Jack Worstell Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Our 1937 has an original OEM radio. The antenna however is cowl mounted so I guess it is not original...because so far as I know the 1937 Buick Special came only with a running board type antenna as OEM. The plug on the end of this ( non-OEM ? ) antenna plugs into the radio socket....but it doesn't feel "snug". So...my question....does anyone have a photo of the plug on the end of the OEM antenna lead ? So I can compare it to the plug we have ? Thanks Jack Worstell jlwmaster@aol.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAS VEGAS DAVE Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Jack if you post a picture of yours I will tell you if it looks correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937-44 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 My back is sore today and I don't want to crawl under the dash, but this should give you an idea. Over the years they made an adapter that went from the original radio jack to a more modern antenna end. I am attaching two pictures of the adapter including one that shows the radio end. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Worstell Posted August 9, 2017 Author Share Posted August 9, 2017 Thanks Carl. The plug end in the second photo...I guess this is the proper type plug for the OEM 1937 Buick radio. If I should need one...where can I get the adapter you mentioned ? Jack Worstell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937-44 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Hi Jack, The adapters are scarce and haven't been made to the best of my knowledge for many years. I don't know where you can find one other than just searching and keeping an eye out. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMicheletti Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 The plug on my car was in bad shape and wouldnt stay in. I made a new one, but I have a lathe and a mill. It wasnt really that hard. So a replacement can be fabricaed if you have the facilities. If you'd like I could provide details. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Worstell Posted August 9, 2017 Author Share Posted August 9, 2017 Don...my buddy has a machine shop and could probably make a replacement....so yes I would like to have details. He also has a small 3D printer...would this lend itself to 3D printing do you think? Jack Worstell jlwmaster@aol.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I am just guessing since I don't have an original radio to look at, but wouldn't it be easier to simply purchase a standard motorola antenna jack and convert the radio over to a more modern antenna style connector? In years past, I would have used Radio Shack to find one, but these days, I see you can get one delivered to your door for under $3 through eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Worstell Posted August 9, 2017 Author Share Posted August 9, 2017 Matt. replacing the input port on the radio would mean removing the radio to make the conversion....not something I look forward to. But in the interest of keeping all options open.....exactly what would I have to buy from Radio Shack or eBay or wherever so as to make this conversion? Can you point to something currently on eBay ? Thanks Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=radio+motorola+antenna+jack&_sop=15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 6 hours ago, 1937-44 said: My back is sore today and I don't want to crawl under the dash, but this should give you an idea. Over the years they made an adapter that went from the original radio jack to a more modern antenna end. I am attaching two pictures of the adapter including one that shows the radio end. Carl Carl, Any chance of taking a photo showing and end view of this plug showing some dimensions? It may be some sort of plug that can be found elsewhere. I can't tell much about it from the side view to identify it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMicheletti Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Jack, I am out of town right now. However I can provide fabrication details when I get home. Since it is brass, I dont know about the 3D printing - I am a semi Ludite. Quite literally, it is about a 1 hour project. As tight as it is inside the radio case and as deep as a modern plug is, I think it would be a real PITA to change over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37_Roadmaster_C Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Don, please include me on the recipant list for the construction details. I also have a machine shop and would be very interested in this plug. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937-44 Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Matt, Sorry, but I'm exhausted from cutting up trees all day that fell down in a recent storm and I loaned my caliper out. I hope this photo help some. Eyeballing it with a measuring tape it appears to be about 5/16 diameter with two prongs. When installing or removing you need to push the antenna cable in and turn as I recall. Carl 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibarlaw Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 There is also a rubber boot that also plugs in around this connector. Mostly crumbled away with age. It looks similar to a spark plug boot. There is still a bit left on one of my cables. I will try to get a photo of the remainder. Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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