'90 Convertible antenna noise

I have a 1990 Beechwood convertible that I've just started driving a fair amount. When the top is down, I have noticed that if I drive with the radio off so the antenna is down that the wind noise is significantly less than with the antenna up. This is true even at lower speeds around town. Of course, with my "rock music curve" hearing loss, it's amazing that I can hear anything at all!

Anyone else notice this? Any options?

i have an xm satelite radio and put a switch on the antenna so that it only goes up when i need the fm radio.

I've been thinking about using a "HIDDEN" antenna . Has anyone done it? I hooked the antenna {in the photo} to my Reatta convertible radio------FM reception is better. The whole power antenna concept is sorta stupid to me------just more relays, wire, motor, etc to cause more problems. With the top down and the antenna up------it causes the wind to howl. When the thing is down it looks like a chrome pimple.

I mounted the hidden antenna under the plastic dash. The FM radio now finds stations I didn't even know were there! I also got rid of the chrome pimple by leading in the hole and repainting the quarter panel.

RR,

WOW! You do good work!

John F.

Rules,

Jeez, now you have me wanting to eliminate the power antenna on my 'vert since I will be doing a repaint. Not sure I want to take on the extra body work though. I will say, as particular and easily irritated as I am by small details, the wind noise from the antenna doesn't bother me somehow.

I do agree the power antenna concept is a hassle due to it's needless complexity, but was kind of neat back when it was an unusual luxury car item.

KDirk

I was thinking the same thing, I am easily irritated by rattles and noises and the wind noise from the antenna doesn't bother me. I guess I am one that likes the experience of how the car built and was supposed to be rather than what I can do to change how it was originally designed. There was nothing unusual about a power antenna, it was common place on luxury and upper end cars and non even uncommon for lower models to have the option for a long time before the Reatta came along. I do like the rear mount location on the Reatta, something Buick seemed to bulk against over the years for some reason.

I trust your safety inspections there are not so rigid that they will flag you for the lack of a third brake lamp?

It does look better that way, no denying it.

KDirk

Will sure limit your market if you ever decide to sell it.

M 55: THANK YOU! KDirk: I mounted LED strips inside my rear view mirrors; then wired stop/turn. It passed inspection with NO PROBLEMS. Keith: If I were at all worried about resale-----I for sure NOT be playing with Buicks! Let alone Reattas. I have $1,750.00 and a lot of PLAY time in this "hailed on" Reatta. Anyway, I'm too old to think about resale or rusted Reattas.

M 55: THANK YOU! KDirk: I mounted LED strips inside my rear view mirrors; then wired stop/turn.

Where's the photos of these?

3 Buicks: My 45 year old airplane has no mods because the FAA says I must not change anything----I fly most every nice day!!!! It's factory original. I maintain it myself. It is my passion. As Barnie says, "There is NO Reatta Police"--- but if there were???? Well maybe? Mc_Reatta: I have no photos. Please don't do the BC thing and say, "Pic or it didn't happen." I'll try after dark. The mirrors had the shakes. I took them apart to weld in new motor mounts and JB glued some Walmart light strips behind the glass. I'm not too proud of my workmanship on this job. Its a good Idea but not well done. And it Passed inspection!

So they shine thru the mirror or just around the edges? Newer cars have spots when the silvering is not present that the leds in the housing shine thru for the turn signals. Never seen that location for stoplights, but would work.

What color leds did you use, red?

RR,

I wish I was your neighbor. I'd wash & wax your plane for rides and use of your lift.

Even though it doesn't look like it needs it, I'd sweep the hanger floor too.

John F.

On a forum you need to expect opinions pro and con, if you don't like opinions, don't post, or if you do post take the opinions from all, you don't have to agree with the opinions. The 3rd brake light mode would never pass Pennsylvania state inspection btw.

One of the benefits of aging is hearing loss. Evidently I have lost the DB level at which the antenna makes noise. I just don't hear it over all the other noise I do hear when the top is down.

Oh, maybe that's why mine doesn't bother me either. Not sure I like that reason lol

Not liking my lights in the Mickey Mouse ears and in my obsessive quest for a cleaner look. Ebay has so many cameras and screens!!!!

RulesReattas,

Hmmmmmmmmm.......

John F.

This thread is finally starting to make sense to me. Antennas that make noise, antennas hidden in the dash, side mirrors with cameras mounted in their place, an old magazine from 1987 and deaf Reatta owners who can't agree on anything. It all adds up.

...... an old magazine from 1987...

Home Power magazine has been published since 1987.

This cover shot is from the current OCT.- NOV. 2014 issue as the date above the barcode in the lower right hand corner indicates.

I can see how the attire of the folks in the shot might lead one to believe that the photo was taken decades ago.

What is more interesting though, is what can be seen in the background of each photo.

John F.

I noticed the mountain and location of where the photos were shot seems to be the same.

I noticed the mountain and location of where the photos were shot seems to be the same.

Well... there you go.

John F.