Date:         Fri, 24 Dec 2004 15:41:18 -0500
Reply-To:     Scott Grillo <sgrillo@FLYTWA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Grillo <sgrillo@FLYTWA.NET>
Subject:      87 GL: Removing and Replacing Radio Antenna
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Not as bad as you think.  Remove the grille and the left headlight assembly
to get access.  Assuming that the existing antenna is trash anyway, cut the
wire at the old antenna, use it as a pull wire (tape them together firmly!!)
for the new one.  I've done the replacement on several different vans, it's
usually easier to pull the radio out (you have to) and also I find removing
the ashtray from the top of the dash helps to see everything.  If you have a
factory radio, you may have to unscrew a retaining screw from the back of
the rado as well.

The key is for the newer type antenna that recesses completely.  This helps
to prevent vandalism, but you need the key to hook the ball on top and pull
the antenna up.

Just my .02 cents
---
---------------------------------
---
---Date:    Sat, 18 Dec 2004 15:22:49 -0500
---From:    Detroit Bus <detroit.bus@GMAIL.COM>
---Subject: 87 GL: Removing and Replacing Radio Antenna
---
---I just received my new antenna and it comes with two little flat
---"keys" and no instructions whatsoever. It is a complete unit with a
---cord that plugs into the back of the radio. Is there a reasonably
---quick way to install this? An initial review of the situation (and
---research in Bentley) suggests that I have to remove the
---dashboard/instrument panel. There is also an alarming bit about
---"drilling out" some steering column bolts...furthermore, I can't even
---see where the antenna plugs into the radio (i think on the driver
---side?) All this just to replace the antenna? I know Vanagons are
---complicated in places, but ...??
---
---None of my manuals mention the antenna by name; it seems it doesn't
---exist. Can anyone point me to the right page in the Bentley manual?
---
---Help?  I'm off on a trip tomorrow and i'd like to have some reception.
---Can i do this in the next three hours?
---
---I've tried to search the archives but for some reason I can't load
---vanagon.com today.
---
-----
---Garrick, Queens, NY
---'87 GL Weekender

---