Frequently Asked Questions

Q: 67 and 68 Antenna Mast Angle

I would like to know what the angle of the antenna mast was to the deck on the rear-mounts for a ’67/68.

A: Straight out of my ’67 Firebird Service Manual suppliment:

…. antenna should lean inboard approximately 4 deg. when viewed from front or
rear and should stand vertically when viewed from the side”. This is stated
for both front and rear fender mounts. I would think that the ’68 would be
the same; anyone have anything different?

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Antenna Part Numbers for 1968

Does anyone know the correct part numbers for the 1968 bird rear mount antenna mast and the mount itself?? How about for the front mount antenna??

A:
MAST
Front and Rear 67-68 F 3934224

BEZEL
Frt Fender 67-68 F 3897333

BEZEL
Rr Qtr. 67-68 F 3903424

BODY
Frt and Rear 67-68 F 3880695

NUT- MOUNTING
Frt and Rr 67-68 F 3863499

RING- GROUND
Frt 67-68 F 3863239

RING- GROUND
Rear 67-68 F 3903406

LEAD IN
Frt 67-68 F 3897334

LEAD IN
Rear 67-68 F 3897311

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Antenna Parts from a Camaro?

Is the 1968 Bird AM front fender mounted Antenna the same as the 1968 Canaro front fender antenna???

A: The Antenna Body, Bezel and Nut are identical. As for the Mast, I would think it’s the same as well… difference would be minor if any.

A: If memory serves me right the mast is different,theres no “AM/FM” pontiac antenna, chevy there is, body is same, large nut is the same I think bezel is different.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Antenna Placement for 1968

Where does the 68 antenna go? I have seen front and back. How do I find out the correct placement for that?

A: …The Front Fender (RH) Antenna was the standard location on ’68 Firebirds Optional, was a Rear Quarter Mounted Antenna (RH). This will be noted on both the Body Broadcast Sheet (if you find it in your car) or on the Billing History. Parts are available (repro) for both applications. As far as antenna location… I use the Camaro assembly manual. It gives the exact dimension for the proper location (I assume Firebirds were located using the same).

A: To take you back to our original discussion, someone requested information on the factory location of the rear mounted antenna. Someone volunteered to measure some of his cars to determine the factory mounting location and send them to me. I, in turn, was to verify that his measurements and the factory drawing from a 68 Camaro assembly manual were the same. The confusing part was that the factory drawing listed the location at 114.25″ PV and 28.94″ PV with no description of what PV was. I suspected that the 114.25″ was from the firewall back and 28.94″ PV was from the centerline of the car.

I have confirmed that this is mostly true. The 28.94″ is indeed from the centerline if the car. The 114.25″ is from the front edge of the air box where the heater-A/C fan motor is located. This seam sticks out approximable one inch beyond the firewall. So if you want to use these measurements, use 113.25 from the firewall back.

He measured from the back of the car forward on three cars and got measurements of 14 1/2″, 15 1/4″, and 15 1/4″. He also noted that along with the 1.12″ diameter hole there is a small notch. This notch corresponds with the notch on the antenna base (called the bezel key) and I suppose it’s used to insure the correct rotation of the base.

The measurements for this notch is 0.14″ wide by 0.12″ long (approximately 1/8″ by 1/8th”) and rotated 75 degrees from horizontal (i.e., if standing behind the car while looking down at the hole it would be in approximately the 5 o-clock position.

He also noted that, although the hole and the notch were the same size in all cars, the notch was at a slightly different angle. This, along with the slightly different hole locations, gives reasons to believe that the factory used a hand punch and measureing tape to make the hole and not a machine.

The bottom line is this; if you mark the location for the hole approximable 15 1/4″ from the back and 27″ from the centerline of the car, drill a 1 1/8″ hole with an 1/8″ notch at 5 o-clock, you’ll do as good as the factory.

A: View the Camaro Assembly drawing for this which is the same application for the Firebird (Did not verify if the part numbers are the same for the Firebird):

A: I double checked my previous dimensions for locating the ’68 Firebird Rear Antenna Hole in the RH Rr. Qtr. Panel since some questions have come about differences seen with other originally equiped First Generation Firebirds:

1.125 dia hole
1.875 CL to Qtr. Edge at Trunk Gap
1.750 CL to Qtr. Character Line (outboard)
15.375 CL to Btm Edge of Qtr. Panel (at Trunk Edge Line)
(CL = Center Line)

As far as a “correct” measurement, there is no true correct answer. I’ve measured four Firebirds with rear antenna and no two were exactly the same. The process on the assembly line was not a true science but instead involved the placement of a template to roughly guide the location to stamp the hole for the rear antenna. It was a hastily done process like a lot of other processes on an assembly line during that era.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: ’68 Antenna Style

I have a question regarding the radio antenna of my 68 bird. The current antenna is the telescoping (manual) oval type with my radio AM/FM. I am looking to replace or have mine rechromed. I read in the year one catalog that the telescoping manual ant. only came with the AM only radio, and the AM/FM radio came with the whip antenna.

