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MG MGB Technical - MGB Aerial

Hello,

Please can someone tell me where the aerial is located on an mgb roadster (Mk 2 - 1971). Having never stripped down my vehicle, I have no idea where it should go or how it is mounted. A photo would also be useful.

Many thanks,

Alex
Alex Davies

Hi Alex,

The MGB wasn't fitted with a radio from factory so all fitments were either with the dealers, aftermarket fitters or DIY.

The most popular/common place for aerials on MGBs is on the front wing:




Mike

...an alternative location is on the rear wing, this was used as it placed the aerial furthest away from the engine which was often the source of radio interference, although this required a long aerial lead which in itself could be the cause for interference:


Mike

For reference, although obviously not an option on the Roadster, is fitting to the front of the roof on BGTs:


Mike

Finally, if you don't want to drill into your bodywork you can fit a modern electronic aerial (image is just an example) which can be secreted away beneath the dashboard. As well as the aerial lead these also require an earth connection and live feed:




Mike

If going for the front wing there is a box section underneath it. If you get too close to the inner edge of the wing you will be above that and you won't have enough room for a telescopic aerial (manual or electric) and will give yourself problems attaching a fixed aerial, see http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/bodytext.htm#aerial

The left-hand side would put the aerial further away from the ignition system and reduce the chances of interference, although that in the right-hand front wing of my V8 has never caused any problems as there is the screening effect of the inner wing between the two.

I thought that type of electronic aerial needed to be able to 'see' the signal just like any other aerial and so would normally be positioned at the top of the screen behind the mirror. Fine on a GT as you can run the wires behind the head lining and A-pillar trim, less so on a roadster.
PaulH Solihull

If you choose the rear wing ensure there is sufficient space below to allow the arial to retract. Obvious except to the "professional" who fitted mine! My (replacement!) came from Maplins FWIW
Michael Beswick

There is a 4-inch panel at the rear of the front wings, held in place as I recall by a single screw. Remove this panel and you have easy access to mount the antenna on the fender, as well as access to the cockpit to run the wire.

Probably this location has caught decades of mud and perhaps a bit of rust. But it exists especially for radio.
Dan Robinson

May be 4" wide at some point, but it is the full height of the wing and is secured by seven bolts.

Wouldn't be much point putting a radio in there though :o)
PaulH Solihull

Here is another location for a GT.

Don't think this will work for the roadster


Bruce Cunha

The front wing is the official location, there is a grommet in the inner wing to lead it through into the footwell. I then made a hole in the trim panel to line up.You remove the splash panel to get access inside the wing. I used to have the measurements but you will have to look at a car with a succesful fit, as Paul notes there are hidden obstructions. The radia earths via the antenna so I made the connection and then painted over it and waxoyl after that.


Stan Best

This thread was discussed between 19/06/2012 and 22/06/2012

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.