Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

[Tom L.]

I'm re-assembling now and the antenna doesn't look right to me. It's straight when you look at it from the side, but from the rear, it leans inboard by 5 degrees. I'm using all of the original antenna hardware but for the nut. Is this correct? Thanks.

[Pat M.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Tom, my 70's antenna is tilted just like yours, and I was never told this was incorrect in multiple judgings.

[Tom L.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Thanks Pat. That's good to hear.

[Terry M.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

I'm re-assembling now and the antenna doesn't look right to me. It's straight when you look at it from the side, but from the rear, it leans inboard by 5 degrees. I'm using all of the original antenna hardware but for the nut. Is this correct? Thanks.

It has been a long time since I had my antenna in the hole, but I don't think it tilts inboard like that.

[D S.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

The mast on my 1970 tilts inboard.

[Graeme B.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Terry , next time you get your antenna in the hole let us know how it turns out.

[Alan S.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Hi Tom,
I just took a look at my 71.
I'm not so sure the mast base that the nut tightens against is ABSOLUTELY perpendicular to mast.
I can get the mast to be straight or tilt SLIGHTLY by turning the mast in the fittings on the rear deck and then tightening the nut.
Try that?
Regards,
Alan

[Terry M.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Terry , next time you get your antenna in the hole let us know how it turns out.

I will check that out. Perhaps it is a coupe/convertible "feature?" Although I can not say I have noticed that list to starboard on any body style before.

[Pat M.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Hi Tom,
I just took a look at my 71.
I'm not so sure the mast base that the nut tightens against is ABSOLUTELY perpendicular to mast.
I can get the mast to be straight or tilt SLIGHTLY by turning the mast in the fittings on the rear deck and then tightening the nut.
Try that?
Regards,
Alan

I think Alan's on to something here.

I just marked where my mast was relative to the rear deck fitting it screws into, and then rotated the mast to various positions to see what effect it had. I was able straighten it up pretty significantly in a different position, although it is still SLIGHTLY tilted inboard.

[D S.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Here is what not to do: I have a few original big ball masts that I had chromed. When I tried to insert each one into the base they won't go in now. The layers of plating made them too large to fit!

[Tom L.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Scott - I just discovered that I did the same thing by re-chroming my side grills. They no longer fit in the fenders.

Thanks, everyone, for the input on the antenna.

[Kenneth L.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

The antenna on my '72 is dead straight. But my body is tilted to the left 5 degrees!! Ahhh, I'll just put more air in those left side tires.

[Randy C.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Just looked at my '71 coupe #4001, build date E14. The mast is essentially straight up and down. I had it off for a paint job some 30 years ago. I also took it off in 2003 for some work, and then re-installed it myself.

[Kurt G.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

The antenna mast on my '72 has never been off the car, and it is straight up and down. Build date on the car is Sept. 13, 1971.

[D S.]

Re: Should the antenna be tilted inboard?

Hmmmm......guess GM wasn't using levels when the masts were installed. Kinda like how all those body panel seams, hoods, front
grilles, and door gaps were all perfectly aligned before they left the assembly line.