Windshield with built in Antenna... should I?

[MrSony]

Since my windshield has seen better days, and the windshield is basically in two pieces now, I have decided that for my safety and to not get a ticket, I need to replace it. I found this one for a Grand National from OPGI,
https://www.opgi.com/grand-national/1987/window/glass/L241047/ and I have also found the cable that connects the window to the radio, http://www.gbodyparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=46_22_43&products_id=1295. My car had a factory WORKING power antenna when I got it, my jackass friend ripped it off, and now it has a non working parts store power antenna. I think this would be a good upgrade, being as I need a new windshield anyway and I really don't want to take the fender off again nor do I want to "pull the fender back" and put a crease in it. What say you guys?

 

[joesregalproject]

I shaved the antenna on my Regal when I did all the bodywork and personally it's one of my favorite mods. Very subtle, but really cleans up the look of the car. Its also nice when putting the car under a cover. I used a universal hidden antenna from JC Whitney and tucked it away neatly inside my dash. It took some adjustments to get optimal reception, but it works just fine for me. I say go for it.

 

[Injectedcutty]

Yep, what Joe said! I too shaved the antenna area from my fender as i also think it looked silly! I have a universal antenna in the box waiting for when i get to the interior. I'm glad he mentioned that you have to move it around until you get the reception you want, but in my eyes that's not a big deal.

 

[pontiacgp]

Like joe I removed my antenna, welded in a piece to cover to the hole and put a powered antenna in the car cause i could not find a windshield with an antenna. I use XM exclusively so I never use fm or am in my car, the antenna is there just in case....

 

[79 USA 1]

Mr Sony,
Made that modification on my 86 El Camino, could not bear to cut the antenna hole on a brand new GM replacement fender.
You will need the lead to route the antenna inside. Rock Auto has them under Goodmark GMK4012170701 for $19.24 each. Maybe less if you can find one at a local pick a part "bone yard"

Hope this helps!
Bob S.

 

[MrSony]

Cool. Thanks for the input guys. My thunderbird had a windshield antenna, it was just two fine wires that went up the center and over to the left and right right under the blueish tint strip. It never worked, but it looked cool. I didn't mind though. There are some cars that just sound so good, you don't need a radio. That was one of them. Man I miss that car. But I digress. That windshield is a LOT cheaper than I thought it would be. A replacement for my bird was around 800$ last time I checked. This one isn't even 200. I'm curious as to how much it looks factory. I'm thinking the picture is a stock photo because that window looks much too new and "roundy" to fit a g body. I guess come spring I'll know for sure.

 

[MrSony]

Also, if anyone knows, do the antenna windshields have a little dongle or something that connects to the cord that plugs into the radio? As far as I know it goes: Radio -> Cord -> windshield, so is there a little plug in or connector at the base?

 

[Texas82GP]

Also, if anyone knows, do the antenna windshields have a little dongle or something that connects to the cord that plugs into the radio? As far as I know it goes: Radio -> Cord -> windshield, so is there a little plug in or connector at the base?

Exactly. There is a little 'pigtail' at the base of the windshield. I agree with the others, the windshield antenna will be a nice upgrade. I'd do it on my car, but I'm not painting my car.

 

[79 USA 1]

The windshield has a connector at the base that plugs in to the cord you listed in your original post or the Goodmark part.
Should be a pair of punch marks at the center of the cowl below the edge of the windshield.
This was a thread from a while back showing the punch marks.
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/windshield-antenna.51784/

 

[MrSony]

Cool beans. Thanks guys!