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MG MGB Technical - Tips for installation... radio antena

I need some tips on how to install the radio antenna on a 1979 mgb roadster. There is an old "ratty" looking one on there now. (located on the driver's side front fender). Looking under the car/under the hood, I can't see or get to where it passes through.... help?

It is not the type where I can just remove the top antenna and screw on a replacement, I need to replace from the mounting bracket (whole unit).

Any tips from someone who has done this? I put back in the original AM/FM radio (works great), but would like to install a new antenna. PO stuck in a Sears Radio Cassette... broke, but at least he had the old radio in the parts box he gave me (bless his heart).

Looking forward to your responses!
Don 1979 MGB



Don

Don

Normally, the top of the base, where the shaft comes out, unscrews and then the base comes off. then you push the antenna slightly into the fender to disingage the mechanish that holds it in the fender. Two metal brackets that swivel so that they are larger than the hole.

You can access it if you pull the inner fender cover off.

One tip. Tape a heavy string onto the antenna wire under the dash. That way when you pull the wire out, the string will follow. Just put the new wire on the string and pull it back under the dash.
Bruce Cunha

There is a cover plate at the rear of the fender well. probably invisble --- covered with dirt, undercoating, etc. This provides access to the (probably) rusted antenea base.

I use one with a spring-type upper part that is easily removable from the base portion. They appear to rust, so it's cheap enough to replace now and then.

Dan Robinson

The splash panel has rubber seal that rests agianst the inside of the wing (where it collects water ) and it bolts to a flange welded onto the corner of the inner wing. This carries captive bolts. If you look at a body parts diagram on a suppliers web site ( eg Brown and Gammons) this will become clear. Would you take a small bet that the bolts are rusted solid?
Stan Best

Bruce, Dan, and Stan, thanks for the replies!

The base part of the antenna is loose enough that it could be easily removed. I sure would hate to have to take off the "Splash Panel" just to change the antenna.... I'm sure the bolts to this panel would be hard to remove.

Bruce: if I tape a heavy string to the end of the current wire per your directions.... then would I be able to pull the new wire through the opening without messing around taking the splash panel off?? Please get back to me with your thoughts/ideas.

Keep on the sunny side.
Don 1979 MGB
Don

I had to remove the splash panel on my '80 to get at the antenna.
Ron

Ron, did you have to buy a new panel/rubber seal or were you able to reuse when you bolted it back together?

Were the bolts rusted pretty bad? MY 79MGB has been garaged for the last 18-19 years. Only driven in the rain "if" shower occurred while driving. Panel looks very solid, bolts do have a covering of undercoat on them.

Don 1979 MGB
Don

As far as the panels go it is a good idea to take them off every few years anyway. You should clean out the dirt and repaint if necessary. That way they do not collect moisture and rust out your fenders (wings).

I have taken them off of both my 1980 and 1970 B's. The bolts came out easilly but the cars spent alot of time in dry climates. The phillips head screws (one on each side) at the bottom were tough on the 1970. I had to cut the head off and drill out the screw. The inside was filled with 2 inches of dirt and sand. The inside of the wing was starting to rust but I found it before it got bad.
DWM

Hi Don

If you can release the antenna without taking off the panel, you should be able to put on a replacement antenna without taking the panel off. The string will make it so you can fish the antenna wire back under the dash.

As others have mentioned. It is not a big job to remove the splash panel and it is a good idea to do this every so often.
Bruce Cunha

"If you can release the antenna without taking off the panel, you should be able to put on a replacement antenna without taking the panel off"

Only if the two are physically the same. You may get the one out of the hole in the wing, but not the other one back in. All the ones I have seen have to be pushed up from under the panel, but I am aware that some can be fitted from above.
Paul Hunt 2

Thanks for the "TIPS"!!

I never thought about the importance of taking the splash panels off to remove dirt, etc. This might be on my list of To-Do's for this winter.

First, I will try feeding it through by using a line on the end of the cable so I can enjoy the rest of this years' driving season. If it doesn't work... I'll just do the project now instead of when I do the To-do list.

Thanks again,
Don
Don

Hi Don, I have a pretty clean car and still a couple of the splash pan bolts snapped off because of rust. So I now have to drill the broken bolts out. The seals are in decent shape, but I want to replace them. The car never sees dirt roads or rain, but I still want the panels to be sealed as well as possible.
Ron

Don, I have the same problem after my son decided to push the antena right down. I don't seem to have the panel though.

Has anyone fitted an alternative antena to the car? eg something hidden?
G Lewis

Are you guys referring to a panel that is bolted to the backside of the front fender well that can be removed? Is it held in with 3 hex head bolts and has a round rubber seal at the seam opposite the bolts? Is this the cover that can be removed? I have a 79 RB.

PAUL
PRC

PRC - it's behind each front wheel, and more than 3 bolts on both my cars, but basically yes.

G Lewis - are you saying you don't have a panel at all i.e. can see all the way behind the wing, or it ios panelled across but you can't see ant bolts? If the latter are you sure the bolts aren't covered over with gobbets of underseal? Is there a rubber strip seal between the wing and the body panel joining it at right-angles?
Paul Hunt 2

Paul H. my 79 only has 3 hex bolts (from what I can see) inside the fenderwell. I just want to be sure I take off the correct panel and not removing bolts for the fender mount. Thanks

paul c.
PRC

Its part 34 in this drawing
http://bg.mgcars.org.uk/index1.html?o=116058217924571
Stan Best

Thats irritating, it doesnt take you to the right place, get on the site, search on splash panel then click the context sensitive link
Stan Best

Splash panel is item 1 at http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29038

HTH

Larry
Larry Hallanger

Since you're in no hurry, spray some WD40 (or penetrating oil if you've got some) on the nuts a few days ahead of time. I often do this and it usually makes the job easy
Peter

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2006 and 13/10/2006

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