A: …I don’t believe that the factory used any ‘whip’ antenna on the ’68 Firebird (or other 60’s models for that matter). They were all telescoping until the 70’s. The biggest variations is in the Ball of Tip design. Some with one groove, some with two. Some with none. Some with round tips, some with oval. I would think you’re better off finding an NOS one since rechroming would be difficult and costly.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Move Antenna from front to back

Would it be easy to change the antenna to the back from the front? Mine is non-power and up front. I’ve seen a few birds with the antenna in the back. I think it looks sleeker in the back. Has anyone ever moved one from the front to the back and why were some up front vs.. in the back?

A: I’ve done the swap and intend to do it again on my current car. The mounting dimensions are on the website I believe under the tech section, so you should have no problems there. The only issue is that you have to weld in a patch on your front fender and paint it.

To my knowledge, the rear mount antenna was an option. The biggest issue is if you want an OEM unit, they are very difficult to find. I found a Camaro one, but is slightly different.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Power Antennas for 1969

My 1969 Firebird was originally equipped with a power antenna. When I bought the car a bent antenna with motor was unbolted and sitting in the trunk. I am not positive this assembly is the original one, but it correctly fits the mounting bracket and the wiring harness. The mast is chrome, four segments, and has a hex head which is rounded at the very top. A metal case fits over the lower 10.5″ of the mast and is attached to the motor assembly by three screws. The code ‘P – 6050’ is cast on this case, just below is the name ‘Empire’ in script, followed by ‘1 – T’. The motor case has ’11 – 22 8AAXA’ cast on it in a semi circle. Can anyone tell me about these codes, if they match codes on other Firebirds or codes in a reference book?

Two other points that someone can probably clear up: 1) I was told by a guy trying to sell me a new mast that there was a different power antenna for convertibles vs. coupes; and 2) if I reinstalled the antenna described above the mast would probably stick out of the rear fender 6+ inches when fully retracted, does this sound right?

A: The Optional Power Antenna for the 1969 Firebird was part number 9796289. The ‘Drive’ Assy itself was the same for the coupe or conv. The Mast was unique to the 1969 Firebird (pt. # 546557). Only the ’68-1969 Tempest had different Adaptors/Brackets for the Conv. No components were different on the 1969 Firebird conv. Empire was the Supplier for most Pontiac Power Antenna’s. ’11 – 22 8AAXA’ …this would be the Assy Build Date for the Antenna (Nov.22’68) The problem with the Mast would be…. since the only one being reproduced is the Mast common to the ‘A’ Bodies and Full Size Pontiacs (orig. # 541963) yu may find that fully retracted, your mast may stick out a little more than the original. The Firebird used a shorter mast than the Tempest, Grand Prix, Full-Size. With a little modification to the bottom part, you could duplicate your original.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Rear Mounted Antennas for ’68

I bought a used rear mount antenna that is supposed to be correct for my 68 bird. I haven’t had a correct one (ever). Perhaps one of you can verify whether or not the mast is correct (The base sure looks correct from pictures I’ve seen). My mast is a single solid piece that has a slight taper to it (thicker at the bottom). It also has a round ball on top and is 29 1/2 inches from the top of the ball to the point where the rod begins at the tip of the conical base. I’m told it is correct for a 68 AM/FM rear mount, but the AM (only) antenna is slightly different.

Recently, someone else told me that the correct rear mount antenna is multi-sectioned, collapsible and has an oval top. Which is correct?

A: Sounds like some Camaro guy told you this was a correct AM/FM antenna. Truth is Firebird didnt have a different antenna for FM or AM. Really hard to say what you do have and would send it back if possible. The correct antenna mast is a multisection (3) with oval shape. The correct tip is oval with a groove. Correct lenght is 19″ tip to tip collapsed and 47 1/4″ fully extended. There are several variations of factory and replacement antennas . But the aforementioned is era correct. NOS masts for 67-8 are hard to find and are model specific. This adds to the hard to find formula. The mounting end is a threaded stud that has an exposed nut to lock the antenna mast into the correct position with the oval facing front to rear. This windcheater design also cut down on wind noise. Repro bases and bezels are avaliable but I know of no correct repro masts. 69 is a different story with a power mast also avaliable.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: 67 and 68 Antenna Mast Angle

I would like to know what the angle of the antenna mast was to the deck on the rear-mounts for a ’67/68.

