the engine to make it easier.. buddy of mine has a 74 Torino motor im gonna pick up. its a fresh built 302.

[tjc78]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_12044UA20/Universal-Antenna.html

Reviews are mixed, but looks really easy to install and cheap.

[marquis_82_withneons]

thnks for the link there tjc. but i shoulda been clear there.. im looking for a power retractable antenna. one from the newer 90s luxury cars. one of my good friends has a Volvo with one and i like how it looks. so i wanna find one

[marquisman]

Get an antenna from a box marquis/vic. They are easy to install. They are also cleaner than the towncar ones, since the town car antenna stick up a bit. The marquis/vic one sinks in more, when down.

[tjc78]

thnks for the link there tjc. but i shoulda been clear there.. im looking for a power retractable antenna. one from the newer 90s luxury cars. one of my good friends has a Volvo with one and i like how it looks. so i wanna find one

This is a quick and dirty method. Power antennas are a pain in the ass, they jam and if you leave them up people just love to break them. I would either use a regular antenna or something like I posted easier and cheaper.

[marquis_82_withneons]

we have one on our 97 SHO.. and never had any probs.. put a drop of 3in1 oil on the mast 1 or 2 times a month and theyre fine.. the whole point of having it is so i can put it down too so it doesnt get broke off

[fmansfield444]

I would get one from a box vic or gm. I would think they'd be easier to install than a 90's TC since I would assume your car could've had one.

Mine in my 85 got stuck when I first got it, but I put some oil on it and its perfect now.

With a box one you can probably add the switch pretty easily too. Should be a direct swap if you get the trim and all that.

[marquis_82_withneons]

ooohhhhh ok... there was my problem.. i didnt know CVs and grands had power antenna in this gen.. now my only issue is finding the trim piece for the hole because ive found several antennas

boy.. sure does help when im on a forum with people who know what to looks for

[fmansfield444]

Should be able to get the whole thing, hole trim (antennae base), power antennae, inside switch, and lower dash trim piece to accommodate for the inside switch, from a junkyard. Shouldn't be too hard to get off.

Also if you don't have an antenna yet I would get the antenna wire all the way to the donor's radio unit. End looks like an old headphone plug.

[marquis_82_withneons]

theres nothing here in the midwest.. nothing in driving range.. thats why i was looking for a more common car like the TC..

[miamibob]

Sometimes I have seen some on EBAY for around $50-60. Maybe too much for you but if you can't fine one cheaper......