240Z Radio Aerial Questions

[Paul_S]

I have a few questions that I'm sure you can help me with.

What is the correct period radio aerial for a 1971 240Z?, are they still available? or what is the best equivalent?

Also, out of interest, is the aerial always mounted on the left hand side of the car or is it on the right hand side for RHD cars?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[jonbills]

I think left hand side for all (certainly my '74 260z is welded and filled on the left).
I also think I read on classiczcars.com that the correct one that has two power supplies (one for up, the other for down) is NLA, but I could be mis-remembering that.

 

[Paul_S]

Wow - I didn't realise that electric aerials were available back then!

I'm sure the wiring can be sorted one way or another, so I suppose I just need one that has the right dimensions...?

 

[jonbills]

Pics on this site of one claiming to be a working original.
http://www.grooshsgarage.com/1971-datsun-z-series-a-real-survivor-datsun-240z/

 

[SacCyclone]

Hi Paul,

Don't know about the left or right side mounting as I have only seen left side mounting for LHD cars in the states.

I have rebuilt several originals using parts from other originals. Sometimes the motors are rusted and shot, other times the plastic cable that run the mast is broken.

It is true that one hot wire runs the mast up and the other runs the mast down.

I have tried using aftermarket units but they are not wired for the factory switch.

I can probably locate one for you in the states but they are expensive in good working condition.

PM me if you can't locate one locally.

Mike

 

[Albrecht]

What is the correct period radio aerial for a 1971 240Z?, are they still available? or what is the best equivalent?

Also, out of interest, is the aerial always mounted on the left hand side of the car or is it on the right hand side for RHD cars?

Correct aerial/antenna for your car was made by a company called Harada. It has a distinctively shaped mast tip, and two 'hot' wire operation that is controlled by the OEM head unit AM/FM radio. If you don't use the OEM type head unit you'll have to wire in an independent UP/DOWN switch for it. Location of the aerial/antenna was always on the LH side of the car.

I have a couple of Harada antenna units that might suit your needs. Let me see if I can find them in the garages.

 

[Woody928]

Out of curiosity where is the factory OEM switch meant to be located? We have a working aerial and radio on ours with a little silver flick switch under the dash behind the steering wheel which operates the aerial.

No idea whether any of it is OEM fitment though?

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

I'migjt be wrong, one the earlier radios it was part of the radio, a switch for up/down on the front.

 

[jonbills]

I'migjt be wrong, one the earlier radios it was part of the radio, a switch for up/down on the front.

Yes I think that's right.
My '74 car has a 3 wire plug by the radio that plugged into the original radio. One has +12v on acc & ign, the other two turn up in the left rear corner to power the aerial up and down.

 

[red baron]

i have anew radio areial in box for sale

 

[Paul_S]

All very interesting stuff! Thanks for your replies everyone

I'll delve into the wiring and see what I can see. I don't have the correct radio (in fact, any radio just at the moment!) but I'm sure it's straight forward to get one wired in, even if I need to put a hidden switch somewhere.

I'll be sending some of you PMs

 

[Rob Gaskin]

All very interesting stuff! Thanks for your replies everyone

I'll delve into the wiring and see what I can see. I don't have the correct radio (in fact, any radio just at the moment!) but I'm sure it's straight forward to get one wired in, even if I need to put a hidden switch somewhere.

I'll be sending some of you PMs

You only need a radio so you can play music whilst you are working on it.

Once you start driving it the radio will be redundant.

I'm not joking.

 

[Paul_S]

You only need a radio so you can play music whilst you are working on it.

Once you start driving it the radio will be redundant.

I'm not joking.

Haha! Very true I'm sure

My plan was to start with the aerial to add a little chrome and to lose the rubber grommet then take it from there!

 

[Graeme - CZ]

Hi all - can anyone share a link to a UK available product? I don't need an electric one.

 

[Fairlineguy]

Fairly sure this aerial and the switch are original figment.
(removed from my 71 240z)