Power Antennas for 1969

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.