INSTALLATION
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing a RetroAntenna® Power Antenna. This antenna features fully automatic
operation. This unique antenna allows you to mount the motor separately from the antenna, which
facilitates installation for vehicles with limited space. Please note that this antenna does not work with
antenna systems requiring a switch. Our antenna uses a standard end that is designed to fit most
applications. However, some factory radios made after 1988 use a unique connector and may need an
adapter. Contact a local car audio shop for the correct adapter for your application if one is required.
Installing the Antenna
1. Disconnect the battery before you begin the installation. Make sure the area for the antenna has
enough clearance to house the antenna. The PA02 and PA04 antennas require approximately 11 1/2
inches or 29 cm of clearance.
Note:
Six mounting bases are provided with the antenna: five of varying angles and one 0 degree base
preinstalled on the antenna
(see Figure 1)
.
2. If necessary remove the preinstalled 0 degree base and choose from the other five to suit your
needs. Select the proper base with the correct angle for your fender
(see Figure 1).
The five fixed angle
bases require a 7/8 inch or 22 mm hole. The 0 degree base requires a 1inch or 25 mm hole.
Note:
If no adequate hole exists, a 1/8 inch or 3 mm pilot hole must be drilled then enlarged with a hole
saw or drill bit to one of the sizes listed above depending on the base you will use.
3. Remove all burrs, paint or dirt from the underside of the hole.
4. Install the new antenna from the underside of the fender and assemble the base above the fender
(see Figure 2)
. Be sure the metal retainer cup is in place and the adjustable mounting base rests
evenly against the underside of the fender to alleviate any possible damage to the vehicle or antenna.
Align the mast vertically by slightly tightening the antenna mounting nut while adjusting the mast to be
vertical.
5. Secure the bottom of the motor assembly with the supplied metal strap. There are holes in the strap
designed to accommodate various mounting positions. It may be necessary to bend the strap to mount
the motor assembly.
6. Attach the black ground wire to the chassis. Be sure the ground wire is attached to a clean mounting
point for proper operation. If the ground wire is not grounded correctly, the antenna will not function.
7. With the bottom of the antenna motor assembly secured, the mast at the desired angle, and the
adjustable mounting base resting evenly on the underside of the fender, tighten the mounting nut firmly
to secure the antenna assembly. Do not overtighten the nut. Overtightening the nut may strip or break
the mounting threads or damage the contact spring causing improper antenna operation.
8. Attach the drain tube to the bottom of the motor assembly and route it to the outside of the car. Avoid
kinking or bending the drain tube
(see Figure 2)
.
9. Route the electrical wiring and coaxial cable into the dash area inside the vehicle interior to plug it
into your radio
(see Figure 3)
. A 5/8 inch or 16mm hole will be required to route the wire through the
inner fender. Avoid routing cables through the engine compartment, and near hot or high current parts.
Antenna cables may pick up interference from high current parts and wiring.
10.
Electrical Wiring:
For radios with a power antenna wire, connect the green wire from the antenna
to the power antenna wire from the radio (usually blue), then connect the coaxial cable from the antenna
to the radio (
see Figure 3)
.The red power wire from the antenna can be connected at the fuse block,
battery or any other co12 volt location. If your radio does not have a power antenna wire you
may need to connect the green wire to a switched 12-volt ignition source.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• For optimum operation and reception, you must periodically clean the mast with a damp cloth. Always
clean the mast while it is fully extended. Do not oil or grease the antenna or motor assembly. Doing
so will damage the motor.
• This power antenna is designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures, but under severe icing
conditions the antenna could fail to extend or retract. If this happens, turn the radio on and off three or
four times to help free the antenna mast. The antenna motor will not be damaged if the mast does not
extend. A special clutch protects the motor from any possible damage from a frozen mast.
• Always remember to retract the antenna when entering a car wash or low clearance areas.