A: Straight out of my ’67 Firebird Service Manual suppliment:

…. antenna should lean inboard approximately 4 deg. when viewed from front or
rear and should stand vertically when viewed from the side”. This is stated
for both front and rear fender mounts. I would think that the ’68 would be
the same; anyone have anything different?

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Antenna Part Numbers for 1968

Does anyone know the correct part numbers for the 1968 bird rear mount antenna mast and the mount itself?? How about for the front mount antenna??

A:
MAST
Front and Rear 67-68 F 3934224

BEZEL
Frt Fender 67-68 F 3897333

BEZEL
Rr Qtr. 67-68 F 3903424

BODY
Frt and Rear 67-68 F 3880695

NUT- MOUNTING
Frt and Rr 67-68 F 3863499

RING- GROUND
Frt 67-68 F 3863239

RING- GROUND
Rear 67-68 F 3903406

LEAD IN
Frt 67-68 F 3897334

LEAD IN
Rear 67-68 F 3897311

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Antenna Parts from a Camaro?

Is the 1968 Bird AM front fender mounted Antenna the same as the 1968 Canaro front fender antenna???

A: The Antenna Body, Bezel and Nut are identical. As for the Mast, I would think it’s the same as well… difference would be minor if any.

A: If memory serves me right the mast is different,theres no “AM/FM” pontiac antenna, chevy there is, body is same, large nut is the same I think bezel is different.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Antenna Placement for 1968

Where does the 68 antenna go? I have seen front and back. How do I find out the correct placement for that?

A: …The Front Fender (RH) Antenna was the standard location on ’68 Firebirds Optional, was a Rear Quarter Mounted Antenna (RH). This will be noted on both the Body Broadcast Sheet (if you find it in your car) or on the Billing History. Parts are available (repro) for both applications. As far as antenna location… I use the Camaro assembly manual. It gives the exact dimension for the proper location (I assume Firebirds were located using the same).

A: To take you back to our original discussion, someone requested information on the factory location of the rear mounted antenna. Someone volunteered to measure some of his cars to determine the factory mounting location and send them to me. I, in turn, was to verify that his measurements and the factory drawing from a 68 Camaro assembly manual were the same. The confusing part was that the factory drawing listed the location at 114.25″ PV and 28.94″ PV with no description of what PV was. I suspected that the 114.25″ was from the firewall back and 28.94″ PV was from the centerline of the car.

I have confirmed that this is mostly true. The 28.94″ is indeed from the centerline if the car. The 114.25″ is from the front edge of the air box where the heater-A/C fan motor is located. This seam sticks out approximable one inch beyond the firewall. So if you want to use these measurements, use 113.25 from the firewall back.

He measured from the back of the car forward on three cars and got measurements of 14 1/2″, 15 1/4″, and 15 1/4″. He also noted that along with the 1.12″ diameter hole there is a small notch. This notch corresponds with the notch on the antenna base (called the bezel key) and I suppose it’s used to insure the correct rotation of the base.

The measurements for this notch is 0.14″ wide by 0.12″ long (approximately 1/8″ by 1/8th”) and rotated 75 degrees from horizontal (i.e., if standing behind the car while looking down at the hole it would be in approximately the 5 o-clock position.

He also noted that, although the hole and the notch were the same size in all cars, the notch was at a slightly different angle. This, along with the slightly different hole locations, gives reasons to believe that the factory used a hand punch and measureing tape to make the hole and not a machine.

The bottom line is this; if you mark the location for the hole approximable 15 1/4″ from the back and 27″ from the centerline of the car, drill a 1 1/8″ hole with an 1/8″ notch at 5 o-clock, you’ll do as good as the factory.

A: View the Camaro Assembly drawing for this which is the same application for the Firebird (Did not verify if the part numbers are the same for the Firebird):

A: I double checked my previous dimensions for locating the ’68 Firebird Rear Antenna Hole in the RH Rr. Qtr. Panel since some questions have come about differences seen with other originally equiped First Generation Firebirds:

1.125 dia hole
1.875 CL to Qtr. Edge at Trunk Gap
1.750 CL to Qtr. Character Line (outboard)
15.375 CL to Btm Edge of Qtr. Panel (at Trunk Edge Line)
(CL = Center Line)

As far as a “correct” measurement, there is no true correct answer. I’ve measured four Firebirds with rear antenna and no two were exactly the same. The process on the assembly line was not a true science but instead involved the placement of a template to roughly guide the location to stamp the hole for the rear antenna. It was a hastily done process like a lot of other processes on an assembly line during that era.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: ’68 Antenna Style

I have a question regarding the radio antenna of my 68 bird. The current antenna is the telescoping (manual) oval type with my radio AM/FM. I am looking to replace or have mine rechromed. I read in the year one catalog that the telescoping manual ant. only came with the AM only radio, and the AM/FM radio came with the whip antenna.

