Antenna cable repair

[qkcuda]

They installed my radio/ CD player today, but when they went to plug in the antenna, the plug end had separated from the cable. The antenna is original and in great shape. Has anyone successfully replaced the plug on the end of the cable?

 

[440 4 speed]

They installed my radio/ CD player today, but when they went to plug in the antenna, the plug end had separated from the cable. The antenna is original and in great shape. Has anyone successfully replaced the plug on the end of the cable?

Some old time radio would probably know. I am also trying to find some one.

 

[Ranger16]

I'd just replace the cable.

 

[Billccm]

If you can solder there are replacement Motorola type connectors. In your case the crimp has failed and it is difficult to repair. Unfortunately the easy fix here is a new antenna.

 

[Billccm]

MOTOROLA PLUG

Motorola TYPE ANTENNA PLUGS Tubular construction, male

www.elliottelectronicsupply.com

 

[qkcuda]

I thought the cable was part of the antenna?

 

[Billccm]

If you really want to keep the original antenna and can't find someone to solder a new Motorola connector send it to me. No charge except for the connectorand return shipping.

 

[qkcuda]

Anybody ever tried one of these? It is referred to as solderless.

 

[wagonman]

Chase down your local Larry the Cable Guy he should have a Coax tool just need the end.

 

[69Bee]

Anybody ever tried one of these? It is referred to as solderless.

View attachment 1306286

While the shield (copper braid) can be solderless, the center conductor will always be soldered. The connector crimps the braid, but the center conductor will just sit inside the hollow center pin without being soldered.

 

[440 4 speed]

I thought the cable was part of the antenna?

Sure looks like it to me.

 

[diesel_lv]

I'd just replace the cable.

Our older Mopar antenna cables are part of the antenna, not detachable. And new "correct" antennas are around $150ish.

 

[qkcuda]

I called the local stereo supply place and he sold this package of plugs, 5 for 5 bucks. He said it would be simple to replace. We shall see.

 

[Sinitro]

Yup..
U can solder on a replacement motorola plug, but it takes special attention and skill for soldering the outside ground shield and very tiny center conductor wire..
Just my $0.02...

 

[qkcuda]

Okay I had a go at it. This is what was left of the original plug. I stripped the cover and exposed the centre core. The wire inside is tiny. I folded back the outer wire sheathing so it would contact the outside shell. I ran the tiny centre wire through the end of the pin and soldered it. The new plugs came with a vinyl sleeve and I added some tape to secure it. The result is the radio works perfectly. I pick up more stations than on my new car.

 

[Billccm]

A job well done.
Antennas from back in the day perform well. Antennas on cars today focus on styling rather than performance.