A: …I don’t believe that the factory used any ‘whip’ antenna on the ’68 Firebird (or other 60’s models for that matter). They were all telescoping until the 70’s. The biggest variations is in the Ball of Tip design. Some with one groove, some with two. Some with none. Some with round tips, some with oval. I would think you’re better off finding an NOS one since rechroming would be difficult and costly.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Move Antenna from front to back

Would it be easy to change the antenna to the back from the front? Mine is non-power and up front. I’ve seen a few birds with the antenna in the back. I think it looks sleeker in the back. Has anyone ever moved one from the front to the back and why were some up front vs.. in the back?

A: I’ve done the swap and intend to do it again on my current car. The mounting dimensions are on the website I believe under the tech section, so you should have no problems there. The only issue is that you have to weld in a patch on your front fender and paint it.

To my knowledge, the rear mount antenna was an option. The biggest issue is if you want an OEM unit, they are very difficult to find. I found a Camaro one, but is slightly different.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Power Antennas for 1969

My 1969 Firebird was originally equipped with a power antenna. When I bought the car a bent antenna with motor was unbolted and sitting in the trunk. I am not positive this assembly is the original one, but it correctly fits the mounting bracket and the wiring harness. The mast is chrome, four segments, and has a hex head which is rounded at the very top. A metal case fits over the lower 10.5″ of the mast and is attached to the motor assembly by three screws. The code ‘P – 6050’ is cast on this case, just below is the name ‘Empire’ in script, followed by ‘1 – T’. The motor case has ’11 – 22 8AAXA’ cast on it in a semi circle. Can anyone tell me about these codes, if they match codes on other Firebirds or codes in a reference book?

Two other points that someone can probably clear up: 1) I was told by a guy trying to sell me a new mast that there was a different power antenna for convertibles vs. coupes; and 2) if I reinstalled the antenna described above the mast would probably stick out of the rear fender 6+ inches when fully retracted, does this sound right?

A: The Optional Power Antenna for the 1969 Firebird was part number 9796289. The ‘Drive’ Assy itself was the same for the coupe or conv. The Mast was unique to the 1969 Firebird (pt. # 546557). Only the ’68-1969 Tempest had different Adaptors/Brackets for the Conv. No components were different on the 1969 Firebird conv. Empire was the Supplier for most Pontiac Power Antenna’s. ’11 – 22 8AAXA’ …this would be the Assy Build Date for the Antenna (Nov.22’68) The problem with the Mast would be…. since the only one being reproduced is the Mast common to the ‘A’ Bodies and Full Size Pontiacs (orig. # 541963) yu may find that fully retracted, your mast may stick out a little more than the original. The Firebird used a shorter mast than the Tempest, Grand Prix, Full-Size. With a little modification to the bottom part, you could duplicate your original.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.

Q: Rear Mounted Antennas for ’68

I bought a used rear mount antenna that is supposed to be correct for my 68 bird. I haven’t had a correct one (ever). Perhaps one of you can verify whether or not the mast is correct (The base sure looks correct from pictures I’ve seen). My mast is a single solid piece that has a slight taper to it (thicker at the bottom). It also has a round ball on top and is 29 1/2 inches from the top of the ball to the point where the rod begins at the tip of the conical base. I’m told it is correct for a 68 AM/FM rear mount, but the AM (only) antenna is slightly different.

Recently, someone else told me that the correct rear mount antenna is multi-sectioned, collapsible and has an oval top. Which is correct?

A: Sounds like some Camaro guy told you this was a correct AM/FM antenna. Truth is Firebird didnt have a different antenna for FM or AM. Really hard to say what you do have and would send it back if possible. The correct antenna mast is a multisection (3) with oval shape. The correct tip is oval with a groove. Correct lenght is 19″ tip to tip collapsed and 47 1/4″ fully extended. There are several variations of factory and replacement antennas . But the aforementioned is era correct. NOS masts for 67-8 are hard to find and are model specific. This adds to the hard to find formula. The mounting end is a threaded stud that has an exposed nut to lock the antenna mast into the correct position with the oval facing front to rear. This windcheater design also cut down on wind noise. Repro bases and bezels are avaliable but I know of no correct repro masts. 69 is a different story with a power mast also avaliable.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.